2019 Factbook Final PDF

2018 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook
2019
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a children’s policy organization
that provides information on child well-being, stimulates dialogue on
children’s issues, and promotes accountability and action. Rhode 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook
Island KIDS COUNT appreciates the generous support of the
Rhode Island Foundation, United Way of Rhode Island, The Annie P A R T N E R S
E. Casey Foundation, Prince Charitable Trusts, Alliance for Early Rhode Island Foundation
Success, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, ZERO TO THREE,
Neil Steinberg, President & CEO
DentaQuest Foundation, van Beuren Charitable Foundation,
Jessica David, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Community Investments
Partnership for America’s Children, Neighborhood Health Plan of
Jennifer Pereira, Vice President of Grant Programs
Rhode Island, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Delta
Dental of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Hasbro
United Way of Rhode Island
Children’s Fund, and CVS Health.
Cortney Nicolato, President & CEO
The annual Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook is one of fifty Angela Ankoma, Executive Vice President, Director of Community Investment
state-level projects designed to provide a detailed community-by-
community picture of the condition of children. A national Data The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Book with comparable data for the U.S. is produced annually by Lisa Hamilton, President & Chief Executive Officer
The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Leslie Boissiere, Vice President, External Affairs
Noah Berger, Director, Policy Reform and Advocacy
Additional copies of the 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook
are available for $20.00 per copy. Reduced rates are available for bulk Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
orders. To receive copies of the Factbook, please contact: S T A F F
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director

One Union Station Leanne Barrett, Senior Policy Analyst
Providence, RI 02903 Dorene Bloomer, Finance Director
(401) 351-9400 Jennifer Waring Capaldo, Program Assistant
rikids@rikidscount.org
Katherine Linwood Chu, Communications Manager
Visit our website at www.rikidscount.org. Paige Clausius-Parks, Senior Policy Analyst
Jessy Donaldson, Fund Development/Research Analyst
Factbook design by Greenwood Associates. Kara Foley, Policy Analyst
Illustrations by Gail Greenwood.
W. Galarza, Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Any portion of this report may be reproduced without prior Stephanie Geller, Deputy Director
permission, provided the source is cited as:
Devan Quinn, Policy Analyst
2019 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook Valerie Womer, Research Analyst
Providence, RI: Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Pamela Stolz, Intern, Rhode Island College
©2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Rhode Island State Agency Directors and
Board of Directors Data Liaisons to Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
CHAIRPERSON Karen Davis Kevin Gallagher Courtney Hawkins

Marisa Albanese Office of the Governor J. James Butler
Manager, Community and Customer Robert DeBlois Department of Human Services
Management Director Michael DiBiase
National Grid The UCAP School Department of Administration Honorable Michael Forte
Ronald Pagliarini
Amy P. Goldberg, MD Lisa Vura-Weis (Acting Secretary) Family Court
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Pediatrician Rebecca Lebeau
Barbara Silvis The Aubin Center Executive Office of Health and Human Ken Wagner
Hasbro Children's Hospital Services Kenneth Gu
TREASURER Department of Education
Raymond Celona Jael Lopes Rebecca Boss
Director of Strategic Community Partnerships Gabriela Arredondo-Santisteban Michael Hogan
S E C R E TA RY Providence Public Schools Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Gina Tocco
Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals Department of Public Safety
Elizabeth Lange, MD
Pediatrician Reverend Nikita McCalister, MBA, MDiv
Trista Piccola Scott Jensen
Waterman Pediatrics/Coastal Medical, Inc. Associate Executive Minister for Administration
Colleen Caron Department of Labor and Training
American Baptist Churches of RI
Leon Saunders
Department of Children, Youth and Families Peter Alviti Jr.
Tanitia Sello Department of Transportation
Independent Consultant Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD
Samara Viner-Brown
Department of Health
2 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SAFETY
Child Deaths and Teen Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90-91
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Youth Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92-93
Child Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Gun Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Children in Single-Parent Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Homeless and Runaway Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Youth Referred to Family Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96-97
Mother’s Education Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Youth at the Training School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98-101
Racial and Ethnic Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Children of Incarcerated Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102-103
Racial and Ethnic Disparities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21
Children Witnessing Domestic Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104-105
ECONOMIC WELL–BEING Child Abuse and Neglect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106-109
Median Family Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Children in Out-of-Home Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110-111
Cost of Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Permanency for Children in DCYF Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112-113
Homeless Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
EDUCATION
Secure Parental Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31
Children Enrolled in Early Intervention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116-117
Paid Family Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33
Children Enrolled in Early Head Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118-119
Children Receiving Child Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35
Licensed Capacity of Early Learning Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120-121
Children in Poverty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-39
Children Receiving Child Care Subsidies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122-123
Children in Families Receiving Cash Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-43
High-Quality Early Learning Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124-127
Children Receiving SNAP Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45
Children Enrolled in Head Start or State Pre-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128-131
Women and Children Participating in WIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47
Children Receiving Preschool Special Education Services . . . . . . . . . . . 132-133
Children Participating in School Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49
Public School Enrollment and Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134-135
HEALTH Children Enrolled in Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137
Children’s Health Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Out-of-School Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138-139
Childhood Immunizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54-55 English Learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140-141
Access to Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57 K-12 Students Receiving Special Education Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142-143
Children’s Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-59 Student Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144-145
Children with Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61 Third-Grade Reading Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146-147
Infants Born at Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 Eighth-Grade Reading Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148-149
Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65 Math Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150-151
Women with Delayed Prenatal Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67 Schools Identified for Intervention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152-153
Preterm Births . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69 Chronic Early Absence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154-155
Low Birthweight Infants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-71 Chronic Absence, Middle School and High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156-157
Infant Mortality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73 Suspensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158-159
Breastfeeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75 High School Graduation Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160-161
Children with Lead Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76-77 College Preparation and Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162-163
Children with Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78-79 College Enrollment and Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164-165
Housing and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-81 Teens Not in School and Not Working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166-167
Childhood Overweight and Obesity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82-83
METHODOLOGY AND REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170-189
Births to Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84-85
Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86-87 COMMITTEES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190-195
2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 3

Overview

Overview
The 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count By examining the best available data
Factbook is the twenty-fifth annual statewide and in Rhode Island’s 39 Family Economic Security
profile of the well-being of children in cities and towns, Rhode Island KIDS
Children in poverty are most at risk of not achieving their full potential. Rhode Island’s
Rhode Island. The annual Factbook is COUNT provides an information base
child poverty rate was 18.9% between 2013 and 2017, during which time 39,229
an important tool for planning and that can result in more effective policy
children were living in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. Many
action by community leaders, policy and community action on behalf of
families with incomes above the poverty level also have a difficult time meeting the high
makers, advocates, and others working children. Tracking changes in selected
costs of housing, utilities, food, child care, and health care. Access to affordable and
toward changes that will improve the indicators can help communities to set
high-quality early learning opportunities, Pre-K to 12 education, health insurance
quality of life for all children. priorities, identify strategies to reverse
coverage, housing, and nutrition, along with policies that support working families, are
The 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count negative trends, and monitor progress.
important tools to ensure the economic well-being of Rhode Island families and to
Factbook provides a statistical portrait The 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count
improve child outcomes.
of the status of Rhode Island’s children Factbook examines 71 indicators in five
and youth. Information is presented for areas that affect the lives of children:
the state of Rhode Island, for each city Family and Community, Economic Child Poverty is Concentrated in Four Core Cities
and town, and for an aggregate of Well-Being, Health, Safety, and
the four cities in which the highest Education. All areas of child well-being Poverty is linked to every KIDS COUNT indicator. Between 2013 and 2017, almost two-
percentages of children are living in are interrelated and critical throughout thirds (64%) of Rhode Island's children living in poverty lived in just four cities. These
poverty. These four core cities are a child’s development. A child’s safety in communities (Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket) are the four core
Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, his or her family and community affects cities highlighted throughout the Factbook. Children in poverty live in every community
and Woonsocket. school performance; a child’s economic in Rhode Island, but these four communities deserve special attention because they are
The Factbook provides community- security affects his or her health and where child poverty is most concentrated.
level information on indicators in order education. The 2019 Rhode Island
to emphasize the significance of the Kids Count Factbook reflects these
surrounding physical, social, and interrelationships and builds a Ensuring Educational Success for All Children
economic environment in shaping framework to guide policy, programs, Improving student achievement, high school graduation, and postsecondary attainment
outcomes for children. Communities and individual services on behalf of rates in Rhode Island will require that schools and community leaders implement
and neighborhoods do matter – children and youth. comprehensive, evidence-based strategies from birth through third grade that lead to
the actions of community leaders, proficiency in reading and math, maintain high academic standards across the
government leaders, elected officials, curriculum in all grades, and ensure that all youth graduate from high school with the
businesses, faith organizations, and skills they need to succeed in college and in Rhode Island’s workforce. This work must
parents greatly influence children’s include a strong focus on equity and ensuring that all students, including low-income
chances for success and the challenges students, students of color, English learners, and students with disabilities, receive the
they will face. support they need to succeed.
2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 5

Family and
Community

Child Population
DEFINITION other non-relative heads of household.

