Rhode Island § 16-115-2 - Rhode Island Early Care and Education Workforce Data Act

§ 16-115-2. Rhode Island early care and education workforce registry data system.

(a) On or before July 1, 2025, the department of human services shall implement an early care and education workforce registry that meets the recommended guidelines of the National Workforce Registry Alliance and includes information about staff who work directly with children in all licensed child care and early learning centers and family child care homes in the state.

(b) The registry shall be designed to support communication of important information and professional development opportunities directly to front-line child care and early educators. The registry shall also be designed to help the state gather and maintain information about the demographics and annual turnover of educators in licensed child care and early learning programs by key factors including educational qualifications and age category of children they teach.

(c) Annually, beginning on or before January 1, 2026, the department of human services shall produce an annual report on the status of the early care and education registry and the characteristics of the early care and education workforce, including demographic information, qualifications, and turnover data. The report shall be shared with the general assembly, the children’s cabinet, all licensed child care centers and family child care homes, and individuals participating in the registry. The report shall also be posted on the department’s website for the general public.