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Bill > S2433


RI S2433

RI S2433
Establishes certain presumptions pertaining to early childhood education programs operating in RIDE-certified school buildings.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would amend the statute establishing Rhode Island's voluntary quality rating system for early care and education and school-age child care by requiring that, for school-age child care programs operating in RIDE-certified school buildings, facility-based elements of observational tools or environment rating scales (including SACERS or successor tools) be deemed met or treated neutrally in order that such facility-based elements do not reduce a program's quality rating level. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a presumption for early childhood education programs operating within school buildings certified by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE). Specifically, for school-age child care programs located in these RIDE-certified buildings, certain aspects of the program's physical environment, as assessed by tools like the School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS), will be considered met or neutral when determining the program's overall quality rating. This means that the physical characteristics of the school building itself will not negatively impact a program's quality score, ensuring that facility-based elements do not reduce a program's rating level. This provision aims to support these programs without waiving any existing licensure, health, or safety requirements, and the Department of Human Services is tasked with implementing these changes within 180 days of the bill's passage.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Education (on 02/06/2026)

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