Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Providence, RI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Rhode Island

2 stops

  1. Rhode Island Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Rhode Island. Rhode Island charges a 7% state sales tax with no local sales taxes. Register with the RI Division of Taxation online via the RI Tax Portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. Rhode Island Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Rhode Island child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Providence / Providence County

3 stops

  1. Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families — Child Care License

    Child care centers in Rhode Island must be licensed by DCYF. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Providence Department of Finance — Revenue Division — Business License

    Providence requires a City Business License for all businesses operating within city limits. License fees are based on business type and gross revenues. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Providence County / Providence Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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