Rhode Island’s Child Opportunity Zones (COZs) are school-linked centers that bring schools, families, and communities together to promote success in school for all children and youth. COZs are welcoming places in or near schools where families can participate in programs and receive information, support, services and referrals. Each COZ is unique and bases its coordinated programs on the needs and resources of its schools and community.

The Child Opportunity Zones are a grant-funded initiative of the Rhode Island Department of Education and form a statewide network of 10 sites in Bristol-Warren, Central Falls, Cranston, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, Westerly and Woonsocket.

• COZs are guided by 7 standards and indicators.
• COZs are part of Rhode Island’s education strategy to support student success.
• COZs are overseen by governance boards which include principals, school personnel, community agency representatives, parents and other community members.
• COZs promote communication between home and school.
• COZs promote school readiness for parents and children.
• COZs integrate education, health and social services with community partners.
• COZs are designed to maximize resources and avoid duplication.  This is accomplished by linking families to COZ programs and existing school and community resources.
• COZs collaborate with community partners and implement research-based national and international programs.
• COZs are guided by best practices in education and social services.
• COZs are full-service models and many are 21^st Century Community Learning Centers.
• COZs use program evaluation, survey and anecdotal data to update and improve their programs.
• COZs strive to remain responsive to their school communities as they grow and change.
• Before and after school child care
• School-age enrichment and education support
• Youth development programs

To locate a COZ near you, click here.