RI H7688

Establishes a new Office for Early Learning by June 30, 2028, consolidating childcare functions from the Department of Human Services and Department of Education, including childcare assistance programs, licensing, and pre-kindergarten administration.

Caps family copayments for child care at 7% of income, with families at or below 50% of state median income paying nothing; phases in eligibility expansion from 50% of state median income by June 2029 to 200% by June 2031.

Creates direct funding programs for childcare providers to cover the full cost of high-quality care, with rates determined by regular cost-of-care surveys and compensation benchmarks set by a new task force to align early educator pay with K-12 teacher salaries.

Establishes annual grants for special care categories including infant care, care for children with disabilities, and non-traditional hour care; prioritizes funding for providers serving homeless children, children with disabilities, and those in DCYF care.

Requires development of a public childcare option pilot program by June 30, 2030, with the act taking effect January 1, 2027.