Apply to be a Child Care Provider in Rhode Island

The Department of Human Services is excited to welcome new providers into the state. There is a constant need for quality child care providers, as demand from families far exceeds supply. If you’re passionate about nurturing children and ensuring their health and safety, this could be the perfect career path for you.

Please note that the process to open a child care program – regardless of type – can take anywhere from 3-6 months. DHS requires up to fourteen (14) days to review applications and documents submitted as part of this process.

No program will be licensed without all requirements outlined in both regulations and statute. For a review of all child care regulations, please visit our regulations page. We encourage all potential providers to read the regulations carefully that are on our website - regulations are constantly changing and it's important as you begin to be referencing the most recent child care regulations.

Licensed child care refers to programs that are granted a license by the Department of Human Services (DHS) after demonstrating an ability to comply with state licensing regulations to legally care for four (4) or more unrelated children. There are two types:

Child care centers are usually located in commercial buildings. Centers are larger and care for more children than family child care providers. They are usually divided into groups or classrooms of similarly aged children. Centers typically have multiple staff members who are overseen by an administrator or director. They may be privately operated for profit by chains or individual owners or operated by nonprofit agencies such as churches, public schools, and government agencies.

Family child care homes are used to describe a small group of children (up to 12) being cared for in a residential building such as a house, apartment, or condo unit. It is a requirement that the provider must live in the home or on the property that is licensed for care. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199 NE represents health care workers in the New England area and is the selected union representative for family child care providers participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

Rhode Island also offers license-exempt child care. These types of providers must be a relative to the child who is enrolled in their care and who also participates in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). License-exempt providers are not authorized to serve more than six (6) related children. If the license-exempt provider is caring for their own children under six (6) years of age, this would be included in the maximum number of allowable children in care.

Requirements for a DHS-approved licensed-exempt provider:

Current Rhode Island residency
Twenty-one (21) years of age or older
Possession of a working phone
Residence in a different household from the child for which you receive CCAP payments
Proof of a stable residence (cannot be a boarder in someone’s household)
A list of all individuals living in the household

To apply to a licensed-exempt child care provider, please email the Office of Child Care Provider Management Team at DHS.ChildCare@dhs.ri.gov.

For questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our DHS Office of Child Care Licensing Unit at 401-462-3009 or email DHS.Childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.

Application Process

Step 1. Complete the mandatory licensing orientation.

New providers only. If you are an already existing child care center owner and would like to open a new program at a new location, you are not required to complete this again. To learn more about adding a program to an already existing profile, click here to access Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) training resources and user manuals.

*The DHS Office of Child Care Licensing Unit will then send you an email with guidance on completing the next steps.

Step 2. Create a personal profile in the RISES Workforce Registry and begin your licensing application.

Optional: Complete a supplementary application to become a Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) approved provider! Here’s what you will gain:

Steady income stream: Receive subsidy payments from DHS for eligible families, helping ensure consistent income even when families face financial hardship.
Expanded client base approval: Serve low- to moderate-income families who rely on CCAP to afford child care, increasing your reach and impact in the community.
Professional recognition and support: Be a part of a state-supported network, giving you access to training, resources, and workforce development opportunities.
Union representation for family child care providers: Benefit from union support through SEIU 1199 NE, which advocates for provider rights and better working conditions.
The CCAP application can be completed at the same time as your licensing application or may be added on at any time during your licensed period or at license renewal. Additional requirements and orientation will apply. For questions about CCAP, please contact the Office of Child Care Provider Management Team at DHS.ChildCare@dhs.ri.gov.

Step 3. Complete First Steps – a “Child Care Licensing 101” training for new providers or new owners/operators.

Step 4. Complete your application in RISES. A member of the Child Care Licensing Team will be in touch with any additional questions, comments or concerns!

For New Center-Based Programs Only

Once a potential child care location is found, complete a technical assistance request with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Space is one of the most important parts of licensing a child care center and it is important to ensure that your space follows all regulations.

Purchasing an already established program?

Prior to completing any additional steps, please contact the DHS Office of Child Care Licensing Unit at (401) 462-3009 or email DHS.Childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov to alert the team as early as you possibly can in the process!

Please be mindful of the following as you navigate taking over an already licensed space:

If you do not currently own or operate a child care center in Rhode Island and are purchasing an already established licensed program, please refer to Step 1 above.
If you are an existing child care center owner who is taking over an already licensed program, please visit the Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) page to learn more about adding the new program to your RISES profile.
Please note that licenses are not transferable. If a program is sold prior to DHS receiving and approving an application from the new owner, the program will be closed until DHS has approved and completed all requirements related to licensing. It is also important to note that all purchases of already existing child care centers are required to adhere to all current regulations, particularly when it comes to physical facilities.