This program is for families who need help paying for childcare so parents can work or go to school. If you qualify, you can choose the childcare provider that works best for your family. Learn more about the different ways you can apply for the Child Care Assistance Program. 

Provides services for children ages 3 to 5 who have developmental delays or disabilities. School district teams work with families to develop an Individual Education Program (IEP) to meet the unique needs of children’s development.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer free, comprehensive services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being to eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Services are delivered in various settings, including centers, homes, and family childcare. Find a Head Start early learning center near you and learn how to apply

This program helps children with special healthcare needs take part in daily activities at select licensed childcare centers and after-school programs. It provides an extra trained staff member in the classroom to support kids with communication, social skills, behavior, daily routines, and more. To qualify, children must be at least 6 weeks old, have a moderate to severe health condition, need support to join in with others, and be enrolled in Medicaid. Families still pay for childcare, but Medicaid pays for the additional support in classrooms.

RI Pre-K gives 4-year-olds a chance to learn and build important skills before starting kindergarten. Families in 20 Rhode Island communities can apply. To join, your child must be 4 years old by September 1, not yet in kindergarten, and live in one of the approved RI Pre-K areas. Apply for the annual Pre-K lottery.