Weekly Highlights
En español abajo
July 29, 2025
Happy Tune-In Tuesday!
This issue includes the following sections:
- New! Register for Our Upcoming PD!
- News from DHS
- New! Comprehensive Background Check Reminders
- DHS, RICDHH Offers Walk-In Appointments with American Sign Language Services
- RISES Support Opportunities
- News from RIDE
- New! Interested in Hosting a RIELDS Class?
- Higher Education Pathways
- Attention ECE Leaders: Join a Study on Leadership Development
- Resources for You
- Share your News and Calendar Events!
New! Register for Our Upcoming PD!
Summertime is the best time for learning and meeting your professional development goals. CELP PD offerings will help you acquire new skills and competencies, prepare for the new school year, and improve program management practices.
New! RISES PD and TA Opportunity for Early Childhood Educators (In Person)
In collaboration with DHS, the CELP staff will provide in-person RISES TA support for early childhood educators in Rhode Island including administrators, family child care providers, and teachers. These sessions are expected to be a combination of technical assistance for RISES account creation, inputting your workforce ID into your CELP and ProSolutions Training accounts along with how to associate staff to your program. There is also a professional development component and, depending on the PD selected, you can earn up to 4 PD hours. These will be offered in English and Spanish and will take place at the Center for Early Learning Professionals office at 535 Centerville Rd, Suite 201, Warwick, RI.
There are two options in English:
- Tuesday, 8/5 from 6:00 – 8:00pm Click here to register for this session
- Wednesday, 8/20 from 6:00 – 8:00pm Click here to register for this session
*There are two additional options in Spanish, please scroll to the Spanish language section of the newsletter to view those offerings.
These courses start soon! Click on the link below to see our complete list.
Using the Power of Pause to Relate and Regulate (In Person)
In this two-session series, preschool teachers and teacher assistants will learn strategies to help children develop the skills needed to pause and self-regulate. Participants will explore the underlying concepts of self-regulation and be introduced to five concrete steps that can be used to regulate themselves first before supporting children through the self-regulation process.
Wednesdays, 8/13, 8/27 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Out of School Time Basics – Starting the School Year Right! (Online Series)
This 2-part training will explore the basics of setting up and running a quality School-Age program. Whether you are new to School Age programming, or a seasoned staff in need of new ideas.
Mondays, 8/4, 8/11 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Widening the Lens: Looking at Quality from a Program Administration Perspective (Online Session)
Taking a “wide angle lens” approach means looking beyond the classroom to consider the overall organizational climate, leadership, and management practices that support quality early childhood education. This includes sound fiscal management, effective program planning, and strong family partnerships.
Thursday, 8/7 from 12:30 – 3:00pm
New! News from DHS:
Comprehensive Background Check Reminders
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 center based and school age programs.
One critical outcome of this audit was the significant number of providers that did not have the appropriate background checks on site for staff who work with children. DHS has worked diligently with the provider community since having the child care licensing unit transferred to DHS from DCYF in 2019 to ensure that all providers, staff and household members had access to the require comprehensive background checks outlined in both federal and Rhode Island regulations related to child care. This includes offering free comprehensive background checks for all applicants through the Attorney General’s Office. We have also continued to educate providers on the importance of having the correct documentations on site for each employee. We admittedly were a bit disheartened to hear the number of programs that either did not have the correct documents and/or had household members who had not had the correct checks completed.
In response to this audit, DHS will be initiating a comprehensive review of all background checks through the end of the calendar year. The first phase will be a full audit of all staff in the workforce registry as of 8/31/25. As a reminder, that is when all staff, household members, and providers are required to be in the system with all the required documents if they wish to receive the incentivization stipend outlined in previous emails. This will include a review of payroll lists to ensure we are reviewing all required staff background checks.
Any programs that do not have their staff in the RISES system by this date will have an unannounced visit to review all staff files, using a payroll list, through the rest of the calendar year in addition to regular unannounced monitoring visits. Any providers, staff or household members on site who do not have the required checks available will be sent home (or asked to leave the home) until these checks are provided to DHS via the RISES workforce registry and approved by DHS. In order to reduce the risk of an impact on your program during this assessment process, we encourage you to review the DHS Child Care Background website found here https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/child-care-providers-staff-resources/background-checks . Please remember that both comprehensive fingerprints and a DCYF check with results must be completed and received to meet the requirement.
