PROVIDENCE, R.I. - On March 29, 2020, the State announced it is now mandating, and no longer just advising, all child care providers (centers and families) to close. As a result, the Department of Human Services suspended all child care licenses issued pursuant to R.I. General Laws § 42-12.5-1 et seq. This emergency suspension is in effect from March 30, 2020 through April 30, 2020. The State is going to reevaluate child care license suspensions on a week by week basis. No action is required for the reinstatement of licenses once the suspension is lifted. At this time, suspending child care licenses is imperative to protecting the public health, safety and welfare of Rhode Islanders against the spread of COVID-19.
The State is still partnering with Care.com for caregiver help. Announced on March 24, 2020, RI workers (not just frontline workers as was initially announced) looking for child care can visit Care.com/rineed to find a local caregiver. Rhode Island residents interested in becoming caregivers can visit Care.com/rigive to register. Care.com is offering 90 days of free service for its website, and not the child care itself.