The Best Daycare Centers in East Providence, RI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Providence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Providence
Bright Horizons at East Providence
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at East Providence offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintained low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure facilities with coded entry systems. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their partnership with a registered dietitian. The center stands out for its STEM-focused learning environments and strong parent communication through their Family Connection app.
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The Children's Workshop - East Providence
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop in East Providence provides a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. They emphasize character development and community involvement, with regular family events and parent education workshops. The center is particularly noted for their comprehensive kindergarten readiness program and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of East Providence
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of East Providence implements the Life Essentials® curriculum, which balances academic learning with character development and physical activity. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and community awareness projects. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments with dedicated learning centers. They provide healthy meals prepared on-site and maintain detailed developmental progress reports for each child. The academy is distinguished by their STEM lab, music and movement programs, and strong emphasis on communication skills development through their proprietary literacy program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Providence, RI
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in East Providence, RI, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In East Providence, all childcare providers caring for four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DCYF's online "Child Care Search" tool or contact the DCYF Office of Child Care directly. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling, as it confirms the provider operates legally and meets baseline safety standards.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in East Providence, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in East Providence is generally in line with statewide averages, which are among the higher in the region. For full-time infant care, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 monthly. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates. Financial assistance is available through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school enrollment. Additionally, local organizations like the East Providence Boys & Girls Club may offer subsidized or sliding-scale programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in East Providence, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists at many reputable daycare centers in East Providence can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for highly sought-after programs. We strongly advise parents to begin researching and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be prepared to place a deposit to secure a spot on multiple waitlists. Some family childcare homes may have shorter wait times.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in East Providence that offer curriculum aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS)?
Yes, many licensed programs in East Providence intentionally align their curriculum with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS). These standards guide developmentally appropriate practice across all learning domains. When touring centers or family childcare homes, you can ask directly about their use of RIELDS. Additionally, programs participating in the state's BrightStars quality rating and improvement system (like several in East Providence) are evaluated on their alignment with these standards. The DCYF Child Care Search tool allows you to filter providers by their BrightStars rating, which can help identify high-quality, standards-aligned programs.
What options exist for before- and after-school care for school-age children in East Providence public schools?
East Providence offers several options for school-age care. The East Providence School Department, in partnership with the East Providence Boys & Girls Club, operates the "Club EP" program at various elementary schools, providing before-school, after-school, and vacation care. Additionally, the East Providence Recreation Department runs after-school programs at community centers. Some private daycare centers also offer school-age programs with transportation from local schools. Availability can be limited, so early registration is key. Contact the East Providence School Department's Family & Community Engagement office or the Boys & Girls Club directly for the most current information on locations, schedules, and fees.