The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Rhode Island Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Rhode Island. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
RHODE ISLAND Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families Day Care Licensing Unit
101 Friendship Street Providence, RI 02903-3716
(401) 528-3650
License renewal: Provisionary license for 6 months, Regular license renewal required once every year
Indoor Space Requirements: 45 sf per <18 mos., 35 sf per >18 mos. child
|
|
6 Wks. -12 Mos. |
12-18 Mos. |
18- 36 Mos. |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:9 |
1:10 |
1:13 |
1:13 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
8 |
12 |
18 |
20 |
26 |
26 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
8 |
12 |
18 |
20 |
24 |
26 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
360 sf. |
360 sf. |
420 sf. |
630 sf. |
700 sf. |
910 sf. |
910 sf |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The outdoor play area is required to be surrounding by a permanent structure. If a fence is used, it must be at least 4 feet tall.
- If equipment that required children’s feet to leave the ground, it must be anchored into the ground.
- Outdoor trampolines are not allowed.
- Programs with pools must comply with the RI Department and Regulations for Licensing Swimming and Wading Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
|
2012 International Building Code (IBC) plus any Rhode Island |
||||
Fire Code Requirements
|
90 |
If a child is in foster care or homeless, a grace period of 90 days can be granted to obtain the child’s immunization forms. |
6 |
Within 30 days of receipt of written notification of disqualifying information, the application or staff may appeal to the Criminal Records. |
1 |
One fire drill is conducted every month. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Outdoor walks around the area of the program are not considered as a field trip. |  |
All substitutes must be cleared of a required Criminal Record Check. |  |
Programs serving infants and or toddlers have a choke prevention gauge readily available. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019