0-1 Year
Hello to your newest family member! Right from the start, you’ll want to get your baby on track for a strong body and mind. These programs are here to help.
Family & Wellness
Women, Infants, and Children Services
Make sure your baby is healthy from day one. WIC is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. A nutrition professional will work with you on healthy feeding practices, food safety and making sure your baby is ready to learn.
Learn More
Development
Family Visiting (Love that Baby)
Find out how to get your baby off to a great start. Family Visiting will meet you in your home or anywhere else that’s convenient for you, learn about your family and then connect you with supports and resources in your community.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“It had been years since I’d thought about child care. Fortunately, Rhode Island’s Family Visiting Services—who meet with pregnant women and families with children up to age four and connect them to support services and resources—worked with me to find a high-quality child care provider that was also close to home.”
- Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Providence
Development
Early Intervention
If your child hasn’t met developmental milestones, or you think they need additional support, reach out to Early Intervention, which is a no-cost service available to you. Our staff will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. If needed, a Family Visitor will evaluate your child and give you a personal plan for next steps.
Early Intervention Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
Find an Early Learning Program
Find an early learning program for your child! This a searchable online directory of all licensed early learning programs in the state. You can narrow the search based on BrightStars quality rating, location, hours of operation, and other important criteria. For any questions regarding this information, reach out to the DHS Child Care Licensing Team at dhs.childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
Education
RI Early Head Start
Help build a strong foundation so your child will be better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. RI Early Head Start is a free program for children under age 3. Find out if you qualify (income requirements apply).
Learn More
Development
Family Strong RI
Fast, personalized support to build a strong family—no matter what challenges you face: basic needs, health care, behavioral counseling, schooling, after-school care and more.
Learn More
Wellness
Dental Safety Net
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Teeth First RI
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Oral Health Information for Parents
As soon as your child has teeth, they need proper care. Learn how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Learn More
Education
Child Care Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to afford child care, CCAP covers certain costs for qualifying families. The program lets you choose the provider you’re most comfortable with.
Learn More
Education
Exceed RI
Exceed RI provides information about the many different policies, programs, and initiatives that the state has for early childhood, and has more information for families, professionals, and programs. Use the site to find out more about the Early Learning and Development Standards and quality initiatives such as BrightStars, the State's quality rating system.
BrightStars Fact Sheet Learn More
Development
Special Needs
If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, there is a robust network of resources and information here to help.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Parents
Protect your child against 14 different diseases. Find out exactly which vaccinations (shots) to get for your child during their first twelve months.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Pregnant Women
If you’re pregnant, help protect you and your unborn baby from the health risks of certain diseases. We can help make sure your immunizations are up-to-date.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care
Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“I’m proud to be a Rhode Islander. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But we can still do more … Make sure your young children are safe and ready for kindergarten with all vaccines.”
- Mely Taveras, Providence
Wellness
No Cost Vaccinations
If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults.
Learn More
Wellness
Breastfeeding Support Services
Whether you're just starting out on your breastfeeding journey or having unexpected challenges, WIC is here to help you every step of the way with programs that offer support through Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and Designated Breastfeeding Experts. WIC can even provide breastfeeding help during your hospital stay.
Learn More
Education
RI Reads
You can help your child develop strong language skills and start building their brains— even before they can speak! Get advice on how to talk, read and sing to your child every day.
Learn More
Family
Insurance
Find affordable, high-quality health coverage for your family at HealthSource RI, our state’s official place to purchase a plan. Compare options and check to see if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health coverage (Including Medicaid).
Learn More
Wellness
Medical Home Portal
A “one stop shop” for children with special health needs, the Medical Home Portal unites families and health care professionals in one place—making it easier to find, access and coordinate care.
Learn More
Family
Basic Needs
Food. Heat. An income. Those basic needs must be met for anyone to have a chance to care for their family or improve their situation. If you are struggling with these issues, there are programs that can help.
Learn More
Family
RI Paid Leave
When you need to take extended time off work to care for a newborn or ill child, Temporary Caregiver or Disability Insurance can help. Find out if you qualify.
