The Rhode Island Pre-kindergarten Program, entering its 8th year, provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten classes to eligible children. RIDE oversees the program. This coming September, spaces will be available for 1008 children to participate in the 56 pre-kindergarten classes. To be eligible, children must be 4 years old by September 1 and they must be residents of one of the identified communities. Children are selected for participation by lottery.

Parents, caregivers, and other family members have a critical role in supporting the growth and development of children as they serve as a child’s first, and lifelong teacher.

Learn how to identify a high-quality early learning program

		BrightStars Quality Matters! Learn how to choose a quality early care and education program for your child. Learn More
		Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards What parents should know about standards based education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Learn More

Assistance to help families afford high-quality care

		Child Care Assistance Program Child Care Assistance is available to families who meet income guidelines and are working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Learn More
		NACCRRA Military Families Fee Assistance Program Military families may be eligible to receive a monthly subsidy to help offset the cost of early care and education. Military families may apply for child care assistance online or call 1(800) 424-2246. Learn More
		Child Dependent Care Tax Credit If you paid for early care and education for children under 13 while you were at work or looking for work, you may be eligible to claim the child and dependent care credit and receive a percentage of the expenses paid to a child care provider. Learn More

Low and no-cost high-quality programs in Rhode Island

		State Funded Pre-K The Rhode Island Pre-kindergarten Program, entering its 7th year, provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten classes to eligible children. This coming September, spaces will be available for 558 children to participate in the 31 pre-kindergarten classes. Learn More
		Head Start & Early Head Start Head Start/Early Head Start are federally funded early childhood and family support programs. The programs offer a wide range of services to pregnant women and children aged birth to five in designated communities. Learn More
		Early Head Start Early Head Start is a Federally-funded, full-day and full-year, family-centered early care and education program for low-income infants and toddlers. The program provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services that enhance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of participating children. In addition, Early Head Start provides young children with an array of comprehensive services, including health, nutritional, behavioral, and family services. Learn More
		Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership In 2014, Children’s Friend received the Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership Grant to expand access to an additional 100 infants and toddlers in Rhode Island. Learn More
		Public School Pre-Schools Many school districts offer low or no cost high quality inclusive preschool programs in their public schools. Programs are designed for resident three to five year olds, prior to kindergarten entry. Learn More

Find out more about developmental milestones and developmental screening

		Developmental Milestones The first five years of a child’s life come with many exciting milestones! This page provides families and caregivers with information about these major milestones and ways to keep track of children’s development over time. Learn More
		Developmental Screening Developmental screening is an important way for parents to regularly check in on their children’s development. For children ages birth to three, developmental screening is completed by the child’s doctor. For children ages three to five, developmental screening is conducted by the local school district’s Child Outreach program. Click below to find out more about developmental screening and how to request a screening for your child. Learn More
		Early Intervention If your child is between the ages of birth to three years, and you are concerned about his or her development, you can contact Early Intervention directly to speak with someone. Click here to find an Early Intervention provider near you. Learn More
		Early Childhood Special Education If your child is between the ages of three and five years, and you are concerned about his or her development, you can locate the contact information for an Early Childhood Special Education representative in your local school district by clicking here. View Contacts

Support your child's learning and development at home

		RIELDS Fun Family Activity Cards The Fun Family Activity Cards are based on the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards. They provide parents and caregivers with information on enjoyable, fun ways to support the development and learning of their children while at home. Learn More
		Parent Training Fun Family Activities parent training is available throughout Rhode Island. The content of the training builds upon information published within the Fun Family Activity cards and incorporate the latest research and best practice in both early childhood development and parenting. Click learn more for more information on how to register for a training near you. Learn More