Please note that DHS will be opening the child care regulations to make participation in the RISES workforce registry mandatory. Having the required documentation will ensure that your program is prepared prior to this becoming a requirement.
An important thing to note is that we do realize that family child care providers have their checks sent directly to DHS. We will continue to support Family Child Care in uploading these. However, please note that you, your staff and your household members are able to request that results from the comprehensive background checks from the Attorney General’s Office be emailed directly to you as the individual as well as DHS so that you can upload those directly.
DHS is currently exploring additional ways to streamline this process to ensure that the individuals who are requesting the background checks are able to receive these results directly as well as other future options to support this work.
Some reminders for the provider community:
- Comprehensive Background Checks and DCYF checks are NOT the same thing and are two separate checks.
- The BCI paperwork that you receive at the Attorney General when you go is just proof of ONE piece of the comprehensive check. That is not the comprehensive background check.
- Anyone who has access to children at any point throughout the day is required to have a comprehensive background check. Household members are required to have comprehensive background checks, even if they “do not interact with the children”.
If you have questions about comprehensive background checks, please reach out to your licensor or the child care licensing email at DHS.Childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov. We will be sending out information regarding other pertinent health and safety topics in the future but it is imperative that staff have received their comprehensive background checks.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this.
Sincerely,
Nicole Chiello
Associate Director – Office of Child Care
News from DHS
DHS, RICDHH Offers Walk-In Appointments with American Sign Language Services
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 Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860. Free parking is available.
- Thursday, August 14, 9 – 12 pm
- Thursday, September 11, 9 – 12 pm
- Thursday, October 23, 9 – 12 pm
- Thursday, November 13, 9 – 12 pm
- Thursday, December 11, 9 – 12 pm
“RI DHS is pleased to partner with the RI Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve accessibility and promote equity for Rhode Islanders with hearing loss,” said Kimberly Merolla-Brito, DHS Director. “The benefits process can present complexities and challenges for our beneficiaries. Anytime we can help simplify the process while providing face-to-face assistance, it is a better way to ensure Rhode Islanders have the opportunity to succeed and feel supported.”
“The Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been working with RI DHS to extend access to an array of programs and services,” said Michelle Cline, RICDHH Executive Director. “We continue to explore ways we can better serve our specific clientele, while offering resources that can help simplify applications and other benefits-related activities.”
The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) advocates for and consults with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Rhode Island, ensuring they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. The Commission provides information and training specific to this population, its language & culture, and its issues and opportunities.
If you are a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and need support in a timely manner or other information, please contact the Commission by calling phone/vp: (401) 256-5511 or email cdhh.main@cdhh.ri.gov. Visit www.cdhh.ri.gov for more information on programs and services.
About Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) advocates and consults for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Rhode Island, ensuring they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. RICDHH develops communication and accessibility guidelines, promotes favorable legislation, fosters cooperation among state agencies and organizations, and educates consumers, agencies, and employers about equal access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. RICDHH provides:
- Sign Language Interpreter and Captioning Referral Services
- Emergency and Public Communication Access Program
- Technical Consulting and Needs Assessment on Accessibility and Accommodations
- Information and Referral on topics related to hearing loss and communication devices
- Legislation and Public Policy
News from DHS:
RISES Support Opportunities
Valued Providers,
We understand that RISES is a large undertaking and want to support you through this process. In the coming weeks, we are going to provide a few trainings and office hours as well as additional opportunities for support. Please read this email carefully and save it so you have continued access to what you need to be successful.
RISES OFFICE HOURS:
In addition to trainings, we are opening up very specific office hours for providers to jump on Teams and ask questions about the system. We will hold these office hours every Wednesday in July from 1pm-2pm. Ideally, we would love if you would schedule in advance, but it is OK to jump on and ask questions as well. The links for the office hours are below.
Wednesday, July 30, 1-2pm: Click here to join!
RISES HELP DESK:
At any time, you can call or email the RISES Help Desk Monday through Friday 9am-6pm. With representatives in both English and Spanish, they are happy to assist you with any questions you might have regarding accessing or updating your information in the system. This support is meant to answer one or two questions. Keep reading to learn more about additional opportunities for more in-depth support.