Learn More
1-2 Year
When your child turns two, they’ll probably start testing limits and want to do more things on their own. Your love and guidance, along with the resources from these programs, can turn the “terrible twos” into a time of healthy growth.
Family & Wellness
Women, Infants, and Children Services
Make sure your baby is healthy from day one. WIC is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. A nutrition professional will work with you on healthy feeding practices, food safety and making sure your baby is ready to learn.
Learn More
Development
Family Visiting (Love that Baby)
Find out how to get your baby off to a great start. Family Visiting will meet you in your home or anywhere else that’s convenient for you, learn about your family and then connect you with supports and resources in your community.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“It had been years since I’d thought about child care. Fortunately, Rhode Island’s Family Visiting Services—who meet with pregnant women and families with children up to age four and connect them to support services and resources—worked with me to find a high-quality child care provider that was also close to home.”
- Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Providence
Development
Early Intervention
If your child hasn’t met developmental milestones, or you think they need additional support, reach out to Early Intervention, which is a no-cost service available to you. Our staff will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. If needed, a Family Visitor will evaluate your child and give you a personal plan for next steps.
Early Intervention Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
Find an Early Learning Program
Find an early learning program for your child! This a searchable online directory of all licensed early learning programs in the state. You can narrow the search based on BrightStars quality rating, location, hours of operation, and other important criteria. For any questions regarding this information, reach out to the DHS Child Care Licensing Team at dhs.childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
Education
RI Early Head Start
Help build a strong foundation so your child will be better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. RI Early Head Start is a free program for children under age 3. Find out if you qualify (income requirements apply).
Learn More
Development
Family Strong RI
Fast, personalized support to build a strong family—no matter what challenges you face: basic needs, health care, behavioral counseling, schooling, after-school care and more.
Learn More
Wellness
Dental Safety Net
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Teeth First RI
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Oral Health Information for Parents
As soon as your child has teeth, they need proper care. Learn how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Learn More
Education
Child Care Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to afford child care, CCAP covers certain costs for qualifying families. The program lets you choose the provider you’re most comfortable with.
Learn More
Development
Special Needs
If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, there is a robust network of resources and information here to help.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Parents
Protect your child against 14 different diseases. Find out exactly which vaccinations (shots) to get for your child during their first twelve months.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care
Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“I’m proud to be a Rhode Islander. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But we can still do more … Make sure your young children are safe and ready for kindergarten with all vaccines.”
- Mely Taveras, Providence
Wellness
No Cost Vaccinations
If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults.
Learn More
Education
Exceed RI
Exceed RI provides information about the many different policies, programs, and initiatives that the state has for early childhood, and has more information for families, professionals, and programs. Use the site to find out more about the Early Learning and Development Standards and quality initiatives such as BrightStars, the State's quality rating system.
BrightStars Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
RI Reads
You can help your child develop strong language skills and start building their brains— even before they can speak! Get advice on how to talk, read and sing to your child every day.
Learn More
Family
Insurance
Find affordable, high-quality health coverage for your family at HealthSource RI, our state’s official place to purchase a plan. Compare options and check to see if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health coverage (Including Medicaid).
Learn More
Wellness
Medical Home Portal
A “one stop shop” for children with special health needs, the Medical Home Portal unites families and health care professionals in one place—making it easier to find, access and coordinate care.
Learn More
Family
Basic Needs
Food. Heat. An income. Those basic needs must be met for anyone to have a chance to care for their family or improve their situation. If you are struggling with these issues, there are programs that can help.
Learn More
Family
RI Paid Leave
When you need to take extended time off work to care for a newborn or ill child, Temporary Caregiver or Disability Insurance can help. Find out if you qualify.
Learn More
2-3 Year
Now that your child is no longer a toddler, they’re becoming their own little person with each passing day. Their language is probably improving, as are their physical skills. Help them stay on a healthy track with these programs.
Family & Wellness
Women, Infants, and Children Services
Make sure your baby is healthy from day one. WIC is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. A nutrition professional will work with you on healthy feeding practices, food safety and making sure your baby is ready to learn.
