Verified Listings

Licensed Daycare in Providence, Rhode Island

27 licensed daycares in Providence, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Rhode Island licensing records.

27
Licensed Centers
9
Infant Care
$1,380/mo
Rhode Island avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Providence listings updated May 2026 from official Rhode Island records.

Daycare in Providence: what parents should know

Providence has 27 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Preschool the most common type (about 33% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Rhode Island license at indexing time, sourced from Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.

For age coverage, 9 centers in Providence report infant care (roughly 33% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 9 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.

Licensed care in Providence spans 7+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute.

Combined, Providence's licensed centers hold about 1,855 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Providence childcare by the numbers

27
Licensed providers
1,855
Licensed child seats
7+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Providence

ChildCare Aware reports the Rhode Island average full-time cost at $1,380/month for infant care and $1,080/month for preschool. City-level prices in Providence vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Rhode Island families may also qualify for Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (855) 697-4347).

Full Rhode Island licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator
Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg capacity
68 kids

Largest licensed centers in Providence

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Providence, Rhode Island?
Our directory lists 27 licensed childcare centers in Providence, Rhode Island, sourced from Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Providence?
Statewide averages in Rhode Island run roughly $1380/month for infants and $1080/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Providence daycares?
All licensed Rhode Island centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Providence typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Providence?
Rhode Island families can apply for Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (855) 697-4347). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Providence daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Providence

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(855) 697-4347 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Providence, Rhode Island are compiled from official Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology

Search 27 Licensed Centers in Providence

Free, no signup, verified directly with Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.

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