Child population is the total number There were 714 (<1%) children and Rhode Island Children Under Age 18, 2013-2017
of children under age 18 and the youth under age 18 who lived in group By Race/Ethnicity* By Family Structure
percentage change between 2000 and quarters and 26 (<1%) youth who were
72% White 59% Married-Couple**
2010 in the total number of children householders or spouses.6,7,8
9% Black 31% Single-Parent**
under age 18. Rhode Island’s children are diverse in
3% Asian 8% Other Relatives
race, ethnicity, language, and country of
1% American Indian and Alaska Native 1% Foster Family or Other
SIGNIFICANCE origin. Mirroring the national trend, the Unrelated Household
8% Some Other Race
According to the American Hispanic child population in Rhode <1% Group Quarters
7% Two or More Races
Community Survey conducted by the Island has grown since 2000, both in <1% Child is Head of Household
U.S. Census Bureau, there were numbers and as a percentage of the <1%
7%
child population. Hispanics make up 1% <1%
1%
1,059,639 Rhode Island residents in 8%
3%
2017. Children under age 18 make up 25% of children under age 18 in the 8%
20% of the population. Rhode Island’s United States and 24% of children
9%
child population decreased from under age 18 in Rhode Island.9,10,11
247,822 in 2000 to 223,956 in 2010 Between 2013 and 2017, there were 72%
31%
and then further to an estimated 8,981 foreign-born children under the 59%
206,972 in 2017 (a 16% decrease from age of 18 living in Rhode Island,

2000 to 2017).1,2,3 Between 2013 and representing approximately 4% of the
2017, there were 119,488 households child population.12 Of Rhode Island n=210,582
with children under age 18 in Rhode children ages five to 17, 77% speak *Hispanic children may be included in any n=210,582
Island, representing 29% of all only English at home, 17% speak race category. Of Rhode Island’s 210,582
children, 50,369 (24%) were Hispanic. **Only includes children who are related to the
households.4 Twenty-six percent of Spanish, 4% speak other Indo- head of household by birth or adoption.
Rhode Island children were under age European languages, 2% speak Asian or Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community
Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B01001A, B01001B, Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey,
five, 27% were ages five to nine, 29% Pacific Island languages, and 1% speak 2013-2017. Table B09001, Table B09002, and
B01001C, B01001D, B01001E, B01001F,
were ages 10 to 14, and 18% were ages other languages at home.13 B01001G, and B01001I. B09018.
15 to 17.5 Fifty-one percent were male, Sexual orientation is another

and 49% were female. important facet of diversity among Decennial Census 2020
In Rhode Island, between 2013 and youth. According to the 2017 Youth
Risk Behavior Survey, 11% of high ◆ The decennial Census count is used to apportion the 435 members of the U.S. House
2017, 124,034 (59%) children under age
school students in Rhode Island of Representatives and to allocate federal program funding to each state for the following
18 lived in married-couple households,
described themselves as lesbian, gay, or decade. These federal funds support a wide array of programs that improve outcomes for
65,566 (31%) children lived in single-
bisexual. This does not include students children and families in Rhode Island.15
parent households, and 17,355 (8%)
children lived with relatives, including who responded “not sure” when asked
about their sexual orientation.14 ◆ Certain populations have been historically undercounted in the decennial Census,
grandparents. A total of 2,887 (1%)
including young children under age five, immigrants, low-income populations, people
children lived with foster families or
of color, people experiencing homelessness, and people in non-traditional households.16
8 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Child Population
Table 1. Child Population, Rhode Island, 2000 and 2010
2000 TOTAL 2010 TOTAL CHANGE IN % CHANGE IN
POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION
CITY/TOWN UNDER AGE 18 UNDER AGE 18 UNDER AGE 18 UNDER AGE 18
Barrington 4,745 4,597 -148 -3.1% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 4,399 3,623 -776 -17.6% U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000, Summary File 1 and
Burrillville 4,043 3,576 -467 -11.6% Census 2010, Summary File 1.
Central Falls 5,531 5,644 113 2.0% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Charlestown 1,712 1,506 -206 -12.0% Woonsocket.
Coventry 8,389 7,770 -619 -7.4% References
Cranston 17,098 16,414 -684 -4.0% 1
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey,
Cumberland 7,690 7,535 -155 -2.0% 2017. Table S0201.
East Greenwich 3,564 3,436 -128 -3.6%
2
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Summary File 1.
East Providence 10,546 9,177 -1,369 -13.0%
Table DP-1.
Exeter 1,589 1,334 -255 -16.0%
3
Foster 1,105 986 -119 -10.8%
Table DP-1.
Glocester 2,664 2,098 -566 -21.2%
Hopkinton 2,011 1,845 -166 -8.3%
4
2013-2017. Table S1101.
Jamestown 1,238 1,043 -195 -15.8%
Johnston 5,906 5,480 -426 -7.2%
5
2013-2017. Table B01001.
Lincoln 5,157 4,751 -406 -7.9%
Little Compton 780 654 -126 -16.2% 6
Middletown 4,328 3,652 -676 -15.6% 2013-2017. Table B09002.
Narragansett 2,833 2,269 -564 -19.9% 7

New Shoreham 185 163 -22 -11.9% 2013-2017. Table B09018.
Newport 5,199 4,083 -1,116 -21.5% 8
North Kingstown 6,848 6,322 -526 -7.7% 2013-2017. Table B09001.
North Providence 5,936 5,514 -422 -7.1% 9
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Redistricting
North Smithfield 2,379 2,456 77 3.2% Summary File. Table QT-PL.
Pawtucket 18,151 16,575 -1,576 -8.7% 10
O'Hare, W. (2011). The changing child population of the
Portsmouth 4,329 3,996 -333 -7.7% United States: Analysis of data from the 2010 Census.
Providence 45,277 41,634 -3,643 -8.0% Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Richmond 2,014 1,849 -165 -8.2% 11
Scituate 2,635 2,272 -363 -13.8% 2013-2017. Table B01001I.
Smithfield 4,019 3,625 -394 -9.8% 12
South Kingstown 6,284 5,416 -868 -13.8% 2013-2017. Table B05003.
Tiverton 3,367 2,998 -369 -11.0% 13
Warren 2,454 1,940 -514 -20.9% 2013-2017. Table B16007.
Warwick 18,780 15,825 -2,955 -15.7% 14
2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Rhode Island
West Greenwich 1,444 1,477 33 2.3% Department of Health.
West Warwick 6,632 5,746 -886 -13.4% 15
U.S. Census Bureau. (2017). Uses of Census Bureau data
Westerly 5,406 4,787 -619 -11.5% in federal funds distribution. Retrieved December 28,
Woonsocket 11,155 9,888 -1,267 -11.4% 2018, from www.census.gov/library/working-papers/.
Four Core Cities 80,114 73,741 -6,373 -8.0% 16
Chapin, M. M. (2018). 2020 Census: Counting
Remainder of State 167,708 150,215 -17,493 -10.4% everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
Rhode Island 247,822 223,956 -23,866 -9.6% Retrieved March 20, 2019, from www2.census.gov
Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 9