Phone Number: 1-800-804-5044
Email address: risescustomersupport@mtxb2b.com
RISES WEBSITE:
There is a devoted page on the Department of Human Services’ website that details all things RISES. We are working hard to get in updated as often as possible, but please always check the website for user guides, one-pagers, and training videos to support you (or your team) in getting their information into the system. You can find the website here: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/rises
Thanks,
Nicole Chiello
Associate Director – Office of Child Care
New! News from RIDE
Interested in Hosting a RIELDS Class?
- Do you have an adult learning space large enough for 20?
- Do you have internet access?
- Do you have a Smart TV or projector and screen?
As a host you would have 10 seats reserved for your staff!
Contact Elaine Remillard if you are interested or have any questions: Elaine.remillard@ride.ri.gov.
Higher Education Pathways
Community College of Rhode Island: Learn more about the opportunities CCRI has designed to help students prepare for admission into formal teacher certification programs and other opportunities for success in teaching. A few options included on the CCRI Early Childhood Education Program pathways page are below, take a moment to pause and explore!
- CDA Application – Preschool Fall 2025 (Click Here)
- CDA Application – Infant-Toddler Fall 2025 (Click Here)
- CDA Application – Family Child Care Provider Español Fall 2025 (Click Here)
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Registered Apprenticeship Program: 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!
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T.E.A.C.H. Program: Click here to learn about the T.E.A.C.H. program. You can learn more about scheduling an information session and the benefits of sponsoring a T.E.A.C.H. scholar here.
Attention ECE Leaders: Join a Study on Leadership Development
Andrea Weidele, TA at CELP, is recruiting participants for a study on ECE leadership development that is part of her PhD program. This study seeks to understand ECCE program leaders’ perspective on supports and barriers they have experienced in their leadership development. Your voice matters. Each participant will receive two $25 gift cards. See flyer for more information.
Resources for You
From the FrameWorks Institute and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- Place Matters: Communicating the Relationship Between Place, Racism, and Early Childhood Development
National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
From The Autism Project: Elopement Prevention Resources
Share Your News and Calendar Events!
Do you have news for Tune-In Tuesday or calendar events that are relevant to the early childhood community of Rhode Island? You can share them through this form. (Center staff may edit your submission for clarity or decline to post any submission.)
Anuncios Destacados
29 de julio de 2025
¡Feliz martes sintonizado!
Este boletín incluye las siguientes secciones:
- ¡Nuevo! ¡Regístrate para DP sobre RISES!
- Noticias de DHS
- ¡Nuevo! Recordatorios completos de verificación de antecedentes
- Oportunidades de apoyo a RISES
- Recursos para ti
- Recursos de nuestros socios
¡Nuevo! ¡Regístrate para DP sobre RISES!
En colaboración con el DHS, el personal del CELP brindará apoyo de asistencia técnica (AT) en RISES a educadores de la niños pequeñs en Rhode Island, incluyendo administradores, proveedores de cuidado infantil y maestros. Estas sesiones incluirán asistencia técnica para la creación de cuentas de RISES, el ingreso de su ID de fuerza laboral en sus cuentas de CELP y ProSolutions Training, y la vinculación del personal a su programa. También incluye un componente de desarrollo profesional y, según el desarrollo profesional seleccionado, los participantes pueden acumular hasta 4 horas de desarrollo profesional.
Hay dos opciones:
- Lunes, 11 de agosto de 6:00p, – 8:00pm Haz clic aquí para registrarte para esta sesión
- Jueves, 21 de agosto de 6:00p, – 8:00pm Haz clic aquí para registrarte para esta sesión
¡Nuevo! Noticias de DHS:
Recordatorios completos de verificación de antecedentes
Estimados proveedores,
Como algunos de ustedes saben, la Oficina de Licencias de Cuidado Infantil del DHS fue objeto de una auditoría de la Oficina del Auditor General de Rhode Island sobre los programas de cuidado infantil. Esto incluyó la revisión de la documentación de licencias de cuidado infantil, así como visitas tanto a los hogares de cuidado infantil familiar como a los programas basados en centros y en edad escolar.
