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State of Rhode Island Department of Education

Rhode Island Pre-K Lottery for School Year 2025-26 Opens for Families

Published on Monday, April 14, 2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the opening of the annual state-funded RI Pre-Kindergarten (RI Pre-K) program lottery for the 2025-26 school year. Parents, families or guardians must submit applications by June 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., for their child to be considered for the free seats.

“The success of a student’s academic journey begins with early learning, and we want to set up each and every Rhode Island student up for their future,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The RI Pre-K program allows young learners to get a head start and develop critical skills and understanding that build a solid foundation for academic success. I encourage all families who are eligible to apply.” 

The RI Pre-K program offers free, high-quality learning opportunities for children who will be four years old as of September 1, 2025, and live in communities where RI Pre-K programs are offered. RI Pre-K has programs available to over 2,800 children in 20 communities across Rhode Island, including at childcare centers, Head Start agencies, and public schools. Spots for RI Pre-K are limited and completing a lottery application is required. 

“The high-quality learning opportunities that are offered through our RI Pre-K program allow children to develop the academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed throughout their educational journeys,” said Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “All students, no matter their background, benefit from early learning experiences. I invite all Rhode Island families with eligible children to enter the lottery for a chance at a free seat.”

RI Pre-K programs are awarded through a competitive grant application process that evaluates an organization’s demonstrated ability and experience to provide high-quality early childhood programs and a commitment to continued quality improvements using a mixed-delivery model comprised of Head Start programs, local schools and community-based childcare providers. 

“RI Pre-K programs offer students the chance to gain early skills that will set them up for successful futures,” said Board of Education Chair Michael Grey. “Families – now is your chance to enroll in the lottery for a possible free seat at programs in your community.”

“As a former educator, I know the importance of early learning and how it benefits our children,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “The RI Pre-K program offers children around the Ocean State access to high-quality educational opportunities at one of the most critical ages. I urge all eligible families apply for the opportunity to enroll in great pre-kindergarten program.” 

“High quality early learning opportunities like those offered through Pre-K can provide children with a foundation for academic success, social development, and lifelong learning,” said Kimberly Merolla-Brito, director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. “Families should also be reminded that child care assistance is available year-round to eligible families pursuing the same goals.”

RI Pre-K consistently meets all 10 of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) quality benchmarks, ranking Rhode Island as one of the nation’s top states for preschool quality standards. For more information, visit the NIEER RI Pre-K Yearbook and the full report at NIEER State of Preschool.

RI Pre-K is accepting applications from families with four-year old children living in one of these 20 eligible communities: 

  • Bristol-Warren
  • Central Falls
  • Coventry
  • Cranston
  • East Providence
  • Johnston
  • Lincoln
  • Middletown
  • Newport
  • North Kingstown
  • North Providence
  • Pawtucket
  • Portsmouth
  • Providence
  • Smithfield
  • Warwick
  • West Warwick
  • Westerly
  • Woonsocket

2025-26 RI State Pre-Kindergarten Programs include:

  • East Bay Community Action Program
  • The Children’s Workshop
  • Central Falls School Department
  • Progreso Latino
  • Dr. Daycare
  • CHILD, Inc.
  • Coventry School Department
  • Cranston Public Schools
  • Cadence Academy
  • CCAP Child Development Center
  • Little Learners Academy
  • East Providence School Department
  • Graniteville School
  • Over The Rainbow
  • Tri-County Community Action Agency
  • Academy for Little Children
  • Sandpipers Early Learning Center
  • Children’s Friend and Service
  • Heritage Park YMCA
  • Pawtucket School Department
  • Countryside Children’s Center
  • Beautiful Beginnings
  • Genesis Center
  • Imagine Preschool
  • Meeting Street
  • Providence Public Schools
  • Smith Hill Early Childhood Learning Center
  • Precious Years
  • Connecting for Children and Families
  • Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association
  • YWCA Rhode Island

For more information on the 2025-26 RI Pre-K programs and the lottery application process, please visit www.RIpreK.com. Families may contact the RIDE Pre-K team at RIPre-K@ride.ri.gov with questions. 

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