About

Rhode Island Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge

 

This page was developed using funds from states Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant. In December 2011, Rhode Island was awarded $50 million from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve learning and development opportunities for young children.

 

The site is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Education, but is a joint effort across state agencies, including information from the Department of Human Services, Department of Children, Youth and Families, Department of Health and Department of Health and Human Services. Coordinated oversight and management of the site occurs under the direction and Guidance of the Governor's Children’s Cabinet.

 

The family search page is supported using funds from the Administration for Children and Families Child Care Development Funds (CCDF). CCDF is the primary Federal funding source devoted to providing low-income families that are working or participating in education and training with help paying for child care and improving the quality of child care for all children. The CCDF program helps fund child care assistance for over 1.4 million children each month throughout the United States, U.S. Territories and Tribal communities. In addition, the investments in quality benefit millions more children by building the skills and qualifications of the teacher workforce, supporting child care programs to achieve higher standards, and providing consumer education to help parents select child care that meets their families’ needs. This page aims to promote parental choice to empower working parents to make their own decisions regarding the child care services that best suits their family’s needs as well as to provide information to help parents make informed choices about child care services and to promote involvement by parents and family members in the development of their children in child care settings. Funds for recent enhancements to the site have been paid for through the states 2018 Preschool Development Grant, funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care.