Learn More
Development
Family Visiting (Love that Baby)
Find out how to get your baby off to a great start. Family Visiting will meet you in your home or anywhere else that’s convenient for you, learn about your family and then connect you with supports and resources in your community.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“It had been years since I’d thought about child care. Fortunately, Rhode Island’s Family Visiting Services—who meet with pregnant women and families with children up to age four and connect them to support services and resources—worked with me to find a high-quality child care provider that was also close to home.”
- Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Providence
Development
Early Intervention
If your child hasn’t met developmental milestones, or you think they need additional support, reach out to Early Intervention, which is a no-cost service available to you. Our staff will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. If needed, a Family Visitor will evaluate your child and give you a personal plan for next steps.
Early Intervention Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
Find an Early Learning Program
Find an early learning program for your child! This a searchable online directory of all licensed early learning programs in the state. You can narrow the search based on BrightStars quality rating, location, hours of operation, and other important criteria. For any questions regarding this information, reach out to the DHS Child Care Licensing Team at dhs.childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
Education
RI Early Head Start
Help build a strong foundation so your child will be better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. RI Early Head Start is a free program for children under age 3. Find out if you qualify (income requirements apply).
Learn More
Development
Family Strong RI
Fast, personalized support to build a strong family—no matter what challenges you face: basic needs, health care, behavioral counseling, schooling, after-school care and more.
Learn More
Wellness
Dental Safety Net
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Oral Health Information for Parents
As soon as your child has teeth, they need proper care. Learn how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Learn More
Education
Child Care Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to afford child care, CCAP covers certain costs for qualifying families. The program lets you choose the provider you’re most comfortable with.
Learn More
Development
Special Needs
If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, there is a robust network of resources and information here to help.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Parents
Protect your child against 14 different diseases. Find out exactly which vaccinations (shots) to get for your child during their first twelve months.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care
Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“I’m proud to be a Rhode Islander. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But we can still do more … Make sure your young children are safe and ready for kindergarten with all vaccines.”
- Mely Taveras, Providence
Wellness
No Cost Vaccinations
If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults.
Learn More
Education
Exceed RI
Exceed RI provides information about the many different policies, programs, and initiatives that the state has for early childhood, and has more information for families, professionals, and programs. Use the site to find out more about the Early Learning and Development Standards and quality initiatives such as BrightStars, the State's quality rating system.
BrightStars Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
RI Reads
You can help your child develop strong language skills and start building their brains— even before they can speak! Get advice on how to talk, read and sing to your child every day.
Learn More
Family
Insurance
Find affordable, high-quality health coverage for your family at HealthSource RI, our state’s official place to purchase a plan. Compare options and check to see if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health coverage (Including Medicaid).
Learn More
Wellness
Medical Home Portal
A “one stop shop” for children with special health needs, the Medical Home Portal unites families and health care professionals in one place—making it easier to find, access and coordinate care.
Learn More
Family
Basic Needs
Food. Heat. An income. Those basic needs must be met for anyone to have a chance to care for their family or improve their situation. If you are struggling with these issues, there are programs that can help.
Learn More
Family
RI Paid Leave
When you need to take extended time off work to care for a newborn or ill child, Temporary Caregiver or Disability Insurance can help. Find out if you qualify.
Learn More
3-4 Year
Your child will head to school soon! To make sure they’re ready, you’ll want to promote their academic skills as well as their health. Here are several resources that can help.
Family & Wellness
Women, Infants, and Children Services
Make sure your baby is healthy from day one. WIC is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. A nutrition professional will work with you on healthy feeding practices, food safety and making sure your baby is ready to learn.
Learn More
Development
Family Visiting (Love that Baby)
Find out how to get your baby off to a great start. Family Visiting will meet you in your home or anywhere else that’s convenient for you, learn about your family and then connect you with supports and resources in your community.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“It had been years since I’d thought about child care. Fortunately, Rhode Island’s Family Visiting Services—who meet with pregnant women and families with children up to age four and connect them to support services and resources—worked with me to find a high-quality child care provider that was also close to home.”
- Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Providence
Education
Find an Early Learning Program
Find an early learning program for your child! This a searchable online directory of all licensed early learning programs in the state. You can narrow the search based on BrightStars quality rating, location, hours of operation, and other important criteria. For any questions regarding this information, reach out to the DHS Child Care Licensing Team at dhs.childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
Education
RI Head Start
This free preschool program helps build the foundation for your child’s education. If your child is age 3 or 4, you may qualify (income requirements apply).
Head Start Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
Early Childhood Special Education
If your child has a disability or delay in development, you can access specially designed instruction at no cost. The state offers tailored education that will address their unique needs and help prepare them for Kindergarten.
Learn More
Development
Family Strong RI
Fast, personalized support to build a strong family—no matter what challenges you face: basic needs, health care, behavioral counseling, schooling, after-school care and more.
Learn More
Wellness
Dental Safety Net
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Oral Health Information for Parents
As soon as your child has teeth, they need proper care. Learn how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Learn More
Education
Child Care Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to afford child care, CCAP covers certain costs for qualifying families. The program lets you choose the provider you’re most comfortable with.
Learn More
Development
Special Needs
If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, there is a robust network of resources and information here to help.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Parents
Protect your child against 14 different diseases. Find out exactly which vaccinations (shots) to get for your child during their first twelve months.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care
Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“I’m proud to be a Rhode Islander. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But we can still do more … Make sure your young children are safe and ready for kindergarten with all vaccines.”
- Mely Taveras, Providence
Wellness
Child Outreach Screening
This program evaluates children between ages 3 – 5. It ensures that any child with a disability or developmental delay will have appropriate intervention and resources before they enter Kindergarten.
Learn More
Wellness
No Cost Vaccinations
If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults.
Learn More
Education
Exceed RI
Exceed RI provides information about the many different policies, programs, and initiatives that the state has for early childhood, and has more information for families, professionals, and programs. Use the site to find out more about the Early Learning and Development Standards and quality initiatives such as BrightStars, the State's quality rating system.
BrightStars Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
RI Reads
You can help your child develop strong language skills and start building their brains— even before they can speak! Get advice on how to talk, read and sing to your child every day.
Learn More
Family
Insurance
Find affordable, high-quality health coverage for your family at HealthSource RI, our state’s official place to purchase a plan. Compare options and check to see if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health coverage (Including Medicaid).
Learn More
Wellness
Medical Home Portal
A “one stop shop” for children with special health needs, the Medical Home Portal unites families and health care professionals in one place—making it easier to find, access and coordinate care.
Learn More
Family
Basic Needs
Food. Heat. An income. Those basic needs must be met for anyone to have a chance to care for their family or improve their situation. If you are struggling with these issues, there are programs that can help.
Learn More
Family
RI Paid Leave
When you need to take extended time off work to care for a newborn or ill child, Temporary Caregiver or Disability Insurance can help. Find out if you qualify.
Learn More
4-5 Years
They tell stories, they have a favorite color—they just get more interesting and fun with each passing day. Here are resources that can help make sure they’re healthy, happy and ready for the big transition to school.
Family & Wellness
Women, Infants, and Children Services
Make sure your baby is healthy from day one. WIC is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. A nutrition professional will work with you on healthy feeding practices, food safety and making sure your baby is ready to learn.
Learn More
Development
Family Visiting (Love that Baby)
Find out how to get your baby off to a great start. Family Visiting will meet you in your home or anywhere else that’s convenient for you, learn about your family and then connect you with supports and resources in your community.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“It had been years since I’d thought about child care. Fortunately, Rhode Island’s Family Visiting Services—who meet with pregnant women and families with children up to age four and connect them to support services and resources—worked with me to find a high-quality child care provider that was also close to home.”
