Child Care
DHS's Office of Child Care supports the workforce in providing families with equitable access to high-quality, safe, affordable child care.
The Office of Child Care consists of five main areas of the child care community:
- Child Care Assistance Program
- Child Care Licensing
- Head Start Collaboration Office
- Quality Initiatives & Contracting
- Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES)
Learn more about each of these below.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) & Head Start
Information for families about eligibility and how to apply for CCAP, and Head Start availability and options in RI.
Child Care Provider Resources
Information about child care licensure, CCAP rate charts, and various child care licensing resources and supports.
Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES)
Information and training relating to the RISES system, including the Workforce Registry, Licensing System of Record, Provider Portal and Consumer Portal
Research, Reports, Surveys and News
PDG reports, COVID-19 Impact Survey, BrightStars Think Tank Recommendations, and child care in the news
Early Learning Centers
The consumer website allows families to search for providers based on age group served, setting, quality levels, financial assistance, and accreditations.
Consumer Statement 2025 – English
Consumer Statement 2025 – Spanish
Quality Initiatives
Child Care Health Consultation, PDG Pathways, BrightStars, RI Early Learning and Development Standards, SUCCESS and more