Rhode Island
Working families in Rhode Island need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Rhode Island. But too many working families in Rhode Island are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Rhode Island economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 66K children ages 5 and under in Rhode Island – 71% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Rhode Island is nearly $17,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 7% of eligible families in Rhode Island. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Rhode Island earn just $35,170 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Rhode Island’s economy loses $342M annually due to child care challenges.
Rhode Island: In The Headlines
Early childhood centers continue to face funding crisis
10 WJAR | June 5, 2024
Early childhood centers across the state are facing a funding crisis and it’s causing classrooms to shut their doors.
Report finds many young people are worried they can’t afford children
WJAR | oCTOBER 10, 2024
“Nearly three in four – 71% – are concerned about daycare and childcare costs,” said Emily Fanous, a spokesperson for BadCredit.org.
‘I cannot afford child care’: One R.I. child care educator faces a financial reality
Boston Globe | dECEMBER 12, 2024
“As a mom and an early childhood educator, I unfortunately face a challenging paradox that is threatening the supply of quality, affordable child care for working families across Rhode Island.”
Rhode Island Resources & News
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