Children in Single-Parent Families
DEFINITION and 2017 in Rhode Island, 38% of

Children in single-parent families is children in single-parent families lived in Families With Children Under Age 18 and Income Below
the percentage of children under age 18 poverty, compared to 7% of children in the Poverty Threshold, by Race & Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
who live in families headed by a person married-couple families.5 Single-Parent Families Married-Couple Families
– of any gender – who is unmarried, The financial hardship and time
50%
regardless of whether both parents live constraints experienced by many single 47% 47%
40%
in the home but are unmarried or if parents explain some of the differences in
30% 33% 35%
only one parent lives in the home. well-being between the children in single- 30%
20% 25%
These numbers include “own children” parent households and those in two- 20% 19%
10% 6% 4% 12% 5%
defined as never-married, under age 18, parent households.6,7 Regardless of
0%
and related to the family head by birth, parents’ race and level of educational All Races White Black Asian Other Race Hispanic
or Latino*
marriage, or adoption. attainment, children who reside in single-
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B17010, B17010A, B17010B, B17010C,
parent households (whether due to B17010D, B17010F, B17010I. *Hispanic or Latino may be in any race category.
SIGNIFICANCE divorce or the parents never having been
married) are more likely than their peers ◆ Hispanic single-parent families in Rhode Island are more than one and a half times as
According to the U.S. Census
to have low academic achievement and likely as White single-parent families to live in poverty. Hispanic and Black married-couple
Bureau’s American Community Survey,
low levels of social and emotional well- families and married-couple families of “some other race” are more likely than White and
there were 189,600 children living with
being.8,9 Compared to children in married Asian married-couple families in Rhode Island to live in poverty.13
one or more parents in Rhode Island
between 2013 and 2017. Of these, 35% families, children in single-parent families
(65,566) were living with an unmarried are more likely to lack health insurance
coverage, drop out of school, disconnect Family Structure and Child Well-Being
parent, remaining steady since the
period between 2008 and 2012.1,2 from the labor force, and become teen ◆ Family structure influences children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Children living in single-parent parents.10,11 Regardless of whether Children born to and raised in married-parent families have higher rates of economic,
families are more likely to live in children grow up with one or two social, and psychological stability compared to children in single-parent families and
poverty than children living in two- parents, parenting quality is an important families with different-sex cohabitating couples. Children living in single-parent
parent families. Single-parent families predictor of children’s well-being.12 households are more likely to face educational challenges and are more likely to live in
have only one potential wage earner, poverty than children in married-couple families.14,15
compared with the two potential wage Single-Parent Families
earners in two-parent families.3,4 2007 2017 ◆ Children in the U.S. live in a variety of family structures. Among those who live with
Between 2013 and 2017, 75% of RI 33% 35% at least one of their biological parents, 59% live in ‘simple families’ with only biological
children living in poverty in Rhode Island US 32% 34% parent(s) and full sibling(s), and 41% live in ‘complex families’ with single parents,
were living in single-parent families. National Rank* 29th stepparents, stepsiblings, and/or half siblings. Family structure varies by education, with
Children in single-parent families in New England Rank** 6th one in two children whose parents have a high school diploma or less education and
*1st is best; 50th is worst about one in five children with a college-educated parent living in ‘complex’ families.16
Rhode Island were five times more likely
**1st is best; 6th is worst
to be living in poverty than those in
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data ◆ After increasing for several decades, the proportion of births to unmarried families in
married-couple families. Between 2013 Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
the U.S. has leveled off and has been just over 40% since 2009.17 Babies born to
cohabiting couples comprise 25% of all births and 60% of nonmarital births in the U.S.,
10 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community and they account for nearly the entire increase in nonmarital births.18
Children in Single-Parent Families
Table 2. Children's Living Arrangements, Rhode Island, 2010
CHILDREN CHILDREN WHO ARE CHILDREN CHILDREN CHILDREN LIVING CHILDREN CHILDREN LIVING
LIVING IN A HOUSEHOLDER LIVING WITH LIVING WITH IN MARRIED- LIVING WITH IN SINGLE-
HOUSEHOLDS OR SPOUSE NON-RELATIVES OTHER RELATIVES COUPLE FAMILIES GRANDPARENTS PARENT FAMILIES
CITY/TOWN N % N % N % N % N % N %
Barrington 4,597 2 <1% 31 1% 15 0% 3,871 84% 85 2% 593 13% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 3,621 1 <1% 37 1% 51 1% 2,564 71% 225 6% 743 21% U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
Burrillville 3,548 0 0% 110 3% 26 1% 2,353 66% 232 7% 827 23%
The denominator is the number of children under
Central Falls 5,634 3 <1% 90 2% 209 4% 2,159 38% 429 8% 2,744 49% age 18 living in family households according to
Charlestown 1,506 0 0% 15 1% 20 1% 1,059 70% 106 7% 306 20% Census 2010. A family household is defined by
the U.S. Census Bureau as consisting of a
Coventry 7,762 2 <1% 148 2% 72 1% 5,343 69% 549 7% 1,648 21%
householder and one or more people living
Cranston 16,262 5 <1% 226 1% 324 2% 10,462 64% 1,027 6% 4,218 26% together in the same household who are related
Cumberland 7,535 0 0% 97 1% 53 1% 5,651 75% 334 4% 1,400 19% to the householder by birth, marriage or
East Greenwich 3,436 0 0% 21 1% 13 0% 2,889 84% 71 2% 442 13% adoption – it may include others not related to
the householder.
East Providence 9,100 2 <1% 127 1% 154 2% 5,329 59% 675 7% 2,813 31%
Exeter 1,300 0 0% 23 2% 16 1% 996 77% 82 6% 183 14% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence,
Foster 986 0 0% 24 2% 10 1% 741 75% 69 7% 142 14% and Woonsocket.
Glocester 2,098 0 0% 39 2% 26 1% 1,581 75% 137 7% 315 15% References

Hopkinton 1,845 0 0% 46 2% 24 1% 1,327 72% 113 6% 335 18% 1
Jamestown 1,043 0 0% 3 0% 5 0% 799 77% 49 5% 187 18% 2013-2017. Table B09002.
Johnston 5,473 2 <1% 90 2% 114 2% 3,591 66% 380 7% 1,296 24% 2
Lincoln 4,743 3 <1% 61 1% 52 1% 3,270 69% 211 4% 1,146 24% 2008-2012. Table B09002.
Little Compton 654 0 0% 5 1% 1 0% 528 81% 42 6% 78 12% 3,6,12
Waldfogel, J., Craigie, T., & Brooks-Gunn, J.
Middletown 3,634 3 <1% 45 1% 38 1% 2,606 72% 166 5% 776 21% (2010). Fragile families and child wellbeing. The
Narragansett 2,240 2 <1% 35 2% 25 1% 1,533 68% 105 5% 540 24% Future of Children, 20(2), 87-112.
New Shoreham 163 0 0% 1 1% 1 1% 111 68% 4 2% 46 28% 4,7
Family structure. (2015). Washington, DC: Child
Newport 4,060 2 <1% 66 2% 56 1% 2,034 50% 204 5% 1,698 42% Trends
North Kingstown 6,322 1 <1% 57 1% 49 1% 4,639 73% 247 4% 1,329 21% 5
North Providence 5,481 0 0% 81 1% 131 2% 3,266 60% 378 7% 1,625 30% 2013-2017. Table B17006.
North Smithfield 2,456 0 0% 40 2% 13 1% 1,831 75% 96 4% 476 19%
8,10
Blackwell, D. L. (2010). Family structure and
Pawtucket 16,550 17 <1% 239 1% 460 3% 7,488 45% 1,228 7% 7,118 43% children's health in the United States: Findings
Portsmouth 3,940 2 <1% 47 1% 24 1% 2,977 76% 172 4% 718 18% from the National Health Interview Survey,
Providence 41,497 41 <1% 632 2% 1,663 4% 16,931 41% 3,094 7% 19,136 46% 2001-2007. Vital and Health Statistics, 10(246).
Hyattsville, MD: Centers for Disease Control
Richmond 1,836 0 0% 32 2% 16 1% 1,437 78% 104 6% 247 13%
and Prevention.
Scituate 2,272 0 0% 24 1% 22 1% 1,731 76% 139 6% 356 16%
Smithfield 3,615 2 <1% 46 1% 29 1% 2,802 78% 164 5% 572 16%
9
Barajas, M. S. (2011). Academic achievement of
children in single parent homes: A critical review.
South Kingstown 5,364 0 0% 81 2% 31 1% 3,951 74% 248 5% 1,053 20% The Hilltop Review, 5(1), 13-21.
Tiverton 2,998 1 <1% 41 1% 20 1% 2,109 70% 162 5% 665 22%
11
Mather, M. (2010). U.S. children in single-mother
Warren 1,935 4 <1% 42 2% 19 1% 1,124 58% 136 7% 610 32%
families. Washington, DC: Population Reference
Warwick 15,795 3 <1% 308 2% 223 1% 10,476 66% 1,109 7% 3,676 23% Bureau.
West Greenwich 1,468 2 <1% 22 1% 13 1% 1,131 77% 79 5% 221 15% 13
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community
West Warwick 5,746 1 <1% 151 3% 121 2% 3,118 54% 365 6% 1,990 35% Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B17010, B17010A,
Westerly 4,787 4 <1% 82 2% 83 2% 3,012 63% 269 6% 1,337 28% B17010B, B17010D, B17010F, B17010I.
Woonsocket 9,842 10 <1% 203 2% 176 2% 4,237 43% 683 7% 4,533 46% 14
The National Conference on State Legislators.
Four Core Cities 73,523 71 <1% 1,164 2% 2,508 3% 30,815 42% 5,434 7% 33,531 46% (2012). Child poverty rates and family structure.
Remainder of State 149,621 44 <1% 2,304 2% 1,890 1% 102,242 68% 8,534 6% 34,607 23% Retrieved December 16, 2016, from www.ncsl.org
Rhode Island 223,144 115 <1% 3,468 2% 4,398 2% 133,057 60% 13,968 6% 68,138 31% (continued on page 174)

Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren
DEFINITION Many grandparents have informal

Grandparents caring for grandchildren custody arrangements and are not Rhode Island Grandparents Financially Responsible for
is the percentage of family households involved with child welfare agencies, often Their Grandchildren, by Length of Time Responsible, 2013-2017
in which a grandparent is financially receiving fewer services than traditional
responsible for food, shelter, clothing, foster parents.6 Compared to the general % of Total Time
23%
child care, etc. for any or all population, children in informal kinship 23% Less Than 1 Year
grandchildren under age 18 living in care are less likely to be covered by health 21% 1 or 2 Years
41%
the household. insurance and are more likely to have 15% 3 or 4 Years
physical and mental disabilities.7 21% 41% 5 or More Years
SIGNIFICANCE Grandparents and other relative
The number of grandparents raising caregivers can lack information about 15%
the support services (such as training, n=6,182

grandchildren is on the rise. Eight
million grandchildren live in respite, and peer support), resources, Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Table B10050.
households headed primarily by programs, and policies available to

◆ Between 2013 and 2017, there were a total of 13,499 children in Rhode Island living
grandparents and 2.7 million of these them. Nearly all children in kinship care
in households headed by grandparents.13 During this time period, there were 6,182
grandparents serve as the primary are eligible for cash assistance through
grandparents who were financially responsible for their grandchildren, 55% of whom
caregiver. Black and American Indian Temporary Assistance for Needy
had been financially responsible for three or more years.14
and Alaskan Native children are more Families (TANF) regardless of their
likely to be cared for by grandparents household’s income level, yet children
◆ In 2010, 6% (13,968) of all children in Rhode Island lived with a grandparent
than other groups.1 in informal custody arrangements are
caregiver and 2% (4,398) lived with other relatives.15
Grandparents can provide continuity much less likely to receive these
and family support for children in payments.8
◆ Children in the child welfare system have more adverse childhood experiences which
vulnerable families. Children may be in Grandparent caregivers are at risk for
contribute to negative health outcomes in adulthood. Children in foster care with
grandparent care because of child abuse poor physical and mental health. They
relatives have better health outcomes, more stability, and are more likely to have a
or neglect, parental divorce or economic may have difficulty enrolling children in
permanent home.16 Rhode Island regulations state that the Department of Children,
challenges or because they have a parent school and/or seeking health insurance or
Youth and Families (DCYF) must give priority to relatives when placing a child in out-of-
who is unemployed, incarcerated, ill, medical care for the children. Many
home care.17 On December 31, 2018, there were 901 children under age 19 in DCYF care
struggling with substance abuse, or caregivers do not pursue the legal process
who were in out-of-home placements with a grandparent or other relative. These children
coping with other problems.2,3 required for permanent status in order to
made up 43% of all children in out-of-home placements in Rhode Island.18
Twice as many grandmothers are avoid strain on family relationships and
involved in raising grandchildren than due to cost.9,10,11 Grandparents make up
◆ The federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act helps keep
grandfathers. Forty percent of the largest percentage of relative
families together and improve outcomes by allowing federal dollars to support children
grandmother-only caregivers live below caregivers, but aunts, uncles, cousins,
exiting foster care to permanent homes with relative guardians.19 Rhode Island is one of
the poverty line and 76% receive public siblings and other relative caregivers may
35 states with a Guardianship Assistance Program that provides financial assistance
assistance. Nearly one in five of all face similar obstacles.12
payments to grandparents and other relative caregivers who assume legal guardianship.20
grandparent caregivers live in poverty.4,5

Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren
Table 3. Children's Living Arrangements, Rhode Island, 2010
CHILDREN CHILDREN WHO ARE CHILDREN CHILDREN CHILDREN LIVING CHILDREN LIVING CHILDREN
LIVING IN A HOUSEHOLDER LIVING WITH LIVING WITH IN MARRIED IN SINGLE LIVING WITH
HOUSEHOLDS OR SPOUSE NON-RELATIVES OTHER RELATIVES COUPLE FAMILIES PARENT FAMILIES GRANDPARENTS
CITY/TOWN N % N % N % N % N % N %
Barrington 4,597 2 <1% 31 1% 15 0% 3,871 84% 593 13% 85 2% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 3,621 1 <1% 37 1% 51 1% 2,564 71% 743 21% 225 6% U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
Burrillville 3,548 0 0% 110 3% 26 1% 2,353 66% 827 23% 232 7%
The denominator is the number of children under
Central Falls 5,634 3 <1% 90 2% 209 4% 2,159 38% 2,744 49% 429 8% age 18 living in family households according to
Charlestown 1,506 0 0% 15 1% 20 1% 1,059 70% 306 20% 106 7% Census 2010. A family household is defined by
Coventry 7,762 2 <1% 148 2% 72 1% 5,343 69% 1,648 21% 549 7% the U.S. Census Bureau as consisting of a
householder and one or more people living
Cranston 16,262 5 <1% 226 1% 324 2% 10,462 64% 4,218 26% 1,027 6% together in the same household who are related
Cumberland 7,535 0 0% 97 1% 53 1% 5,651 75% 1,400 19% 334 4% to the householder by birth, marriage or
East Greenwich 3,436 0 0% 21 1% 13 0% 2,889 84% 442 13% 71 2% adoption – it may include others not related to
the householder.
East Providence 9,100 2 <1% 127 1% 154 2% 5,329 59% 2,813 31% 675 7%
Exeter 1,300 0 0% 23 2% 16 1% 996 77% 183 14% 82 6% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence,
Foster 986 0 0% 24 2% 10 1% 741 75% 142 14% 69 7% and Woonsocket.
Glocester 2,098 0 0% 39 2% 26 1% 1,581 75% 315 15% 137 7% References

