RI Pre-Kindergarten Programs 
The Rhode Island Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all children begin school ready to learn, and are prepared to succeed in school, as life-long learners, and as productive citizens.
RI Pre-Kindergarten 2020-21
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), is proud to announce the newly awarded RI Pre-Kindergarten classrooms and the opening of the lottery for those state-funded RI Pre-K programs for the 2020-2021 school year. RI Pre-K, entering its 12th year, provides free, high-quality Pre-K education to eligible 4 year old children.
By leveraging a competitive, Federal Preschool Development Grant, the state will be able to expand its 2020-2021 RI Pre-K total by 17 new classrooms and 334 seats, growing from 78 to 95 classrooms, and expanding from 13 to 16 communities to serve 1,754 four-year old children statewide.
“Getting children started in a Pre-K program is a powerful tool to prepare them for success across their entire educational experience,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “These learning opportunities are one way that we are building equity into everything we do at RIDE, helping make our goal of Excellence in Education a reality for every student in Rhode Island.”
Earlier this year, Rhode Island was once again rated as one of the four top states in the nation for high quality Pre-K by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) State of Preschools 2019.
Note on Public Health-Related Planning
RIDE, Governor Raimondo, and the Rhode Island Department of Health are posting re-opening guidance at www.ride.ri.gov/PlanningforSY2020-2021 to support the safe opening and operation of all schools in the fall. These resources include the RI Pre-K COVID-19 Re-Opening Guidance to support RI Pre-K programs, whether in-person or conducted via distance learning if necessary, as has taken place this spring.