Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children

Big news for Rhode Island families! 🎉

A new refundable Child Tax Credit has been approved, helping put money back into the pockets of families raising children. Beginning with eligible tax filings, Rhode Island families may qualify for a refundable credit for each child, providing additional financial support for everyday expenses.

What does "refundable" mean? Even if you owe little or no state income tax, you may still receive the credit as part of your tax refund.

For many families, this extra support can help cover:
✅ Child care and early learning costs
✅ Diapers, clothing, and school supplies
✅ Groceries and household essentials
✅ Utility bills and other everyday expenses

At RIAEYC, we know that raising young children is rewarding - but also expensive. Policies that invest directly in families help strengthen children's early learning experiences, support family well-being, and create a stronger future for Rhode Island.

Stay tuned for more information about eligibility and how families can access this benefit as implementation details become available.

🎓 Celebrating Rhode Island's Early Childhood Educators! 🎓

On June 3, 2026, RIAEYC proudly honored 64 dedicated early childhood professionals at our RI TEACH & Registered Apprenticeship Graduation Celebration at in Providence.

We recognized 14 Registered Apprentices and 50 TEACH Scholars for their commitment to advancing their education, strengthening their professional practice, and investing in the future of Rhode Island's children and families.

We were honored to welcome remarks from Marinel Russo, Deputy Director at RIAEYC; Andrew Cortes, President & CEO of ; and Nicole Chiello, Associate Director, and Amy Henderson, Programming Service Officer, from the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Office of Child Care.

A special thank you to our inspiring guest speakers, Mare Watkinson of Imagination Station Early Learning Center and Beatriz Burgos of Love4All Learning Center, who shared their experiences and encouraged graduates as they continue their professional journeys.

Congratulations to all of our graduates and advocacy honorees! Your dedication, perseverance, and passion for early childhood education make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities across Rhode Island.

Thank you to our partners for your continued support, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening Rhode Island's early childhood workforce:
• BrightStars
• Building Futures
• Community College of Rhode Island
• LEARNERS
• Rhode Island College
• Rhode Island Department of Human Services
• Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training
• University of Rhode Island

Together, we are building a stronger, more qualified, and more supported early childhood workforce for Rhode Island!

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Rhode Island educators have spoken clearly: support for the early childhood workforce matters.
As the Senate vote approaches today, we encourage legislators to hear directly from the educators affected by this decision.

These are not just statistics - they are the voices of the workforce caring for Rhode Island’s youngest learners every day.

📍Please support policies that strengthen and sustain the early childhood workforce in Rhode Island.

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Early childhood educators across Rhode Island are speaking up - and their stories matter.

These quotes come directly from educators impacted by the WAGE$ program, a workforce support initiative helping retain and support the early childhood professionals our state depends on every day.

As the Senate prepares to vote on WAGE$ this Tuesday, we ask Rhode Island legislators to listen closely to the educators in your districts. Behind every quote is a real person working to support children, families, and communities while navigating rising costs and workforce challenges.

Investing in early childhood educators is investing in Rhode Island’s future.

📢 Rhode Island legislators: We encourage you to support the WAGE$ bill and continue prioritizing the early childhood workforce.

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Rhode Island early childhood educators are sharing their experiences ahead of next Tuesday’s Senate hearing on the WAGE$ bill.

These voices represent educators across our state - professionals who care for, teach, and support young children every single day.

The WAGE$ program helps recognize and retain the early childhood workforce by providing meaningful financial support to educators who are too often underpaid despite the essential work they do.

📣 Legislators: Please take time to read these stories from educators in your own communities and consider the impact this program has on workforce stability, educator retention, and access to quality early learning statewide.

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Today we celebrate an incredible milestone - 15 years of leadership, dedication, and impact from Lisa Hildebrand at RIAEYC! 🎉

As Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, Lisa has spent the past 15 years championing early childhood education, supporting educators and families, and helping strengthen systems that benefit children across Rhode Island.

Lisa brings a remarkable background in education, psychology, counseling, enrollment leadership, and child development, with experience spanning higher education, teaching, and statewide quality improvement initiatives. Since joining RIAEYC, she has played an instrumental role in advancing programs including the Rhode Island Child Care Resource & Referral Center and BrightStars, Rhode Island’s Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Her leadership, vision, and commitment to the early childhood field continue to make a lasting impact on our organization, our partners, and communities throughout the state.

Please join us in congratulating Lisa Hildebrand on 15 years with RIAEYC and thanking her for her continued passion and dedication to early childhood education! 💙

📣 Calling all Early Childhood Education leaders, educators, and advocates!

There’s still time to submit your proposal to present at the RIAEYC Early Childhood Conference happening Saturday, October 10, 2026! 🌊✨

🗓️ Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2026

Share your knowledge, innovative ideas, and experiences with the early childhood education community as we work together to ensure all young learners have access to high-quality early care and education.

Presenters will be notified via email after the Conference Selection Committee thoughtfully reviews all submissions.

Need help completing your proposal? Email [email protected] and a team member will be happy to assist.

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvvGcopUojrrjNv1uaEcK_PeiISRyAwi-RpigMjoZ6ZjxJLw/viewform