Hopkinton 1,845 0 0% 46 2% 24 1% 1,327 72% 335 18% 113 6% 1,3,4
Peterson, T.L. (2018). Grandparents raising
Jamestown 1,043 0 0% 3 0% 5 0% 799 77% 187 18% 49 5% grandchildren in the African American
Johnston 5,473 2 <1% 90 2% 114 2% 3,591 66% 1,296 24% 380 7% community. Generations, 42(3), 30-36.
Lincoln 4,743 3 <1% 61 1% 52 1% 3,270 69% 1,146 24% 211 4% 2,5,12
Peterson Lent, J. Otto, A. (2018).
Little Compton 654 0 0% 5 1% 1 0% 528 81% 78 12% 42 6% Grandparents, grandchildren, and caregiving:
Middletown 3,634 3 <1% 45 1% 38 1% 2,606 72% 776 21% 166 5% The impacts of America’s substance use crisis.
Generations 42(3), 15-22.
Narragansett 2,240 2 <1% 35 2% 25 1% 1,533 68% 540 24% 105 5%
New Shoreham 163 0 0% 1 1% 1 1% 111 68% 46 28% 4 2%
6,11,16
In loving arms: The protective role of
grandparents and other relatives in raising
Newport 4,060 2 <1% 66 2% 56 1% 2,034 50% 1,698 42% 204 5%
children exposed to trauma. (2017).
North Kingstown 6,322 1 <1% 57 1% 49 1% 4,639 73% 1,329 21% 247 4% Generations United. Washington, DC
North Providence 5,481 0 0% 81 1% 131 2% 3,266 60% 1,625 30% 378 7% 7,8,9
KIDS COUNT. (2012). Stepping up for kids:
North Smithfield 2,456 0 0% 40 2% 13 1% 1,831 75% 476 19% 96 4% What government and communities should do to
Pawtucket 16,550 17 <1% 239 1% 460 3% 7,488 45% 7,118 43% 1,228 7% support kinship families. Baltimore, MD: The
Portsmouth 3,940 2 <1% 47 1% 24 1% 2,977 76% 718 18% 172 4% Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Providence 41,497 41 <1% 632 2% 1,663 4% 16,931 41% 19,136 46% 3,094 7% 10
Walsh, W.A. (2014). Related foster parents less
Richmond 1,836 0 0% 32 2% 16 1% 1,437 78% 247 13% 104 6% likely to receive support services compared with
nonrelative foster parents. Durham, NH: Carsey
Scituate 2,272 0 0% 24 1% 22 1% 1,731 76% 356 16% 139 6%
Institute, University of New Hampshire
Smithfield 3,615 2 <1% 46 1% 29 1% 2,802 78% 572 16% 164 5%
South Kingstown 5,364 0 0% 81 2% 31 1% 3,951 74% 1,053 20% 248 5%
13
Survey, 2013-2017. Table B09018.
Tiverton 2,998 1 <1% 41 1% 20 1% 2,109 70% 665 22% 162 5%
Warren 1,935 4 <1% 42 2% 19 1% 1,124 58% 610 32% 136 7%
14
Survey, 2013-2017. Table B10050.
Warwick 15,795 3 <1% 308 2% 223 1% 10,476 66% 3,676 23% 1,109 7%
West Greenwich 1,468 2 <1% 22 1% 13 1% 1,131 77% 221 15% 79 5% 15
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
West Warwick 5,746 1 <1% 151 3% 121 2% 3,118 54% 1,990 35% 365 6% 17
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth
Westerly 4,787 4 <1% 82 2% 83 2% 3,012 63% 1,337 28% 269 6% and Families. (2009). Kinship care. (Policy
Woonsocket 9,842 10 <1% 203 2% 176 2% 4,237 43% 4,533 46% 683 7% 900.0025). Retrieved January 18, 2019, from
www.dcyf.ri.gov
Four Core Cities 73,523 71 <1% 1,164 2% 2,508 3% 30,815 42% 33,531 46% 5,434 7%
Remainder of State 149,621 44 <1% 2,304 2% 1,890 1% 102,242 68% 34,607 23% 8,534 6% (continued on page 174)
Rhode Island 223,144 115 <1% 3,468 2% 4,398 2% 133,057 60% 68,138 31% 13,968 6%

Mother’s Education Level
DEFINITION higher levels of academic skills. Increasing

Mother’s education level is the maternal education can improve Births by Parental Education Levels, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
percentage of total births to women children’s school readiness, language and Maternal Education Paternal Education
with less than a high school diploma. academic skills, health, employment 11% Less Than a High School Diploma 12% Less Than a High School Diploma
Data are self-reported at the time of the opportunities, and earnings.5,6,7 Higher 21% High School Diploma 24% High School Diploma
infant’s birth. Although a father’s levels of parental education can decrease 23% Some College 21% Some College
education level has an impact on his the likelihood that a child will live in 35% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 29% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
child’s development, this indicator uses poverty.8 Between 2013-2017, women 10% Unknown 14% Unknown
maternal education level because a with bachelor’s degrees in Rhode Island

earned more than twice as much as those 10% 11% 14% 12%
significant number of birth records lack
information on paternal education level. with less than a high school diploma and
almost twice as much as women with a 21%
24%
SIGNIFICANCE high school diploma.9 35%
29%
Parental educational attainment can Between 2013-2017, 11% of Rhode
have an impact on many aspects of Island births were to mothers with less
23% 21%
child well-being, including children’s than a high school diploma and 58% n=53,967
health and health-related behaviors, were to mothers with at least some
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal Child Health Database,
school readiness, and involvement in college education.10 Nationally in 2013, 2013-2017.
pro-social activities.1 Children of 12% of children lived with mothers

with less than a high school diploma, ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, 32% of all infants were born to mothers
parents without high school degrees are with a high school diploma or less, and 36% were born to fathers with a high school
more likely to struggle in school, and 63% had mothers with at least
some college education.11 diploma or less.12
including receiving lower achievement
scores, repeating grades, and failing to
graduate from high school.2 Births to Mothers With Less Poverty Rates for Families Headed by Single Women,
Infant mortality rates increase as Than a High School Diploma, by Educational Attainment, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
mother’s education levels decrease.3 For Rhode Island, 2013-2017 50%
example, in Rhode Island between 2013- 40% 45%
CITY/TOWN % OF BIRTHS
30%
2017, babies born to mothers with a high 32%
Central Falls 33% 20% 26%
school degree or less had a higher infant Pawtucket 16% 10%
9%
0%
mortality rate (5.7 per 1,000) than babies Providence 21%
Less than High School Some College or Bachelor's Degree
born to mothers with more advanced Woonsocket 18% High School Diploma Diploma Associate's Degree or Higher
education (3.5 per 1,000 births).4 Four Core Cities 20%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Table S1702.
Children of more highly educated Remainder of State 5%
parents participate in early learning Rhode Island 11% ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, 45% of families headed by single females
programs and home literacy activities Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center with less than a high school diploma lived in poverty, compared with 9% of those with a
more frequently, and enter school with
for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal Child bachelor’s degree or higher.13
Health Database, 2013-2017.

Mother’s Education Level
Table 4. Births by Education Level of Mother, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
BACHELOR’S DEGREE LESS THAN A
OR ABOVE SOME COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
CITY/TOWN TOTAL # OF BIRTHS N % N % N % N %
Barrington 537 406 76% 47 9% 30 6% 10 *
Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 713 340 48% 177 25% 135 19% 27 4%
Burrillville 660 234 35% 184 28% 155 23% 38 6% Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Data and Analysis, Maternal Child Health Database,
Central Falls 1,606 109 7% 285 18% 472 29% 532 33%
2013-2017. Data are self-reported and reported by
Charlestown 239 92 38% 62 26% 51 21% 11 5%^ the mother’s place of residence, not the place of the
Coventry 1,469 597 41% 436 30% 273 19% 75 5% infant’s birth.
Cranston 3,912 1,650 42% 961 25% 722 18% 257 7% Percentages may not sum to 100% for all communities
Cumberland 1,717 954 56% 367 21% 203 12% 57 3% and the state because the number and percentage of
East Greenwich 558 405 73% 67 12% 32 6% 11 2%^ births with unknown parental education levels are
not included in this table. Between 2013 and 2017,
East Providence 2,331 946 41% 543 23% 474 20% 166 7%
maternal education levels were unknown for 5,395
Exeter 238 121 51% 48 20% 36 15% 17 7%^ births (10%).
Foster 169 61 36% 54 32% 32 19% 6 *
*The data are statistically unreliable, and rates are not
Glocester 333 142 43% 105 32% 49 15% 8 * reported and should not be calculated.
Hopkinton 308 133 43% 79 26% 59 19% 12 4%^
** Unknown births include three births with missing
Jamestown 116 80 69% 20 17%^ 4 * 1 *
maternal residence data.
Johnston 1,328 511 38% 376 28% 256 19% 70 5%
Lincoln 997 491 49% 250 25% 138 14% 48 5% ^The data are statistically unstable, and rates or
percentages should be interpreted with caution.
Little Compton 83 40 48% 27 33% 6 * 1 *
Middletown 844 425 50% 185 22% 134 16% 29 3% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Narragansett 316 182 58% 64 20% 34 11% 7 *
New Shoreham 57 23 40% 18 32% 7 * 2 * References
Newport 1,303 591 45% 186 14% 227 17% 159 12% 1
Parental education. (2015). Washington, DC: Child
North Kingstown 1,097 604 55% 196 18% 161 15% 50 5% Trends Data Bank.
North Providence 1,627 623 38% 449 28% 327 20% 88 5% 2
U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education
North Smithfield 407 202 50% 102 25% 57 14% 15 4%^ Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics.
Pawtucket 4,848 996 21% 1,217 25% 1,268 26% 761 16% (2018). The condition of education 2018. Retrieved
February 11, 2019, from
Portsmouth 618 351 57% 132 21% 67 11% 12 2%^
nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018144.pdf
Providence 12,453 2,534 20% 2,542 20% 3,073 25% 2,605 21%
Richmond 280 142 51% 49 18% 57 20% 10 *
3
Gakidou, E., Cowling, K., Lozano, R., & Murray, C. J.
L. (2010). Increased educational attainment and its
Scituate 394 196 50% 101 26% 56 14% 8 * effect on child mortality in 175 countries between
Smithfield 673 375 56% 160 24% 88 13% 11 2%^ 1970 and 2009: A systemic analysis. The Lancet,
South Kingstown 817 467 57% 131 16% 113 14% 35 4% 376(9745), p. 959-974.
Tiverton 597 254 43% 165 28% 95 16% 27 5%^ 4,10,12
Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for
Warren 455 175 38% 136 30% 83 18% 25 5% Health Data and Analysis, Maternal Child Health
Warwick 3,862 1,721 45% 1,021 26% 685 18% 179 5% Database, 2013-2017.
West Greenwich 230 116 50% 43 19% 42 18% 9 * 5