Un resultado crítico de esta auditoría fue el número significativo de proveedores que no tenían las verificaciones de antecedentes adecuadas para el personal que trabaja con niños. El DHS ha trabajado diligentemente con la comunidad de proveedores desde que la unidad de licencias de cuidado infantil fue transferida al DHS desde DCYF en 2019 para garantizar que todos los proveedores, el personal y los miembros del hogar tuvieran acceso a las verificaciones de antecedentes exhaustivas requeridas descritas en las regulaciones federales y de Rhode Island relacionadas con el cuidado infantil. Esto incluye ofrecer verificaciones de antecedentes integrales gratuitas para todos los solicitantes a través de la Oficina del Procurador General. También hemos continuado educando a los proveedores sobre la importancia de tener la documentación correcta en el sitio para cada empleado. Ciertamente nos desalentó un poco escuchar la cantidad de programas que no tenían los documentos correctos y/o tenían miembros del hogar que no habían completado las verificaciones correctas.
En respuesta a esta auditoría, el DHS iniciará una revisión exhaustiva de todas las verificaciones de antecedentes hasta el final del año calendario. La primera fase será una auditoría completa de todo el personal en el registro de personal a partir del 31/08/25. Como recordatorio, es entonces cuando todo el personal, los miembros del hogar y los proveedores deben estar en el sistema con todos los documentos requeridos si desean recibir el estipendio de incentivo descrito en correos electrónicos anteriores. Esto incluirá una revisión de las listas de nómina para asegurarnos de que estamos revisando todas las verificaciones de antecedentes del personal requeridas.
Cualquier programa que no tenga a su personal en el sistema RISES para esta fecha tendrá una visita sin previo aviso para revisar todos los archivos del personal, utilizando una lista de nómina, durante el resto del año calendario, además de visitas regulares de monitoreo sin previo aviso. Cualquier proveedor, personal o miembro del hogar que no tenga los chequeos requeridos disponibles será enviado a casa (o se le pedirá que abandone el hogar) hasta que estos chequeos se proporcionen al DHS a través del registro de la fuerza laboral de RISES y sean aprobados por el DHS. Con el fin de reducir el riesgo de un impacto en su programa durante este proceso de evaluación, le recomendamos que revise el sitio web de Antecedentes de Cuidado Infantil del DHS que se encuentra aquí https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/child-care-providers-staff-resources/background-checks . Recuerde que tanto las huellas dactilares completas como una verificación DCYF con los resultados deben completarse y recibirse para cumplir con el requisito.
Tenga en cuenta que el DHS abrirá las regulaciones de cuidado infantil para que la participación en el registro de la fuerza laboral de RISES sea obligatoria. Tener la documentación requerida asegurará que su programa esté preparado antes de que esto se convierta en un requisito.
Una cosa importante a contemplar es que nos damos cuenta de que los proveedores de cuidado infantil familiar envían sus chequeos directamente al DHS. Continuaremos apoyando a Cuidado Infantil Familiar para que los suba. Sin embargo, tenga en cuenta que usted, su personal y los miembros de su hogar pueden solicitar que los resultados de las verificaciones de antecedentes exhaustivas de la Oficina del Procurador General se envíen por correo electrónico directamente a usted como individuo, así como al DHS para que pueda cargarlos directamente.
El DHS está explorando formas adicionales de agilizar este proceso para garantizar que las personas que solicitan las verificaciones de antecedentes puedan recibir estos resultados directamente, así como otras opciones futuras para apoyar este trabajo.
Algunos recordatorios para la comunidad de proveedores:
- Las verificaciones de antecedentes exhaustivas y las verificaciones DCYF NO son lo mismo y son dos verificaciones separadas.
- La documentación de BCI que recibe en el Procurador General cuando va es solo prueba de UNA pieza del chequeo integral. Esa no es la verificación exhaustiva de antecedentes.
- Cualquier persona que tenga acceso a niños en cualquier momento del día debe tener una verificación de antecedentes completa. Los miembros del hogar están obligados a realizar una verificación exhaustiva de antecedentes, incluso si “no interactúan con los niños”.
Si tiene preguntas sobre las verificaciones de antecedentes integrales, comuníquese con su licenciante o con el correo electrónico de licencias de cuidado infantil al DHS.Childcarelicensing@dhs.ri.gov.
Enviaremos información sobre otros temas pertinentes de salud y seguridad en el futuro, pero es imperativo que el personal haya recibido sus verificaciones de antecedentes exhaustivas.
