Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Human Services Office of Health and Human Services

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) & Head Start

The Starting RIght Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) program can subsidize the cost of child care for families that are residents of Rhode Island. CCAP is available for children who are US citizens or legal residents and under age 13. The age can be extended to 18 if the child has special needs.

Head Start programs promote school readiness for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings. They also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family wellbeing, by participating in leadership roles and having a say in program operations. You do not have to have CCAP to qualify for Head Start.

Find out more about these different programs and more resources below.  

A little girl with a pick sweater, Hello Kitty shirt and missing front teeth smiles while sitting at a table in a child care site.

Child Care Assistance Program

Family Eligibility & How to Apply

Choosing Child Care

Family Resources

Overpayments

Appeals

In colorful rain boots, a parent helps a toddler up a ramp made of a wooden log that is in a park.

Head Start 

Head Start Eligibility & How Do I Apply?

Head Start Collaboration Office

Head Start Locator Tool

RI Head Start Association