Prenatal to Pre-K

This is how RI kids grow healthy and strong.

Early education, strong family bonds, and wellness pave the way for a bright future. Discover programs that help kids develop through early childhood and grow healthy and strong. It’s the Rhode Island way.


Development

Early childhood is a crucial time for growing minds. Building a strong foundation sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and success. These programs provide the right tools to support the growth and development of young children ages 0-5.


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
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.


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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

Special Needs

If your child has been diagnosed with a disability, there is a robust network of resources and information here to help.


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Development

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.


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Development

Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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.


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Education

The first five years are a critical period of a child’s life. These early childhood education programs help set children up for a lifetime of success.


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

Family

During a child’s early years, family love and care create the strongest roots. It’s essential for parents to be there every step of the way. These programs lend a helping hand, making sure families can afford important things like basic needs, insurance, and time off to be together.


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.


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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).


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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.


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Family

Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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.


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Wellness

A healthy start sets the stage for a lifetime of success. These programs make sure children grow up healthy and families have the support they need to thrive.


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Immunization Information for Schools and Child Care

Find out which vaccinations your child needs before they can attend child care or school.

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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.

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No Cost Vaccinations

If your family doesn’t have health insurance, this walk-in clinic offers free vaccinations for Rhode Island children and adults. 

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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

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.


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Wellness

Pregnant? Using? We can help.

We're certified peer recovery support specialists who know what you're going through. If you're currently using or in recovery, we're here to help. No cost, no judgement


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