Lottery Open For Rhode Island State Preschool

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's state-funded preschool lottery is open. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on July 5.

This year, the program will be expanded by 17 new classrooms and 334 additional seats, funded by a combination of federal and state money. In total, there are now 95 classrooms in 16 communities, serving 1,754 children.

"Rhode Island is continuing to lead the way in providing high quality Pre-K programs to our littlest learners, and I am excited that we will be able to offer more than 300 children that opportunity through this federal grant," Gov. Gina Raimondo said. "Now more than ever, it’s important that we give our kids a strong start in school and prepare them for a life of learning. These new Pre-K programs will help our students perform better throughout their academic careers."

To qualify, children must be 4 years old by Sept. 4 and live in one of the eligible communities: Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, East Providence, Johnston, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warren, Warwick, Westerly, West Warwick or Woonsocket.

"Getting children started in a Pre-K program is a powerful tool to prepare them for success across their entire educational experience," Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said. "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."

Applications can be submitted online or downloaded. Online submissions are recommended. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 5. The following requirements must be met:

• Parents must submit proof of residency, a birth certificate and proof of total family income upon enrollment. Income must match what is reported on the application.
• If applying in a community with more than one state preschool program, teachers must specify their top three choices. If accepted, families will have the chance to take the seat offered or be placed on a waitlist for their preferred program.
• Only one application can be submitted per child.

Each classroom will have 18 to 20 children, who will be assigned their the lottery or a waitlist.

"The State’s commitment to high quality childcare and learning for all of our youngest residents has never wavered, and this expansion is proof of that," Courtney Hawkins, the Director of the Department of Human Services, said. "At DHS, we will continue to do our part with family and provider resources and support. Together is how we achieve success."