More Rhode Island Families Now Qualify For Subsidized Child Care
Attention RI families with young children: The state has expanded eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program. If you are struggling with the high cost of child care, you may be eligible. See the chart below and visit dhs.ri.gov for more information.
RIAEYC & RI Dept. of Human Services Recognize Excellence in the RI Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program
Building Futures recently recognized the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children (RIAEYC) and the RI Department of Human Services (DHS) for the Rhode Island Early Childhood Registered Apprenticeship Program at the Apprenticeship Works Reception, celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and registered apprentices across the state. Kasey Johnson and Amy Weinstein of Building Futures […]
41 Rhode Island Child Care, Policy, Education & Business Leaders Sign Joint Letter Urging Governor McKee To Include Two Key Provisions In His FY 2026 State Budget
A broad coalition of 41 leading Rhode Island organizations have signed onto a petition urging Governor McKee to remove a regressive requirement that is preventing eligible Rhode Island families from accessing the state’s Child Care Assistance Program and to make funding for our successful Child Care for Child Care Educators program permanent. Click here to […]
RIght from the Start FY 2026 State Budget Priorities for Kids & Families
Check out our FY 2026 State Budget Priorities designed to invest in the health and education of our kids, make child care more affordable for working families, support our workforce of early learning professionals, and strengthen Rhode Island’s economy. Our top priorities include: Stabilizing and Expanding Access to Affordable, Quality Child Care Improving Paid Family Leave […]
Roshona’s Story: Make the Child Care for Child Care Educators Program Permanent to Help Early Educators Statewide
My name is Roshona Perry, and I am a teacher at Joyful Noise Inc. in West Warwick. I work as an early childhood educator because I want to be a massive part of our future. I love what I do and that I have such a critical part in the future of our children and […]
Alba’s Story: Unusual & Burdensome State Child Support Enforcement Requirement Makes It Difficult to Access Child Care Subsidy
My name is Alba, a determined single mother of a one-year-old. I am a hardworking mom, currently studying nursing at the Community College of Rhode Island, and I work full-time as an assistant manager at a restaurant. My primary goal is to be a voice for other moms in my position—those who remain silent despite […]
Sign Our Petitions To Make Child Care More Accessible & Affordable!
Businesses lose money when they can’t find staff and when their employees don’t show up to work. Parents’ inability to access and afford reliable, quality child care contributes to the statewide labor shortage, particularly in female-dominated jobs in health care, education, human services, and hospitality. We are urging Governor McKee to strongly consider including two […]
RIght Start Candidate Guide: Policies To Ensure All RI Kids & Families Can Thrive
RIght from the Start is sharing the following information to help educate candidates for elected office about policy and budget priorities that will help families with young children in Rhode Island. We are providing the same information to all candidates for the General Assembly. We are not able to endorse any candidates, but hope you […]
RIght Start Urges Key Policy Changes & Investments in the FY 2026 State Budget Now Being Crafted by the McKee Administration
While the General Assembly is not in session until January, Governor Dan McKee and state agencies are busy crafting the FY 2026 state budget. That’s why RIght from the Start is urging Governor McKee and his administration to include key policies and investments in his next state budget that address the most persistent challenges facing […]
Parents Help Shape RIght Start Priorities for Next Legislative Session
We recently held our annual RIght Start policy and planning retreat. A big thank you to our amazing group of parent advocates who came to share their first-hand perspective on our proposed legislative agenda for the 2025 General Assembly session!
