The "Rhode Island Child Care for All Act" establishes a comprehensive early learning system in the state, mandating the creation of an Office for Early Learning by June 30, 2027. This office will oversee child care assistance programs, quality rating systems, and licensing for early education providers. It is tasked with developing a mixed-delivery system for high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care for children from infancy to age twelve, as well as providing free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds. The bill requires a report by April 1, 2026, outlining the costs and staffing needs for the office, and a comprehensive study of the existing early childhood education infrastructure by December 1, 2027.

Additionally, the act introduces a direct support program for child care providers, emphasizing reduced financial burdens for families and competitive compensation for educators. Families with incomes at or below 50% of the Rhode Island state median income will not be charged copayments for subsidized early education and care, while those with higher incomes will have copayments capped at 7% of their total income. The act establishes a compensation task force to recommend competitive pay for early education providers and requires the office to conduct regular cost of care surveys to determine funding rates for providers.

The office for early learning will also implement a program of annual grants to assist providers facing challenges in offering affordable care, and it will prioritize funding for families experiencing homelessness or those headed by a parent under age twenty. The act allows for innovative child care programs, including the development of a public child care option pilot program by June 30, 2029. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to improve access and support for families in need of child care assistance.