Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee announced the opening of the Rhode Island Pre-Kindergarten (RI Pre-K) program lottery for the 2025-26 school year. Applications must be submitted by June 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. for a chance at 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,” Governor McKee stated. “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 program, designed for children who will be four years old by September 1, 2025, operates in 20 communities across the state. More than 2,800 children annually participate in these programs, in locations such as childcare centers, Head Start agencies, and public schools. Completing a lottery application is necessary due to the limited number of spots.
Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “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.” She encourages all families with eligible children to apply.
The RI Pre-K program selects providers through a rigorous grant application process, ensuring organizations are equipped to deliver high-quality early childhood education and are committed to quality improvements. These programs use a mixed-delivery model, including Head Start programs, schools, and community 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. He advised families to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in the lottery.
Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso also stressed the importance of early learning, stating, “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 to apply for the opportunity to enroll in great pre-kindergarten program.”
Kimberly Merolla-Brito, director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, added, “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.” She also noted that child care assistance is available year-round.
The RI Pre-K program maintains all 10 of the National Institute for Early Education Research quality benchmarks, placing Rhode Island among the top states for preschool quality standards. More information is available on the NIEER RI Pre-K Yearbook.
Eligible communities for the 2025-26 program include Bristol-Warren, Central Falls, Coventry, and several others. Participating programs for this year range from East Bay Community Action Program to Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association, among others.
For further details about the program and lottery applications, families can visit www.RIpreK.com or email the RIDE Pre-K team at RIPre-K@ride.ri.gov.
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