- Angela Bannerman Ankoma, Providence
Education
Find an Early Learning Program
Find an early learning program for your child! This a searchable online directory of all licensed early learning programs in the state. You can narrow the search based on BrightStars quality rating, location, hours of operation, and other important criteria. For any questions regarding this information, reach out to the DHS Child Care Licensing Team at dhs.childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Learn More
Education
RI Pre-K
This program offers free, high-quality education before kindergarten. As the program rolls out, you can check availability and fill out an application here. Applications start in May but sign up to be notified when you can apply. Spaces are filled via lottery.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“Prior to RI Pre-K, our daughter stayed home with my wife, which was great, but she missed out on the social aspect of learning how to interact ith other children in an educational/classroom setting. Now, she comes home excited to tell us about her friends and equally excited to tell Mommy and Daddy what she has learned. Because of this, we know that our daughter is being set up with the academic foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond.”
- Jon Tyler, Bristol
Education
RI Head Start
This free preschool program helps build the foundation for your child’s education. If your child is age 3 or 4, you may qualify (income requirements apply).
Head Start Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
Early Childhood Special Education
If your child has a disability or delay in development, you can access specially designed instruction at no cost. The state offers tailored education that will address their unique needs and help prepare them for Kindergarten.
Learn More
Development
Family Strong RI
Fast, personalized support to build a strong family—no matter what challenges you face: basic needs, health care, behavioral counseling, schooling, after-school care and more.
Learn More
Wellness
Dental Safety Net
Your baby’s first teeth can appear around six months to a year old. Daily care and dentist visits are important from the very beginning. Get tips on keeping their teeth healthy, finding a dentist and how dental insurance can help pay for costs.
Learn More
Wellness
Oral Health Information for Parents
As soon as your child has teeth, they need proper care. Learn how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Learn More
Education
Child Care Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to afford child care, CCAP covers certain costs for qualifying families. The program lets you choose the provider you’re most comfortable with.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Parents
Protect your child against 14 different diseases. Find out exactly which vaccinations (shots) to get for your child during their first twelve months.
Learn More
Wellness
Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care
Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.
Learn More
Hear from a parent
“I’m proud to be a Rhode Islander. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But we can still do more … Make sure your young children are safe and ready for kindergarten with all vaccines.”
- Mely Taveras, Providence
Wellness
Child Outreach Screening
This program evaluates children between ages 3 – 5. It ensures that any child with a disability or developmental delay will have appropriate intervention and resources before they enter Kindergarten.
Learn More
Wellness
No Cost Vaccinations
If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults.
Learn More
Education
Exceed RI
Exceed RI provides information about the many different policies, programs, and initiatives that the state has for early childhood, and has more information for families, professionals, and programs. Use the site to find out more about the Early Learning and Development Standards and quality initiatives such as BrightStars, the State's quality rating system.
BrightStars Fact Sheet Learn More
Education
RI Reads
You can help your child develop strong language skills and start building their brains— even before they can speak! Get advice on how to talk, read and sing to your child every day.
Learn More
Family
Insurance
Find affordable, high-quality health coverage for your family at HealthSource RI, our state’s official place to purchase a plan. Compare options and check to see if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health coverage (Including Medicaid).
Learn More
Wellness
Medical Home Portal
A “one stop shop” for children with special health needs, the Medical Home Portal unites families and health care professionals in one place—making it easier to find, access and coordinate care.
Learn More
Family
Basic Needs
Food. Heat. An income. Those basic needs must be met for anyone to have a chance to care for their family or improve their situation. If you are struggling with these issues, there are programs that can help.
Learn More
Family
RI Paid Leave
When you need to take extended time off work to care for a newborn or ill child, Temporary Caregiver or Disability Insurance can help. Find out if you qualify.
Learn More
Why is this the Rhode Island Way?
A quick look through this site gives you a sense of how many programs the state has created to respond to the needs of the youngest Rhode Islanders. But it is not the quantity that makes these services special—it is the quality. Teams of dedicated professionals, years of experience and the highest expectations and standards have given Rhode Island a one-of-a-kind network of support and outreach to get our kids off to the best start possible.
Learn more about how Rhode Island is leading the way in early childhood education and development.
RI is the Healthiest State for Women & Children
Rhode Island Ranked 2nd in Children’s Health Insurance Coverage
Rhode Island Recognized as a National Leader in Early Childhood Education
