The "Rhode Island Child Care for All Act" establishes a comprehensive early learning system in the state by creating an Office for Early Learning, which is required to be operational by June 30, 2027. This office will oversee child care assistance programs, quality rating systems, and licensing for early education providers. It aims to develop a mixed-delivery system that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable child care for children from infancy to age twelve, including free pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds. The bill mandates a report by April 1, 2026, to outline the costs and staffing needs for the office.

To support child care providers, the act introduces annual funding programs to cover the full range of costs of high-quality early education and care, while reducing financial burdens on families. Families earning at or below 50% of the Rhode Island state median income will not have copayments for subsidized child care, and 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 review the compensation structure and benefits guidelines annually. Additionally, the office may develop innovative child care programs, including a public child care option pilot program, to increase access, equity, and affordability for families. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with provisions for ongoing review and adjustments to improve the assistance program.