Federal Shutdown Update – SNAP Benefits to Halt Without Federal Action

Dear Community Partners, As you may have seen, Governor McKee issued a statement today warning that without immediate federal action, federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This development, driven by the prolonged inaction of the federal government, affects more than […]

Español Está Abajo   Dear Valued Family Child Care providers,   To streamline the process of completing required Comprehensive Background Checks, DHS is making the following changes to the process for both fingerprinting and child abuse and neglect checks (DCYF). The following process will be effective immediately.   All Family Child Care Providers (you!), your assistants […]

Valued providers,   I hope everyone is having a great start to the school year. I wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with some important updates regarding both RISES and our next All Provider Meetings occurring in October (see dates below). I also wanted to make you aware that DHS Office of Child Care […]

Valued partners, The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) will be temporarily closing the Woonsocket Office at 219 Pond Street in order to complete important customer-focused renovations. The closure is expected to be for about one week starting September 10 and ending September 15 from the customer’s perspective. This means walk-in customers going to […]

We’re excited to announce the launch of the CHILD CARE WAGE$ Rhode Island Program, providing wage supplements to highly qualified early childhood educators across the state. While the goals of the new program remain aligned with those of the Step Up to WAGE$ pilot program, there are a few key changes to the structure and […]

SUCCESS, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services is offering a free, professional development series for supervising professionals (e.g., Education Coordinators/Managers, Directors) focused on deepening knowledge and use of Reflective Supervision principles and practices. You may use the below link to learn more about registration. Registration for this program is limited and […]

Valued Providers,   This email serves as a reminder that we will have the RISES incentive program open until 8/31.   To efficiently get every provider and member of your staff into the system as quickly as possible, we have prioritized an incentive program for providers who get their information into RISES this summer. Providers […]

Dear Valued Providers,   As some of you are aware, DHS Office of Child Care Licensing was the subject of a Rhode Island Office of the Auditor General audit of child care programs. This included the review of child care licensing documentation as well as on site visits to both family child care homes and […]

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services and the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are collaborating to offer a series of walk-in appointments at the DHS office located in Pawtucket. Walk-in American Sign Language services will be available on the following dates at the Pawtucket Office, located at 249 Roosevelt […]

The Registered Apprenticeship Program through RIAEYC is now enrolling applicants through August 8, 2025. Apprenticeships begin September 2025. Learn More: apprentice@riaeyc.org | 401-739-6100. Check out the flyer to learn more!