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.
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Required ratios for Rhode Island licensed childcare facilities
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
Infants (0-12 months) Infants birth to 18 months | 1:4 | 8 children |
toddler Toddlers 18-36 months | 1:6 | 12 children |
Preschool (3-5 years) Preschool 3-4 years | 1:9 | 18 children |
prek Pre-K 4-5 years | 1:10 | 20 children |
School Age (5+ years) School-age 5+ years | 1:13 | 26 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
CANTS Registry Check (Rhode Island)
Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check required
Criminal Background Check (Rhode Island)
BCI and FBI fingerprint background check required through DCYF
Director Qualifications (Rhode Island)
Director qualifications per RICR including education, experience, and credential requirements
First Aid (Rhode Island)
Pediatric first aid certification required
Food Handler Certification (Rhode Island)
Food safety training for staff preparing food
Lead Teacher Qualifications (Rhode Island)
Lead teacher qualifications per RICR regulations
Mandated Reporter Training
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Mandatory Reporter Training (Rhode Island)
Rhode Island mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect
Medication Administration (Rhode Island)
Training for staff who administer medications to children
Orientation Training (Rhode Island)
Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment
Pediatric CPR (Rhode Island)
Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers
Safe Sleep Training (Rhode Island)
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers
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 fire drills required, documented with date, time, number of children, and evacuation time
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Lockdown/Security
Lockdown/shelter-in-place drills twice per year
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Evacuation
Full evacuation to alternate location annually
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Severe Weather
Severe weather drills quarterly
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
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
Current DCYF license posted in visible location
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2
License capacity not exceeded
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2
Operating within licensed hours
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.2
Parent handbook current and available
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
Written policies and procedures current
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
Fee schedule posted or provided to parents
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
Liability insurance current and adequate
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.4
Required postings visible (license, emergency plans, menus)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
DCYF contact information posted
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.4
All staff have current background clearances (BCI and FBI)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
CANTS Registry checks completed
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Director meets education/experience requirements
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Lead teachers meet qualification requirements
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
All staff have current CPR certification
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
All staff have current First Aid certification
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Mandatory reporter training completed (all staff)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Annual training requirements met (20 hours)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Orientation training completed within 90 days
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Safe sleep training for infant caregivers
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Medication administration training current
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Staff files complete with required documentation
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.6
Enrollment forms complete for all children
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Emergency contact information current
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Immunization records current (KIDSNET verified)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Health assessments on file
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Authorized pickup persons documented
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Allergy and special health needs documented
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Medication authorization forms complete
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Individual health care plans current (if applicable)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Daily attendance records maintained
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.5
Parent rights acknowledgment signed
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.3
First aid kit fully stocked and accessible
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Medications stored properly (locked, labeled)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Cleaning and hazardous materials stored safely
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Handwashing procedures followed and documented
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Diapering and toileting procedures posted
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Safe sleep practices followed (infants on back)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Food handling and safety requirements met
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Illness exclusion policy current
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Water temperature safe (120°F max)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Tobacco, alcohol, and weapons prohibited
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Fire drill records current (monthly)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Severe weather drill records current (quarterly)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Lockdown drill records current (semi-annual)
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Emergency evacuation plan posted and current
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Fire extinguishers inspected and accessible
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Emergency contact lists readily available
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.9
Staff-to-child ratios maintained at all times
Ref: RICR 218-RICR-10-00-1.7
BrightStars quality rating posted (if participating)
Ref: BrightStars
Track your Rhode Island compliance digitally
Bloomily keeps your checklist updated, tracks staff certifications, and alerts you before items expire.
Nearby State Requirements
Requirements vary by state. Click to view specific licensing requirements.
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