RI H7905

School-age child care programs operating in RIDE-certified school buildings would have all facility-based elements of quality rating assessments (including SACERS) automatically deemed met or treated as neutral, preventing physical space factors from lowering their quality rating scores.

Facility-based elements include room arrangement, space configuration, furnishings, fixtures, storage, building systems, indoor/outdoor space characteristics, and staff-only spaces.

RIDE-certified school buildings include those operated by local education agencies, public school districts, charter public schools, and approved non-public schools subject to Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education oversight.

The presumption does not waive licensure requirements, health and safety requirements, or the enforcement authority of state agencies including DCYF, Department of Health, and the state fire marshal.

Department of Human Services must implement these changes within 180 days of passage, including updates to standards, scoring practices, observer guidance, and contractual requirements for assessment entities.