Executive Office of the President of the United States.
West Warwick 1,720 456 27% 518 30% 454 26% 185 11% (2015). The economics of early childhood investments.
Retrieved February 11, 2019, from
Westerly 913 353 39% 214 23% 209 23% 58 6%
obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs
Woonsocket 2,925 432 15% 654 22% 972 33% 519 18% /early_childhood_report_update_final_non-
Unknown** 217 104 49% 48 22% 37 17% 5 * embargo.pdf
Four Core Cities 21,832 4,071 19% 4,698 22% 5,785 26% 4,417 20% 6
Early school readiness. (2015). Washington, DC: Child
Remainder of State 31,918 14,459 45% 7,673 24% 5,551 17% 1,724 5% Trends.
Rhode Island 53,967 18,633 35% 12,419 23% 11,373 21% 6,146 11% (continued on page 174)

Racial and Ethnic Diversity
DEFINITION or Alaska Native, 9% identified as Some

Racial and ethnic diversity is the other race, and 7% identified as Two or Percent of Population Identified as Non-Hispanic White,
percentage of children under age 18 by more races. In 2010, 21% of children by Age, Rhode Island, 2017
racial and ethnic categories as defined living in Rhode Island were Hispanic.7 100%
by the U.S. Census. Racial and ethnic In 2010, more than two-thirds (67%) 80% 89%
81%
categories are chosen by the head of of all children of color in Rhode Island 60% 64% 66%
lived in the four core cities of Central 55% 59%
household or person completing the 40%
Census form. Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
20%
Woonsocket. Almost three-quarters
0%
SIGNIFICANCE (74%) of children living in the four core Ages 0 to 4 Ages 5 to 14 Ages 15 to 24 Ages 25 to 44 Ages 45 to 64 Ages 65+
Racial and ethnic diversity has cities were children of color.8 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2017.
increased in the United States over the Between 2013 and 2017, there were
8,981 foreign-born children living in ◆ Young children in Rhode Island are less likely to be identified as non-Hispanic White
last several decades and is projected to
Rhode Island, 30% of whom were than any other age group. Fifty-five percent of Rhode Island children under age five
rise in the future.1 Since 2000, all of the
naturalized U.S. citizens.9 Of Rhode identify as non-Hispanic White, compared with 66% of adults ages 25 to 44 and 89% of
growth in the child population in the
Island’s immigrant children, 29% were people age 65 or over.13
U.S. has been among groups other than
non-Hispanic Whites.2 In 2017, 51% of born in Asia, 25% were born in the
Caribbean, 20% were born in Central ◆ The median age of Hispanic Rhode Islanders in 2017 was 28 years, compared with 46
all U.S. children were non-Hispanic
or South America, 13% were born years for White Rhode Islanders, 34 years for Native American Rhode Islanders, 32 years
White.3 By 2023, more than half of all
in Africa, 10% were born in Europe, for Black Rhode Islanders, 31 years for Asian Rhode Islanders, and 20 years for Rhode
children in the U.S. will be children of
and 1% were born in North America Islanders of Two or more races.14
color.4 In Rhode Island, the non-Hispanic
White child population declined by 21% (Canada, Bermuda, or Mexico).10
Between 2013 and 2017, 23% of ◆ Ninety-six percent of children in Rhode Island were born in the U.S.15 Twenty-six
between 2000 and 2010, while the
children between the ages of five and 17 percent of children in Rhode Island live in immigrant families (either they are foreign-
Hispanic child population grew by 31%.5
living in Rhode Island spoke a language born, or they have at least one parent who is foreign-born), slightly above the US rate of
In 2010, 64% of children in Rhode
other than English at home, 96% of 25%.16 Nearly all (97%) children in Rhode Island immigrant families have parents who
Island were non-Hispanic White, down
whom spoke English well or very well.11 arrived in this country more than five years ago.17
from 73% in 2000. The number of
children of color grew by about 13,000 Diversity presents both opportunities
and challenges to schools, child care ◆ Sixteen percent of Rhode Island children in non-immigrant families are poor,
between 2000 and 2010, and the number
providers, health care providers, social compared with 20% of children in immigrant families.18 Sixty-seven percent of Rhode
of non-Hispanic White children decreased
service agencies, and other community Island’s poor children live in families with U.S.-born parents.19
by over 37,000 during the same period.6
Including Hispanics in each race organizations, in terms of adapting
current practices to meet the needs of a ◆ Limited English proficiency can be a barrier to employment opportunities, higher earnings,
category, in 2010 in Rhode Island, 72%
changing population. Many providers access to health care, and parental engagement with education.20 Sixteen percent of Rhode
of children under age 18 were White, 8%
are focusing on a shift toward culturally Island children in immigrant families live in linguistically-isolated households, meaning no
were Black or African American, 3% were
competent services to serve increasingly one 14 years or older speaks only English and no one over 14 speaks English “very well.”21
Asian, less than 1% were American Indian
diverse populations.12

Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Table 5. Child Population, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2010
UNDER AGE 18 BY RACE AND ETHNICITY
AMERICAN NATIVE HAWAIIAN SOME TWO 2010
HISPANIC INDIAN AND AND OTHER OTHER OR MORE POPULATION
CITY/TOWN OR LATINO WHITE BLACK ALASKA NATIVE ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER RACE RACES UNDER AGE 18
Barrington 154 4,096 22 8 163 0 13 141 4,597
Bristol 130 3,298 43 4 40 0 3 105 3,623 U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Redistricting File. All
Burrillville 115 3,310 32 2 12 0 4 101 3,576 categories are mutually exclusive. If Hispanic was
selected as ethnicity, individuals are not included in
Central Falls 3,950 747 492 17 20 2 179 237 5,644 other racial categories. Likewise, if more than one
Charlestown 46 1,331 8 50 16 0 1 54 1,506 race was selected, individuals are included in Two or
Coventry 312 7,065 64 19 77 0 14 219 7,770 more races and not in their individual race
categories.
Cranston 2,966 10,819 693 48 1,075 15 73 725 16,414
Cumberland 542 6,348 154 7 204 3 31 246 7,535 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
East Greenwich 106 3,014 26 5 174 0 6 105 3,436 Woonsocket.
East Providence 799 6,619 619 42 142 1 281 674 9,177 References
Exeter 66 1,216 7 7 10 0 3 25 1,334 1
Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family
Foster 24 913 14 1 16 0 0 18 986 Statistics. (2017). America's children: Key national
Glocester 63 1,942 13 2 24 0 7 47 2,098 indicators of well-being, 2017. Washington, DC: U.S.
Hopkinton 48 1,690 7 15 16 0 3 66 1,845 Government Printing Office.
Jamestown 36 947 4 1 8 0 2 45 1,043 2

