DCYF Rules and Regulations for Child Care Programs (RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1) Compliant

Rhode Island ChildcareLicensing Requirements

Stay compliant with Rhode Island DCYF Rules and Regulations for Child Care Programs (RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1) regulations. Bloomily helps Rhode Island childcare centers manage staff ratios, certifications, and emergency drills — all in one platform.

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Staff-to-Child Ratios

Required ratios for Rhode Island licensed childcare facilities

Age GroupStaff : ChildrenMax Group Size
younger_infant
Regulation minimum admission age is 6 weeks; band starts at 0 per convention. No exceptions to infant ratio.
1:48 children
older_infant
12–18 months; same ratio as younger infants per regulation table.
1:48 children
toddler
1:612 children
preschool_3
3-year-olds.
1:918 children
preschool_4
4-year-olds.
1:1020 children
preschool_5_6
Regulation defines this group as 5–6 year olds NOT enrolled in kindergarten (pre-K). Age proxy 60–72 months used for band boundary. Children of the same age who ARE in kindergarten fall under the school_age band (ratio 1:13).
1:1224 children
School Age (5+ years)
Regulation covers: kindergarteners (at least 5 years in K), Grades 1–3, Grades 4–6, and Grades 7+ under age 16 (192 months). All share 1:13 / max 26. Upper bound 192 months = under age 16 per regulation.
1:1326 children

Bloomily automatically monitors staff-to-child ratios in real-time and alerts you when you're approaching limits.

Required Certifications

Certifications required for Rhode Island childcare staff

Annual Training (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island requires minimum 20 clock hours annual professional development

Renew annuallyDocument required

CANTS Registry Check (Rhode Island)

Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check required

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

Criminal Background Check (Rhode Island)

BCI and FBI fingerprint background check required through DCYF

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

Director Qualifications (Rhode Island)

Director qualifications per RICR including education, experience, and credential requirements

Document required

First Aid (Rhode Island)

Pediatric first aid certification required

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Food Handler Certification (Rhode Island)

Food safety training for staff preparing food

Renew every 3 yearsDocument required

Lead Teacher Qualifications (Rhode Island)

Lead teacher qualifications per RICR regulations

Document required

Mandated Reporter Training

California mandated reporter training for child abuse

Document required

Mandatory Reporter Training (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Medication Administration (Rhode Island)

Training for staff who administer medications to children

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Orientation Training (Rhode Island)

Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment

Document required

Pediatric CPR (Rhode Island)

Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Safe Sleep Training (Rhode Island)

Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

Bloomily tracks certification expiration dates and sends automated renewal reminders before they lapse.

Emergency Drill Requirements

Required safety drills for Rhode Island childcare facilities

Required Drills

Fire Drill

Monthly

One fire drill per month the program is in operation; no more than 3 drills may be delayed for weather; every 4th drill must be obstructed (an alternate exit used); additional nighttime drills required for programs with night care.

Ref: 218-RICR-70-00-1, Section 1.9(L) — Health, Safety, and Nutrition: Emergency/Disaster Plans and Procedures

Shelter in Place

Twice per year

Two shelter-in-place drills every 12 months. Records must be maintained on-site.

Ref: 218-RICR-70-00-1, Section 1.9(L) — Health, Safety, and Nutrition: Emergency/Disaster Plans and Procedures

Bloomily automatically schedules drills and tracks completion to ensure you never miss a requirement.

Pre-Inspection Checklist

50 items based on Rhode Island DCYF Rules and Regulations for Child Care Programs (RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1) requirements

Licensing(10)Staff(12)Records(10)Health(10)Emergency(6)Operations(2)

Current DCYF license posted in visible location

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2

Licensing

License capacity not exceeded

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2

Licensing

Operating within licensed hours

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2

Licensing

Parent handbook current and available

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Licensing

Written policies and procedures current

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Licensing

Fee schedule posted or provided to parents

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Licensing

Liability insurance current and adequate

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.4

Licensing

Required postings visible (license, emergency plans, menus)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Licensing

DCYF contact information posted

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Licensing

Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.4

Licensing

All staff have current background clearances (BCI and FBI)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

CANTS Registry checks completed

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Director meets education/experience requirements

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Lead teachers meet qualification requirements

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

All staff have current CPR certification

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

All staff have current First Aid certification

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Mandatory reporter training completed (all staff)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Annual training requirements met (20 hours)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Orientation training completed within 90 days

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Safe sleep training for infant caregivers

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Medication administration training current

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Staff files complete with required documentation

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6

Staff

Enrollment forms complete for all children

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Emergency contact information current

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Immunization records current (KIDSNET verified)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Health assessments on file

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Authorized pickup persons documented

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Allergy and special health needs documented

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Medication authorization forms complete

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Individual health care plans current (if applicable)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Daily attendance records maintained

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5

Records

Parent rights acknowledgment signed

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3

Records

First aid kit fully stocked and accessible

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Medications stored properly (locked, labeled)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Cleaning and hazardous materials stored safely

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Handwashing procedures followed and documented

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Diapering and toileting procedures posted

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Safe sleep practices followed (infants on back)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Food handling and safety requirements met

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Illness exclusion policy current

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Water temperature safe (120°F max)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Tobacco, alcohol, and weapons prohibited

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Health

Fire drill records current (monthly)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Severe weather drill records current (quarterly)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Lockdown drill records current (semi-annual)

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Emergency evacuation plan posted and current

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Fire extinguishers inspected and accessible

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Emergency contact lists readily available

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9

Emergency

Staff-to-child ratios maintained at all times

Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.7

Operations

BrightStars quality rating posted (if participating)

Ref: BrightStars

Operations

Track your Rhode Island compliance digitally

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Rhode Island compliance and operations resources

Health and safety featuresTrack incidents, medication, immunizations, and safety workflows.Ratio calculatorCalculate staff-to-child ratios for your classrooms.Attendance softwareMonitor rosters, ratios, check-in, and pickup in real time.Daycare management softwareRun compliance, attendance, billing, and parent communication together.Daily reports guideImprove parent communication with consistent daily reports.Meal tracking guidePlan meal records, parent updates, and billing connections.

Nearby State Requirements

ConnecticutMassachusetts

Requirements vary by state. Click to view specific licensing requirements.

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Real-time staff-to-child ratio monitoring
Automated certification expiration alerts
Pre-inspection checklist management
Emergency drill scheduling and tracking
Digital parent communication
Mobile check-in/check-out kiosks

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