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.

DHS also oversees the RI Head Start Collaboration Office. Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family child care and the own home of children. 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

Consumer Statement (English and Spanish)

Child Care Consumer Statement English (rev. 9.2021) PDF file, less than 1

Child Care Consumer Statement Spanish (rev. 9.2021) PDF file, less than 1

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