Rhode Island Childcare Licensing
Rhode Island Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)
Children enrolled in a licensed Rhode Island childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Rhode Island requires documentation for 6 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.
Licensing Agency
Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care, Child Care Licensing Unit →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRhode Island Immunization Requirements: The Specifics
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Programs must adopt immunization policies and procedures consistent with the RI Department of Health regulation 216-RICR-30-05-3 (Immunization and Communicable Disease Testing in Preschool, School, Colleges or Universities), per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Each child must have an immunization record on file (218-RICR-70-00-1.13(F)(7)(d)) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Exemption: programs are not required to maintain immunization documentation for children attending public, private, or parochial schools approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate 90-day grace period for foster children or children experiencing homelessness to obtain immunization documentation (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Annual health examination signed by the child's primary care provider also required (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)(2)) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Staff must complete a Staff Immunization Form (DHS required form) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).
Rhode Island Immunization Requirements Checklist
- Programs must adopt immunization policies and procedures consistent with the RI Department of Health regulation 216-RICR-30-05-3 (Immunization and Communicable Disease Testing in Preschool, School, Colleges or Universities), per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)
- Each child must have an immunization record on file (218-RICR-70-00-1.13(F)(7)(d))
- Exemption: programs are not required to maintain immunization documentation for children attending public, private, or parochial schools approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A))
- 90-day grace period for foster children or children experiencing homelessness to obtain immunization documentation (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A))
- Annual health examination signed by the child's primary care provider also required (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)(2))
- Staff must complete a Staff Immunization Form (DHS required form)
Go Deeper
Generate a Rhode Island-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Rhode Island childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Rhode Island Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines does Rhode Island require for childcare enrollment?
Rhode Island requires age-appropriate immunization records for: Programs must adopt immunization policies and procedures consistent with the RI Department of Health regulation 216-RICR-30-05-3 (Immunization and Communicable Disease Testing in Preschool, School, Colleges or Universities), per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A), Each child must have an immunization record on file (218-RICR-70-00-1.13(F)(7)(d)), Exemption: programs are not required to maintain immunization documentation for children attending public, private, or parochial schools approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)), 90-day grace period for foster children or children experiencing homelessness to obtain immunization documentation (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)), Annual health examination signed by the child's primary care provider also required (218-RICR-70-00-1.9(A)(2)), Staff must complete a Staff Immunization Form (DHS required form).
Are immunization exemptions allowed in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care, Child Care Licensing Unit.
When must immunization records be on file in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.
Rhode Island childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Rhode Island administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care, Child Care Licensing Unit before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.