Rhode Island
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Center for Early Learning Professionals
Rhode Island’s Center for Early Learning Professionals offers in-person, online, and hybrid professional development opportunities in the form of intensive, multi-session training series. Participants receive assignments to apply skills in their work. The Center also offers on-site coaching and mentoring to support training implementation. Diverse training is open to all early care and education professionals in Rhode Island who serve children age birth to 5 in child care centers, family child care homes, public school inclusion preschools, and state-funded pre-K programs. The Center is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) as the workforce development hub for the birth-to-5 early learning community. The Center partners with BrightStars and other DHS-funded community partners to coordinate the delivery of services to best meet the individual needs of programs and providers.
Learn more: Rhode Island Center for Early Learning Professionals
Sources:
Center for Early Learning Professionals. (n.d.). CELP PD.
Center for Early Learning Professionals. (n.d.). What we do.
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Includes coaching, training, and an online component
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Rhode Island’s Center for Early Learning Professionals offers in-person, online, and hybrid professional development opportunities in the form of intensive, multi-session training series. Participants receive assignments to apply skills in their work. The Center also offers on-site coaching and mentoring to support training implementation. Diverse training is open to all early care and education professionals in Rhode Island who serve children age birth to 5 in child care centers, family child care homes, public school inclusion preschools, and state-funded pre-K programs. The Center is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) as the workforce development hub for the birth-to-5 early learning community. The Center partners with BrightStars and other DHS-funded community partners to coordinate the delivery of services to best meet the individual needs of programs and providers.
Learn more: Rhode Island Center for Early Learning Professionals
Sources:
Center for Early Learning Professionals. (n.d.). CELP PD.
Center for Early Learning Professionals. (n.d.). What we do.
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Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund
Through a March 2021 ballot measure, Rhode Island voters approved the Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund, which dedicated over $13 million in one-time grant funding for physical improvements to existing child care spaces and for the development of new licensed early childhood care and education facilities. Grant funds can be used for costs associated with the design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation, or other capital improvement or deferred maintenance of an eligible facility. The approved applicants include five expansion projects totaling more than $7.8 million and creating nearly 500 slots, plus 10 capital improvement projects totaling $700,000 and improving more than 700 childcare seats. Awards will be made until the fund is fully allocated.
Learn more: Early Childhood Care & Education Capital Fund
Sources:State of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. (2022). Governor McKee Announces $8.5 Million in First Round Awardees from Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund.
LISC. (n.d.). Early childhood care and education capital fund.
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2021 | $13 million |
State Dedicated Funding Stream
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One-time funding
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Through a March 2021 ballot measure, Rhode Island voters approved the Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund, which dedicated over $13 million in one-time grant funding for physical improvements to existing child care spaces and for the development of new licensed early childhood care and education facilities. Grant funds can be used for costs associated with the design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation, or other capital improvement or deferred maintenance of an eligible facility. The approved applicants include five expansion projects totaling more than $7.8 million and creating nearly 500 slots, plus 10 capital improvement projects totaling $700,000 and improving more than 700 childcare seats. Awards will be made until the fund is fully allocated.
Learn more: Early Childhood Care & Education Capital Fund
Sources:State of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. (2022). Governor McKee Announces $8.5 Million in First Round Awardees from Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund.
LISC. (n.d.). Early childhood care and education capital fund.
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Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses
Rhode Island’s Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses were issued to eligible employees in 2022 using $18.7 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF). This program invested in early educators by offering bonuses to direct care staff employed at Rhode Island Department of Human Services – licensed child care programs.
In spring 2022, the state’s Pandemic Relief Office authorized additional funds from the ARPA SFRF to extend this grant program for FY23 and FY24. Eligible educators received up to $3,000 annually, issued as four quarterly bonuses.
learn more: early educator pandemic retention bonuses
Sources:
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonus Program Overview.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Frequently Asked Questions.
Rhode Island Children's Cabinet. (n.d.). Funding Opportunities.
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2022 | $18.7 million |
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF)
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Program invested in early educators by offering bonuses to direct care staff employed at licensed child care programs across the state
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Rhode Island’s Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses were issued to eligible employees in 2022 using $18.7 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF). This program invested in early educators by offering bonuses to direct care staff employed at Rhode Island Department of Human Services – licensed child care programs.
