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 Licensing
- Child Care Assistance Program
- Head Start Collaboration Office
- Quality Initiatives & Contracting
- Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES)
Learn more about each of these below.
Family Portal
The Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) Family portal allows families to search for providers based on age group served, setting, quality levels, financial assistance and more.
Consumer Statement 2025 – English
Consumer Statement 2025 – Spanish
Child Care Provider Resources
Information about child care licensure, CCAP rate charts, and various child care licensing resources and supports.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Information for families about eligibility and how to apply for CCAP, and Head Start availability and options in RI.
Research, Reports, Surveys and News
PDG reports, COVID-19 Impact Survey, BrightStars Think Tank Recommendations, and child care in the news