The Department of Human Services can help eligible working families pay for child care. You do not have to participate in the RI Works Program to qualify for child care assistance.
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive child care assistance, families must meet income requirements. The number of hours that a parent works or is participating in a work activity, approved training or education program are also factors. Depending on a family's income, they may have to pay a co-payment. The amount of the co-payment depends on a family's income. See Family Income and Co-Payment Guidelines for the Child Care Assistance Program.
For parents that participate in the Rhode Island Works Program, there is no income limit for child care because if a family is eligible for RI Works, they would meet the income requirements for the Child Care Assistance Program.
Choosing a Child Care Provider
Parents can choose their child care provider and may use more than one provider to meet their child care needs. Options for child care include:
* a licensed child care center or after-school program;
* a licensed family child care provider;
* a certified non-licensed day care providers (this option must be approved by DHS' Office of Child Care) or
* care in the child's home by an approved provider.
For More Information
For information on choosing quality care for your child, or for a listing of licensed or certified childcare providers near your home or work, please call Options for Working Families at (401) 946-2300 or 1-800-516-2055 or go to Options for Working Families.
For more information or an application for the DHS Child Care Assistance Program, please call the DHS Info Line at (401) 462-5300.
* Application for Child Care Assistance PDF Image
* Instructions for the DHS Child Care Assistance Application
LINKS
* Child Care Provider Website (English)
* Child Care Provider Website (Spanish)
* Overpayment Options
Gary D. Alexander, Director, DHS
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