Gracias por su pronta atención a esto.
Sinceramente
Nicole Chiello
Directora Asociada – Oficina de Cuidado Infantil
Noticias de DHS:
Oportunidades de apoyo a RISES
Proveedores valiosos,
Entendemos que RISES es una iniciativa grande y queremos apoyarlo a través de este proceso. En las próximas semanas, vamos a proporcionar algunas capacitaciones y horas de oficina, así como oportunidades adicionales de apoyo. Por favor, lea atentamente este correo electrónico y guárdelo para que tenga acceso continuo a lo que necesita para tener éxito.
AUMENTA EL HORARIO DE OFICINA:
Además de las capacitaciones, estamos abriendo sesiones en horarios de oficina muy específicos para que los proveedores se conecten a Teams y hagan preguntas sobre el sistema. Tendremos este horario de oficina todos los miércoles de julio de 1 p.m. a 2 p.m. Idealmente, nos encantaría que se registrara con anticipación, pero también está bien saltar y hacer preguntas. Los enlaces para el horario de oficina se encuentran a continuación.
Miércoles, 30 de julio, 1-2pm: ¡Haga clic aquí para unirse!
SERVICIO DE ASISTENCIA DE RISES:
En cualquier momento, puede llamar o enviar un correo electrónico al servicio de asistencia de RISES de lunes a viernes de 9 a.m. a 6 p.m. Con representantes tanto en inglés como en español, estarán encantados de ayudarle con cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre el acceso o la actualización de su información en el sistema. Este apoyo está destinado a responder una o dos preguntas. Siga leyendo para obtener más información sobre las oportunidades adicionales para un soporte más profundo.
Número de teléfono: 1-800-804-5044
Dirección de correo electrónico: risescustomersupport@mtxb2b.com
SITIO WEB DE RISES:
Hay una página dedicada en el sitio web del Departamento de Servicios Humanos que detalla todo lo relacionado con RISES. Estamos trabajando arduamente para actualizarnos con la mayor frecuencia posible, pero siempre consulte el sitio web para obtener guías de usuario, folletos individuales y videos de capacitación para ayudarlo a usted (o a su equipo) a ingresar su información al sistema. Puede encontrar el sitio web aquí: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/rises
Nicole Chiello
Directora Asociada – Oficina de Cuidado Infantil
Recursos para ti
¡Nuevo! De LISC
Del Autism Project: Recursos sobre la prevención de fugas
La Fuerza-STEM’s Telenovela Nominated for Children’s or Family Viewing Series Emmy La Fuerza de Creer: Dulce Sazón, una telenovela con infusión de ciencia que es parte de La Fuerza-STEM, una iniciativa de EDC que apoya a las familias de habla hispana en la promoción del aprendizaje temprano de las ciencias de sus hijos, ha sido nominada para un premio Emmy a la serie infantil o familiar.
De NAEYC:
- Promover la equidad en la educación infantil
- Recursos en español de NAEYC: Globally-Focused and Translated Blogs, Books and Articles | NAEYC
Del Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- Desarrollo del cerebro mediante el juego: actividades para bebés, niños pequeños y niños – Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- El juego en la primera infancia: el papel del juego en cualquier entorno (disponible con subtítulos en español)
Recursos de nuestros socios
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI): Obtenga más información sobre las oportunidades que CCRI ha diseñado para ayudar a los estudiantes a prepararse para la admisión a programas formales de certificación docente y otras oportunidades para tener éxito en la enseñanza. A continuación se incluyen algunas opciones incluidas en la página de vías del Programa de Educación Infantil Temprana del CCRI. ¡Tómese un momento para hacer una pausa y explorar! CCRI Esta aceptando aplicaciones para el Asociado en Desarrollo Infantil (CDA). Puede ver mas información aquí y puede ver el sitio web aquí.
De RIAIMH: Práctica reflexiva en el contexto de la cultura y el lenguaje: Levantando la comunidad es un aprendizaje colaborativo intensivo que explora las dimensiones de la salud mental infantil y de la primera infancia en las comunidades latinoamericanas. Empieza en enero y la registración está limitada a 20 participantes.
La Administration for Children & Families tiene un nuevo Marco de sistemas para apoyar el aprendizaje de dos idiomas en entornos de educación y atención temprana.