O'Hare, W. (2011). The changing child population of the
Johnston 640 4,364 148 1 135 0 22 170 5,480 United States: Analysis of data from the 2010 Census.
Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Lincoln 353 3,885 114 7 164 0 25 203 4,751
Little Compton 18 606 8 1 6 3 2 10 654 3
The Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT Data
Center. (2018). Child population by race–2012 -
Middletown 295 2,779 159 10 124 3 20 262 3,652
2016. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from
Narragansett 91 1,998 30 32 16 0 9 93 2,269 www.datacenter.kidscount.org
New Shoreham 10 149 1 0 0 0 0 3 163
4
Frey, W. H. (2011). America’s diverse future: Initial
Newport 703 2,405 337 37 39 1 33 528 4,083 glimpses at the U.S. child population from the 2010
North Kingstown 289 5,598 75 31 85 2 6 236 6,322 Census. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution.
North Providence 796 3,833 397 15 158 0 74 241 5,514 5,6,7,8
U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 Census.
North Smithfield 114 2,241 15 2 33 0 4 47 2,456
Pawtucket 4,785 6,513 2,727 83 256 7 1,004 1,200 16,575
9
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-
Year Estimates, 2013-2017. Table B05003.
Portsmouth 157 3,537 53 11 58 1 13 166 3,996
Providence 23,166 6,737 6,682 375 2,095 15 494 2,070 41,634
10
Population Reference Bureau analysis of 2012-2015
American Community Survey PUMS data.
Richmond 44 1,729 12 7 15 0 0 42 1,849
Scituate 54 2,145 8 4 29 0 3 29 2,272 11
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-
Year Estimates, 2013-2017. Table B16004.
Smithfield 117 3,337 46 6 41 0 9 69 3,625
South Kingstown 192 4,687 80 81 115 1 18 242 5,416 12
The Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation.
Tiverton 84 2,741 31 3 34 2 9 94 2,998 (2014). Enhancing cultural competence in social service
agencies: A promising approach to serving diverse
Warren 75 1,736 38 10 11 0 4 66 1,940 children and families. Retrieved January 11, 2019,
Warwick 1,048 13,365 275 38 457 2 39 601 15,825 from https://www.acf.hhs.gov
West Greenwich 60 1,353 15 5 16 0 1 27 1,477 13,14
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2017.
West Warwick 590 4,554 142 11 128 3 20 298 5,746
Westerly 252 4,068 68 52 127 2 10 208 4,787
15
Center. (2018). Child population by nativity–2017.
Woonsocket 2,650 5,147 676 37 592 2 35 749 9,888 Retrieved January 10, 2019, from
Four Core Cities 34,551 19,144 10,577 512 2,963 26 1,712 4,256 73,741 datacenter.kidscount.org
Remainder of State 11,389 123,718 3,758 575 3,768 39 762 6,206 150,215
(continued on page 174)
Rhode Island 45,940 142,862 14,335 1,087 6,731 65 2,474 10,462 223,956

Racial and Ethnic Disparities
DEFINITION quarters of the children in Providence

Racial and ethnic disparities is the (84%) and Central Falls (87%) were Residential Segregation and Its Impact on Education
gap that exists in outcomes for children children of color.6
◆ In the U.S., Black and Hispanic students are now more segregated from White students
of different racial and ethnic groups Children living in areas of
than forty years ago.12 White students generally attend schools that are disproportionately
in Rhode Island. Child well-being concentrated poverty, who are more
White and low-poverty, while Black and Hispanic students attend schools that are
outcome areas include economic well- likely to be Black or Hispanic, face
disproportionately students of color and high-poverty.13
being, health, safety, and education. challenges above and beyond the
burdens of individual poverty. The
SIGNIFICANCE ◆ Students in schools with high concentrations of low-income students and students of
Providence metropolitan area has the
color have unequal educational opportunities, with classmates who generally have more
Rhode Island’s children are diverse in 56th highest rate of concentrated
absences and lower graduation rates and teachers who have less teaching experience and
racial and ethnic background. In 2010 poverty in the U.S.7 Residential
are more likely to teach outside their subject area of expertise. Students living in poverty
in Rhode Island, 72% of children under segregation between Whites and Blacks
often face a host of challenges outside the classroom that can negatively impact academic
age 18 were White, 8% were Black or has decreased in the U.S. since the
performance, including inadequate housing, lower parental educational levels, and fewer
African American, 3% were Asian, 1% 1970s, but high levels of residential
opportunities for enriching after-school and summer activities.14,15
were Native American, 9% of children segregation still exist. Hispanics and
were identified as “Some other race,” Asians experience less segregation than
and 7% as “Two or more races.” In Blacks, but the rate of segregation for Percentage of Children Living in Immigrant Families*,
2010, 21% of children living in Rhode these groups has been increasing in New England and United States, 2016-2017
Island were Hispanic.1 recent years.8 The Providence-New
100%
Children who live in poverty, Bedford-Fall River metropolitan
80%
especially those who experience deep area was the ninth most segregated
60%
poverty in early childhood, are more metropolitan area in the nation for
40% 29%
likely to have health, behavioral, Hispanics in 2010.9 26% 27% 25%
20% 11% 8%
educational, and social problems.2,3 Black and Hispanic families were 8%
0%
Between 2013 and 2017, 19% of all disproportionately impacted by the Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Rhode Vermont United
economic recession. In the U.S. between Hampshire Island States
Rhode Island children lived in poverty,
70% of whom were children of color.4 2010 and 2013, White families’ net Source: The Urban Institute Children of Immigrants Data Tool, Data from 2016-2017, www.urban.org
*Percentage reported represents children living in a family with at least one foreign-born parent.
Black, Hispanic, and Native worth rose by 2% while the net worth of
American children are more likely than Black and Hispanic families fell by 15% ◆ Children in immigrant families are defined as children under age 18 living in a family
White and Asian children to live in and 34% respectively. The median net with at least one foreign-born parent. In 2016-2017, 27% (55,000) of Rhode Island
neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.5 worth of White households is more than children were living in immigrant families.16
In 2010, two-thirds (67%) of Rhode 10 times greater than Black or Hispanic
Island’s children of color lived in one of families.10 In Rhode Island, Black and ◆ More than half (54%) of Rhode Island’s Hispanic children live in an immigrant family.17
the four core cities (those cities with the Hispanic families have higher rates of
highest percentage of children living in unemployment and earn lower wages
poverty). In 2010, more than three than White families.11

Economic Well-Being Outcomes, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island Health Outcomes, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island
NATIVE ALL NATIVE ALL
WHITE HISPANIC BLACK ASIAN AMERICAN RACES WHITE HISPANIC BLACK ASIAN AMERICAN RACES
Children in Poverty 14% 38% 29% 9% 64% 19% Children Without

Health Insurance 2.0% 3.9% 2.0% 4.4% NA 2.1%
Births to Mothers with
<12 Years Education 6% 25% 13% 7% 23% 11% Women With Delayed
or No Prenatal Care 12.2% 17.1% 21.8% 15.5% 15.3% 14.7%
Unemployment Rate 3.7% 7.2% 6.3% NA NA 4.1%
Preterm Births 8.0% 9.3% 11.3% 7.7% 13.2% 8.7%
Median Family Income $85,409 $37,585 $46,968 $80,024 $29,009 $79,043
Low Birthweight Infants 6.4% 8.0% 11.2% 7.3% 12.3 7.4%
Homeownership 65% 28% 31% 49% 19% 60%
Infant Mortality
Sources: Children in Poverty data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B17020, (per 1,000 live births) 3.5 5.5 12.2 4.9^ * 5.5
B17020A, B17020B, B17020C, B17020D & B17020I. Maternal Education data are from the Rhode Island Department
of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health Database, 2013-2017 (race data is non-
Births to Teens Ages 15-19
(per 1,000 teens) 7.9 35.2 16.4 4.0 27.1 14.4
Hispanic). Unemployment Rate data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2018.
Median Family Income data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017, Tables B19113,
B19113A, B19113B, B19113C, B19113D & B19113I. Homeownership data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Sources: All data are from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and
Community Survey, 2013-2017, Tables B25003, B25003A, B25003B, B25003C, B25003D & B25003I. For U.S. Child Health Database, 2013-2017 unless otherwise specified. Race data is non-Hispanic. Information is based on self-
Census Bureau data, Hispanics may be included in any of the race categories. All Census data refer only to those reported race and ethnicity. Children without Health Insurance data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, American
individuals who selected one race. NA indicates that the rate was not calculated because the number was too small to Community Survey, 2017, Tables B27001, B27001A, B27001B, B27001D & B27001I. For Births to Teens the
calculate a reliable rate. denominators are the female populations ages 15-19 by race from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010, P12, P14.
For U.S. Census Bureau data, Hispanic also may be included in any of the race categories.
◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 19% of all children, 64% of Native *The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not reported and should not be calculated.
American children, 38% of Hispanic children, 29% of Black children, 14% of White ^The data are statistically unstable and rates or percentages should be interpreted with caution.
children, and 9% of Asian children in Rhode Island lived in families with incomes below
◆ Although progress has been made on many health indicators across racial and ethnic
the federal poverty threshold.18
populations, disparities still exist for a number of maternal and infant health outcomes
in Rhode Island. Women of color are more likely than White women to receive delayed
◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, White households were the most likely to
or no prenatal care and to have infants with low birth weight. Native American, Black,
own their homes while Native American, Hispanic, and Black households were the most
and Hispanic women are also more likely to have preterm births than White and Asian
likely to live in rental units.19
women. Black children are more likely to die in infancy than White, Hispanic, or Asian
children. Hispanic, Native American, and Black youth are more likely than White and
◆ In 2018 in Rhode Island, the unemployment rate among White workers was 3.7%,
Asian youth to give birth as teenagers.23
compared to 6.3% for Black workers and 7.2% for Hispanic workers. Nationally, the
unemployment rate for White workers in 2018 was 3.5%, compared to 6.5% for Black
◆ Black and Hispanic children in Rhode Island are more likely to go to the Emergency
workers and 4.7% for Hispanic workers.20
Department as a result of asthma than White children.24 Nationally, children of Two or more
races and Black children are the most likely of all racial and ethnic groups to have asthma.25
◆ Education is essential for economic success. Adults with less than a high school
diploma are at particular risk of living in poverty and other negative outcomes.21
◆ In 2017, 95% of U.S. children had health insurance coverage. Hispanic (92%) and
Hispanic, Native American, and Black children in Rhode Island are all more likely than
Native American (87%) children had the lowest rates of coverage.26
White and Asian children to be born to mothers with less than a high school diploma.22

