The "Rhode Island Child Care for All Act" aims to establish a comprehensive early learning system by creating an Office for Early Learning by June 30, 2027. This office will assume responsibilities from existing departments to manage a mixed-delivery system of 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, on the costs and staffing needs for the new office, as well as a comprehensive study of the current early childhood education infrastructure by December 1, 2027. It also amends the Education Act to enhance support for early care providers, requiring them to offer additional services and conduct regular cost of care surveys to determine funding rates.

The legislation introduces new provisions regarding copayments for families seeking assistance, ensuring that those not fully subsidized will not pay more than seven percent of their total income. It establishes a priority system for funding based on income eligibility, with families at or below 300% of the state median income receiving first priority. The bill also outlines a phased approach for increasing funding assistance based on income levels, with specific targets for full subsidies by 2028, 2029, and 2030 for families at or below 200% of the state median income. Overall, the act emphasizes the importance of child care as a public good, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on families while enhancing the quality of care provided to children.