In spring 2022, the state’s Pandemic Relief Office authorized additional funds from the ARPA SFRF to extend this grant program for FY23 and FY24. Eligible educators received up to $3,000 annually, issued as four quarterly bonuses.
learn more: early educator pandemic retention bonuses
Sources:
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonus Program Overview.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Frequently Asked Questions.
Rhode Island Children's Cabinet. (n.d.). Funding Opportunities.
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Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program
In July 2023, the City of Providence, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), distributed grants through the Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program to early learning facilities and family child care providers to help them plan space renovations, conduct assessments of overall suitability of spaces, and proceed with capital building improvements.
Funded by both the American Rescue Plan Act and the city's general operating budget, the program enables providers to address urgent health and safety issues, expand their physical capacity, or come into compliance with licensing regulations.
In the program's first year, 24 child care centers—including 16 home-based providers and 8 center-based providers— received a total of $1 million in total grants. The Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program will run for two years.
Learn more: early learning infrastructure support program
Sources:
City of Providence. (2023). Mayor Smiley, LISC Awards 24 Early Child Care Providers Over One Million Dollars in Infrastructure Grants.
Providence Business News. (2023). Providence awards $1M in Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program grants.
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2023 | $1 million |
CCDBG COVID Relief Allocations – CARES, CRRSE, ARPA (CCDF & Stabilization)
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Ongoing funding
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In July 2023, the City of Providence, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), distributed grants through the Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program to early learning facilities and family child care providers to help them plan space renovations, conduct assessments of overall suitability of spaces, and proceed with capital building improvements.
Funded by both the American Rescue Plan Act and the city's general operating budget, the program enables providers to address urgent health and safety issues, expand their physical capacity, or come into compliance with licensing regulations.
In the program's first year, 24 child care centers—including 16 home-based providers and 8 center-based providers— received a total of $1 million in total grants. The Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program will run for two years.
Learn more: early learning infrastructure support program
Sources:
City of Providence. (2023). Mayor Smiley, LISC Awards 24 Early Child Care Providers Over One Million Dollars in Infrastructure Grants.
Providence Business News. (2023). Providence awards $1M in Early Learning Infrastructure Support Program grants.
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Registered Apprenticeship for Family Child Care Providers
In 2021, multiple Rhode Island organizations came together to announce a new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for Family Child Care (FCC) providers. This program represents a partnership between four parties: the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), which sets the quality standards of care; Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199 NE, which represents the bargaining unit of the FCC Providers; the SEIU Education and Support Fund, which is sponsoring the registered apprenticeship and will play an integral role as an education provider; and Family Child Care Providers, an essential representative in the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee that oversees the registered apprenticeship program, ensuring the program meets the needs of providers seeking to advance their education, professional development and earnings opportunities. FCC providers are sole proprietors that through SEIU collectively bargain with DHS on reimbursement rates. The program aims to address the significant barriers FCC providers face to earn a Childhood Development Associate certification (CDA), which helps increase providers’ earnings and QRIS ratings. RAP is an 18-month program that provides on-the-job training for new apprentices while earning a CDA and receiving incremental wage increases. The program is funded by the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Association American Apprenticeship Initiative.
Learn more: Building Futures Rhode Island
Sources:
Building Futures Rhode Island. (2021). New, Innovative Early Childhood Educator Registered Apprenticeship for Family Child Care Providers.
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2021 |
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Part of Federal Registered Apprenticeship Program
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In 2021, multiple Rhode Island organizations came together to announce a new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for Family Child Care (FCC) providers. This program represents a partnership between four parties: the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), which sets the quality standards of care; Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199 NE, which represents the bargaining unit of the FCC Providers; the SEIU Education and Support Fund, which is sponsoring the registered apprenticeship and will play an integral role as an education provider; and Family Child Care Providers, an essential representative in the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee that oversees the registered apprenticeship program, ensuring the program meets the needs of providers seeking to advance their education, professional development and earnings opportunities. FCC providers are sole proprietors that through SEIU collectively bargain with DHS on reimbursement rates. The program aims to address the significant barriers FCC providers face to earn a Childhood Development Associate certification (CDA), which helps increase providers’ earnings and QRIS ratings. RAP is an 18-month program that provides on-the-job training for new apprentices while earning a CDA and receiving incremental wage increases. The program is funded by the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Association American Apprenticeship Initiative.
