Childcare Center Director / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Childcare Center Director License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Manages childcare facilities providing care for young children.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Childcare Center Directors

Rhode Island's path to childcare center director licensure runs through 89 hours of approved instruction with no mandatory state exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Rhode Island folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Education or Training Requirements".

Budget $155 to get started, plus $118 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, childcare center directors should know: Not typically reciprocal.

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Education or Training Requirements
89 hours
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$155
Renewal Fee
$118
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Childcare Center Director in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's requirements cover 89 hours of education or training, and an initial fee of $155. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Childcare Center Director in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island licenses childcare center directors who complete its requirements (89 education hours). Verify the latest details with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Can I transfer my Childcare Center Director license to Rhode Island from another state?
Reciprocity for childcare center directors nationally works like this: Not typically reciprocal. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Childcare Center Director licensing?
Background screening is part of the childcare center director licensing process in Rhode Island. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Childcare Center Director in Rhode Island?
Licensed childcare center directors in Rhode Island must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $118.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites