Impact of Proposed Cuts to Rhode Island's Child Care Subsidy Program, 2007

In spring 2007 the General Assembly approved cuts to Rhode Island's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), reducing eligibility to more than 2,400 children statewide.  Prior to the decision and in anticipation of the sweeping, negative impacts of proposed cuts, R2LP conducted a survey of nearly 200 early childhood educators and families in Providence.  Survey results revealed that the cuts would have a negative impact on Providence’s child-care programs, the well-being of children, and the ability of parents to achieve a more financially secure life.

For a detailed analysis of participant responses, you can download the executive summary and full report.  A summary of findings in Spanish is also available.

Since its inception in 2002, R2LP has invested more than $5.5 million in early-care education in Providence. Last summer R2LP received an additional $7 million in federal funds to continue its work in the professional development of early-care providers and educators. Given this investment – and its vision that all children in Providence will enter school healthy and ready to learn – R2LP believed it was important to fully understand the impact the proposed cuts to child-care subsidies would have on the families, children and providers within its community, and indirectly, on the many R2LP programs that rely on their involvement.

The approved budget cut eligibility from 225% of the federal poverty level to 180% of the level.  As originally proposed, the budget restricted eligibility to families falling below 150% of the poverty level, eliminating the subsidies of more than 3,900 children statewide.

In surveys (administered in both English and Spanish), R2LP asked family-care providers and center directors how they believed the cuts would affect their programs and how they thought the cuts would impact the children and families they serve. In focus groups (held in both English and Spanish), parents were asked how they thought the cuts would affect their own lives as well as those of their children.

Although the participating groups approach these issues from different perspectives, their perceptions were remarkably similar. Nearly every participant viewed the proposed cuts as being highly detrimental to programs, families, children and the community. Most participants predicted that without affordable child care, working parents will have few options and that many will be forced to leave work and go on public assistance.