Home Daycare: Foster Center vs Pawtucket
How do home daycare rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Pawtucket, RI?
Foster Center and Pawtucket have similar restriction levels.
Foster Center, RI
Providence County
Rhode Island licenses family child care homes under RIGL §42-12.5 and DCYF regulations. Providence County municipalities must allow licensed family home daycare as a permitted use in residential zones per RIGL §45-24-37(b).
View full Foster Center rules →Pawtucket, RI
Providence County
Rhode Island licenses family child care homes under RIGL §42-12.5 and DCYF regulations. Providence County municipalities must allow licensed family home daycare as a permitted use in residential zones per RIGL §45-24-37(b).
View full Pawtucket rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Foster Center | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Authority | RI DCYF | RI DCYF |
| State Law | RIGL §42-12.5 | RIGL §42-12.5 |
| Zoning Preemption | RIGL §45-24-37(b) | RIGL §45-24-37(b) |
| Family Capacity | Up to 6-8 children | Up to 6-8 children |
| Lead Paint | RIGL §23-24.6 | RIGL §23-24.6 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Foster Center FAQ
Can Providence zone out home daycares?
No. RIGL §45-24-37(b) preempts local zoning and requires all RI municipalities to permit licensed family day-care homes as a permitted use in any residential zone. Providence must allow them without special permits.
How many children can I care for in a home daycare in Rhode Island?
Up to 6 unrelated children (8 including your own) for a family day-care home licensed by DCYF under RIGL §42-12.5. Group family homes up to 12 children require additional approvals. Centers with 13+ children need a separate license.
Pawtucket FAQ
Can Providence zone out home daycares?
No. RIGL §45-24-37(b) preempts local zoning and requires all RI municipalities to permit licensed family day-care homes as a permitted use in any residential zone. Providence must allow them without special permits.
How many children can I care for in a home daycare in Rhode Island?
Up to 6 unrelated children (8 including your own) for a family day-care home licensed by DCYF under RIGL §42-12.5. Group family homes up to 12 children require additional approvals. Centers with 13+ children need a separate license.
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