Rhode Island Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.11(A)(6) (Enrollment Age — no child in care over fourteen (14) consecutive hours); see also 218-RICR-70-00-1.7(E) (Provisions of the License — dates of validity). No dedicated hours-of-operation rule exists; these are the closest verified umbrella provisions..

218-RICR-70-00-1.11(A)(6) (Enrollment Age — no child in care over fourteen (14) consecutive hours); see also 218-RICR-70-00-1.7(E) (Provisions of the License — dates of validity). No dedicated hours-of-operation rule exists; these are the closest verified umbrella provisions.

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(F) (Prohibited Practices — physical restraint and corporal punishment strictly prohibited; food not withheld as punishment; no public or private humiliation).

218-RICR-70-00-1.9(F) (Prohibited Practices — physical restraint and corporal punishment strictly prohibited; food not withheld as punishment; no public or private humiliation)

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(B) (Communicable Disease — exclusion/readmission decision by the Child Care/School Age Administrator) and 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(J) (Illness and Injury).

218-RICR-70-00-1.9(B) (Communicable Disease — exclusion/readmission decision by the Child Care/School Age Administrator) and 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(J) (Illness and Injury)

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(C) (Medication Administration).

218-RICR-70-00-1.9(C) (Medication Administration)

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.9(L) (Emergency/Disaster Plans and Procedures); see also 218-RICR-70-00-1.13(A)(3) (Required Notifications — emergency reporting to DCYF CPS hotline).

218-RICR-70-00-1.9(L) (Emergency/Disaster Plans and Procedures); see also 218-RICR-70-00-1.13(A)(3) (Required Notifications — emergency reporting to DCYF CPS hotline)

Rhode Island childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per 218-RICR-70-00-1.13(C) (Arrival and Departure of Children — release / sign-in-sign-out with time stamp and full signature).

218-RICR-70-00-1.13(C) (Arrival and Departure of Children — release / sign-in-sign-out with time stamp and full signature)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Rhode Island?

Childcare licensing in Rhode Island is regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care, Child Care Licensing Unit. Official licensing information is published at https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/child-care-providers-staff-resources.

How many handbook policy sections does Rhode Island require?

Rhode Island requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Rhode Island inspect licensed childcare centers?

Unannounced monitoring visits at least two (2) times per year for child care centers (218-RICR-70-00-1.7(F)); the DHS Director/designee and the Office of the Child Advocate also have right of entrance, file access, and authority to investigate complaints. Initial licensure proceeds through required facility inspections (fire, lead, radon, water, food safety, etc.) under 218-RICR-70-00-1.8(A).

What happens if a Rhode Island center is out of compliance?

Per R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12.5-7(b): operating or conducting a child day care facility without a license, after license revocation/suspension, or refusing reasonable inspection is a misdemeanor, fined not more than $500 for each week the facility was maintained without a license or for each refusal to permit inspection (family day care home without a valid registration certificate: not less than $25 nor more than $100 per week under § 42-12.5-7(c)). Under § 42-12.5-6 (Violations, suspensions and revocations of license) and 218-RICR-70-00-1.7(G), DHS may also impose progressive administrative enforcement: written notice of noncompliance, education/training, plan of corrective action, suspension of enrollment, assessment of fines, denial, suspension (up to 6 months), revocation (no reapplication for 3 years), and summary suspension when the health, safety, or welfare of children or the public is in jeopardy.