Rhode Island Childcare Licensing
Rhode Island Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Rhode Island childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. Family Child Care Home providers and full-time assistants must complete twelve (12) hours of professional development per calendar year (four of which must address specified health and safety topics), while year-round Child Care Center program leadership and classroom staff must complete twenty-four (24) hours per year (approximately two hours per month) (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(D)(1); 218-RICR-70-00-1.12(F)(1)).
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 Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
Rhode Island does not set a fixed number of pre-service clock hours
218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(C)(3) for family homes
instead all providers, assistants, and substitutes must complete the Department-approved mandatory health and safety pre-service training modules within ninety (90) days of initial licensure or hire (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(C)(3) for family homes
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Family Child Care Home providers and full-time assistants must complete twelve (12) hours of professional development per calendar year (four of which must address specified health and safety topics), while year-round Child Care Center program leadership and classroom staff must complete twenty-four (24) hours per year (approximately two hours per month) (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(D)(1)
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Rhode Island Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | Rhode Island does not set a fixed number of pre-service clock hours; instead all providers, assistants, and substitutes must complete the Department-approved mandatory health and safety pre-service training modules within ninety (90) days of initial licensure or hire (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(C)(3) for family homes; 218-RICR-70-00-1.12(E)(3) for centers). |
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| Annual training | Family Child Care Home providers and full-time assistants must complete twelve (12) hours of professional development per calendar year (four of which must address specified health and safety topics), while year-round Child Care Center program leadership and classroom staff must complete twenty-four (24) hours per year (approximately two hours per month) (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(D)(1); 218-RICR-70-00-1.12(F)(1)). |
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Rhode Island Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Rhode Island require?
Rhode Island does not set a fixed number of pre-service clock hours; instead all providers, assistants, and substitutes must complete the Department-approved mandatory health and safety pre-service training modules within ninety (90) days of initial licensure or hire (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(C)(3) for family homes; 218-RICR-70-00-1.12(E)(3) for centers).
How many annual training hours does Rhode Island require?
Family Child Care Home providers and full-time assistants must complete twelve (12) hours of professional development per calendar year (four of which must address specified health and safety topics), while year-round Child Care Center program leadership and classroom staff must complete twenty-four (24) hours per year (approximately two hours per month) (218-RICR-70-00-2.3.5(D)(1); 218-RICR-70-00-1.12(F)(1)).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Rhode Island training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care, Child Care Licensing Unit before relying on it for your annual total.
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.