Learn more: Building Futures Rhode Island
Sources:
Building Futures Rhode Island. (2021). New, Innovative Early Childhood Educator Registered Apprenticeship for Family Child Care Providers.
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Rhode Island Data Ecosystem
Established in 2016, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Data Ecosystem is a comprehensive health integrated data system that includes vital records, child welfare services, and early childhood services (e.g., home visiting, early intervention, child care subsidy, and Head Start). The system functions as a series of data requests and data-sharing agreements across multiple programs and multiple agencies, including the Department of Education. The system shares demographic, program, and individual level data using a unique identifier.
The system is funded through federal Medicaid funds, Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act funds, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants, Preschool Development Grants Birth Through 5, CARES Act funds, and the CDC Health Disparities grant program.
Learn more: About the Rhode Island Ecosystem
Sources:Berkowitz, E. & Jenkins, D. (2021). AISP Case Study: How the Rhode Island EOHHS Ecosystem Leverages Federal Funding to Support State Data Capacity. Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy. University of Pennsylvania.
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2016 |
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Integrated Data System
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Established in 2016, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Data Ecosystem is a comprehensive health integrated data system that includes vital records, child welfare services, and early childhood services (e.g., home visiting, early intervention, child care subsidy, and Head Start). The system functions as a series of data requests and data-sharing agreements across multiple programs and multiple agencies, including the Department of Education. The system shares demographic, program, and individual level data using a unique identifier.
The system is funded through federal Medicaid funds, Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act funds, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants, Preschool Development Grants Birth Through 5, CARES Act funds, and the CDC Health Disparities grant program.
Learn more: About the Rhode Island Ecosystem
Sources:Berkowitz, E. & Jenkins, D. (2021). AISP Case Study: How the Rhode Island EOHHS Ecosystem Leverages Federal Funding to Support State Data Capacity. Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy. University of Pennsylvania.
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Demographics Link copied!
Demographics Data Scorecard
State population
1,093,734 Source U.S. Census, 2022
Rural %
8.9% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Urban %
91.1% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Number of children 0–4
53,550 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Poverty levels - children 0—8 below 200% poverty
36% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Median family income among households with children
$90,300.00 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Unemployment rate
4.3% Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2024
Unemployment rate of parents
5% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children under age 6 with all available parents in the labor force
N/A, for most states between 65%-75% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children living in households with a high housing cost burden
33% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Child Population by Race and Ethnicity Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Race and Ethnicity
- American Indian and Alaska Native (.5%)
- Asian (4%)
- Black or African American (7%)
- Hispanic or Latino (28%)
- Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (.5%)
- Two or more races (5%)
- White, not Hispanic or Latino (55%)
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
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| Governor | D | D | D | D | D |
| State House | D | D | D | D | D |
| State Senate | D | D | D | D | D |
Early Childhood Education Programs Link copied!
Early Childhood Education Programs
| Program Name | Program Length* | Universal or Targeted Pre-K Policy | State Spending Per Child |
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| Rhode Island State Pre-Kindergarten Program Source: NIEER 2023 | Targeted Pre-K Policy (4-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023 |
2023 Percent of 3-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs Source: NIEER 2023
Programs
- Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs (0%)
- 3-Year-old Children Enrolled in Head Start (8%)
- Other/None (92%)
2023 Percent of 4-Year-Olds Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs Source: NIEER 2023
Programs
- Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs (21%)
- 4-Year-old Children Enrolled in Head Start (5%)
- Other/None (74%)
Workforce Link copied!
2017–2019 Median Hourly Wages Source CSCCE 2018, 2020
Role
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Child Care Workers
$12.36 (2017, adjusted)
$12.01 (2019) -
Preschool Teachers
$15.24 (2017, adjusted)
$13.80 (2019) -
Preschool or Child Care Center Directors
$28.46 (2017, adjusted)
$24.32 (2019)
Funding Sources Link copied!
Federal and State Early Childhood Education Funding (in Millions) Source First Five Years Fund, 2024
Funding Source
- Head Start and Early Head Start Funding ($35.2)
- CCDBG & Mandatory Funds ($32)
- CCDBG State Match ($4.9)
- State-Funded Pre-K ($16.8)
- MIECHV ($8.4)
- IDEA Part C ($2.6)
- IDEA Part B, Sec 619 ($1.8)
- TANF Early Learning and Care ($25.2)
- Preschool Development Grant Birth ($4)