The state of Rhode Island is home to over 400 licensed family child care educators (FCCEs), each dedicated to serving children and families within our diverse communities. These educators enter the field with a shared commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education in a safe and nurturing environment, giving families peace of mind that their children are being cared for properly. The Department of Human Services (DHS) plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of child care programs across the state, overseeing licensing standards for both home-based and center-based programs to ensure the well-being of every child in care.
To operate a licensed family child care program in Rhode Island, educators must meet a variety of requirements set forth by the Department of Human Services to ensure the safety, well-being, and development of the children in their care. These requirements are designed to support educators in providing a high-quality early childhood experience while adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards.
Family child care educators are subject to periodic inspections by DHS to ensure compliance with state regulations. These inspections evaluate the physical space, health and safety practices, and overall adherence to licensing standards. Educators must pass these inspections to maintain their license and continue offering care to children.
The Starting RIght Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) program subsidizes the cost of child care for families that are residents of Rhode Island. Families whose incomes are at or below 261% of the federal poverty level and meet the CCAP eligibility requirements can receive full or partial payment for child care costs when provided by a CCAP-approved child care provider.
While DHS and CCAP serve different functions, they work hand in hand to ensure that all families, regardless of income or background, have access to quality early childhood education and care. DHS is primarily responsible for setting and enforcing the licensing standards that govern child care programs across Rhode Island, ensuring that every child is cared for in a safe and regulated environment. On the other hand, CCAP focuses on making child care more affordable for families by subsidizing child care costs, especially for those with limited financial resources. Together, these programs help create a comprehensive child care system that addresses both the quality and accessibility of care, particularly for families in underserved communities. By partnering with CCAP, DHS ensures that families in need can access licensed, high-quality child care providers, fostering equity in early childhood education across the state. CCAP-licensed providers must comply with all licensing regulations, some of which are listed below:
Approximately 90% of family child care programs in the state are CCAP-approved, with the highest concentration in the inner cities of Cranston, Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence. When we take a closer look, we find that Providence-based FCCEs account for 7% of licensed early learning program slots statewide but a staggering 24% of CCAP statewide, demonstrating the invaluable niche of CCAP FCCEs in providing families - particularly those in urban settings and low-income - with equitable access to early education and high-quality care services.
One of the standout benefits of CCAP-approved family child care programs is their ability to embrace and celebrate diversity, which is especially valuable for families seeking a culturally rich experience for their children. Many CCAP-approved family child care educators offer programs that reflect a wide range of cultural experiences and incorporate multiple languages into their daily routines. This exposure provides children with an opportunity to expand on their own home culture while also learning about new cultures in an inclusive and supportive environment. Through these experiences, children develop respect for others, enhance their cultural awareness, and build empathy—skills that are essential for their social and emotional growth. By promoting diversity, CCAP providers offer families the chance to nurture their children’s growth in a multicultural world, ensuring every child feels valued and understood.
The partnership between DHS and CCAP is vital in ensuring that all families in Rhode Island have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care. By maintaining rigorous licensing standards and providing financial assistance, these programs support children’s development in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Together, they help create equitable opportunities for families, particularly those in underserved communities, fostering a brighter future for Rhode Island's children.
