DHS Licensing Orientation for Child Care Centers and School-Age Programs (English)

The DHS Licensing Orientation for Child Care Centers and School Age Programs is the first step for anyone interested in becoming a Licensed Child Care Center or School Age Program. The goal of this page is to outline the steps required to become a licensed Child Care Center or School Age Program. This training does not provide Professional Development (PD) hours, but it does offer a certificate for the completion of the training which you will need to move to the next tasks as outlined below. 

Prior to taking the orientation, please take into consideration your ability to meet the following requirements: 

1. Proof of GED or High School Diploma. 
2. Comprehensive background check – required of all providers. (Local and national fingerprints and DCYF clearance.) Download and save the Fingerprint Affidavit (PDF) 
3. Location for the prospective Child Care Center or School Age Program in mind.  

In addition to the above, please consider there may be some costs associated with preparing to open a Child Care Center or School Age Program. 

Please call or email the Center for Early Learning Professionals if you have questions about the above requirements. info@center-elp.org or 401-736-9020 

Instructions 

This page has Three simple tasks you need to complete to begin the process of becoming a licensed Child Care Center or School Age Program. 

• Task 1 is to Create a Center Account 

• Task 2 is to register for and complete the DHS Orientation Webinar 

• Upon completion of DHS Orientation if you decide to move forward with becoming a center-based provider complete Task 3 

• Task 3 is to Create your RISES Account 

To open and view the PDFs posted on this page, be sure to install the free Adobe Reader. 

Task 1: Create a Center Account 

The first step in the process of becoming a licensed Child Care Center or School Age Provider, is to create an account with the Center for Early Learning Professionals so that you can take the required DHS Orientation Webinar and additional required trainings. Keep in mind the following when creating your account: 

• Fill out all the fields and write your name as it appears on your state ID or driver’s license 

• When asked to select your “Program,” choose “Orientation for Pre-Licensed Providers“ 

• When asked “Are you a program director or site leader?” select “No“ 

• Write down your username and password in a safe place so that you can get back into your account in the future 

• Click here to create your account with the Center 

Please contact the Center for Early Learning Professionals if you require assistance in setting up your account: info@center-elp.org or (401) 736-9020. 

Task 2: Take the DHS Licensing Orientation Webinar 

Once you have created an account, you are ready to register for and take the DHS Licensing Orientation for Child Care Centers and School Age Programs webinar. 

• Click here to register for and take the webinar 

Task 3: Create your RISES Account 

• Enroll in Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) at Enroll in RISES  as an owner or organization 

• You will be notified by the Center for Early Learning Professionals when you can begin taking the First Steps Pre-Service training 

• Review the Child Care Center and School Age Program Universal Application (DHS website). Please do not begin filling out this application. You will receive assistance with completing your application from the Center for Early Learning Professionals during the required First Steps Pre-Service training.