Safety Outcomes, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island Education Outcomes, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island
NATIVE ALL NATIVE ALL
WHITE HISPANIC BLACK ASIAN AMERICAN RACES WHITE HISPANIC BLACK ASIAN AMERICAN RACES
Youth at the Third Grade Students

Training School Meeting Expectations
(per 1,000 youth ages 13-18) 1.4 6.6 13.1 1.1 14.9 3.3 in Reading 50% 25% 26% 44% 24% 40%
Children of Incarcerated Third Grade Students
Parents (per 1,000 children) 8.3 15.6 49.9 3.1 37.7 13.8 Meeting Expectations
in Math 45% 22% 21% 49% 15% 35%
Children in Out-of-Home
Placement (per 1,000 children) 6.2 13.4 16.6 1.7 10.1 7.1 Four-Year High School
Graduation Rates 87% 77% 83% 92% 69% 84%
Sources: Youth at the Training School data are from the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, Rhode
Island Training School, Calendar Year 2018. Children of Incarcerated Parents data are from the Rhode Island Immediate College
Department of Corrections, September 30, 2018 and reflect the race of the incarcerated parent (includes only the Enrollment Rates 68% 46% 52% 65% 47% 61%
sentenced population). Children in Out-of-Home Placement data are from the Rhode Island Department of Children, % of Adults Over Age 25
Youth and Families, RICHIST Database, December 31, 2018. Population denominators used for Youth at the With a Bachelor’s Degree
Training School are youth ages 13-18 by race from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010, SF1. Population or Higher 35% 14% 20% 49% 15% 33%
denominators used for Children of Incarcerated Parents and Children in Out-of-Home Placement are the populations
under age 18 by race from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010, SF1.
Sources: Third Grade Students Meeting Expectations in Reading and Math data are from the Rhode Island Department of
Education, Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), 2018. Four Year High School Graduation Rates data
◆ Youth of color continue to be disproportionately represented in the U.S. juvenile are from the Rhode Island Department of Education, Class of 2018. Immediate College Enrollment Rates data are from
justice system. Youth of color (especially Latino and Black youth) are treated more the Rhode Island Department of Education, Class of 2017. Adult Educational Attainment data are from the U.S.
harshly than White youth for the same type and severity of offenses, including detention, Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017, Tables B15003, C15002A, C15002B, C15002C,
C15002D & C15002I. All Census data refer only to those individuals who selected one race and Hispanics also may
processing, and incarceration in juvenile and adult correctional facilities.27 Rhode Island’s be included in any of the race categories.
juvenile justice system continues to have a higher rate of disparity between White and
◆ In Rhode Island, Native American, Black, and Hispanic children are less likely to meet
youth of color than the nation.28
expectations in reading and mathematics in third grade than White or Asian children.32
◆ Black, Native American, and Hispanic children in Rhode Island are more likely than
◆ Nationally and in Rhode Island, Native American, Hispanic, and Black students are
their White and Asian peers to be placed out-of-home through the child welfare system.29
less likely to graduate from high school within four years and are less likely to
Nationally, children of color experience disparate treatment as they enter the foster care
immediately enroll in college than White or Asian students. Gaps in college enrollment
system and while they are in the system. They are more likely than White children under
are particularly large for four-year college enrollment.33,34
similar circumstances to be placed in foster care, remain in the child welfare system
longer, have less contact with child welfare staff, and have lower reunification rates.30
◆ Nationally, Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are more likely than White
and Asian students to be disciplined in school. Schools’ disproportionate use of
◆ Racial and ethnic disproportionality in child welfare and juvenile justice systems is in
disciplinary techniques that remove children from the classroom, such as out-of-school
part a reflection of differential poverty rates between communities of color and White
suspension or expulsion, may contribute to racial and ethnic gaps in school achievement
communities. However, while addressing poverty through policies would reduce out-of-
and drop-out rates.35,36 In Rhode Island during the 2017-2018 school year, students of
home placement rates and juvenile incarceration rates, policies that work directly to
color received 54% of all disciplinary actions, although they made up only 42% of the
reduce racial and ethnic disparities are necessary as well.31
student population.37

References
Rhode Island’s Hispanic Children and Youth 1,6,38,39

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Redistricting 13,14
McArdle, N., Osypuk, T., & Acevedo-Garcia, D.
Data, Summary File, Tables P1, P2, P3, P4, H1. (2010). Segregation and exposure to high-poverty
◆ In 2010, there were 45,940 Hispanic children under age 18 living in Rhode Island, up schools in large metropolitan areas: 2008-2009.
2
Aber, L., Morris, P., & Raver, C. (2012). Children, Retrieved March 6, 2015, from
from 35,326 in 2000. Hispanic children made up 21% of Rhode Island’s child families, and poverty: Definitions, trends, emerging www.diversitydata.org
population in 2010, compared with 14% in 2000.38 science and implications for policy. Sharing Child
and Youth Development Knowledge, 26(3), 1-28. 15
Rothstein, R. (2014). The racial achievement gap,
segregated schools, and segregated neighborhoods-A
◆ In 2010, three-quarters (75%) of the Hispanic children in Rhode Island lived in the
3
Ratcliffe, C. & McKernan, S. (2010). Childhood poverty constitutional insult. Race and Social Problems, 6(4).
persistence: Facts and consequences. Washington, DC:
four core cities of Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. While The Urban Institute. 16,17
The Urban Institute, Children of Immigrants Data
Providence has the largest Hispanic child population overall, Central Falls has the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community
4,18,19,26,33,41
Tool Data From 2016-2017, www.urban.org
highest percentage of Hispanic children.39 Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B17001, B17020A, 20

Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional
B17020B, B17020C, B17020D, B17020H, population by sex, race, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity,
B17020I, B27001A, B27001B, B27001C, and detailed age, 2018 annual averages - Rhode Island
◆ Rhode Island’s Latino children are ranked lowest in the nation on the Race for Results B27001D, B27001I, B25003, B25003A, B25003B, and United States. (2019). U.S. Department of
Opportunity Index that measures indicators of child opportunity, including health, B25003C, B25003D, B25003I, B15003, C15002A, Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area
C15002B, C15002C, C15002D, C15002I, Unemployment Statistics.
education, and economic well-being.40 B19013I, B19113, B01001I & B17001I.
21
Bloom, D. & Haskins, R. (2010). Helping high school
5
Data snapshot on high poverty communities. (2012). dropouts improve their prospects. Princeton, NJ: The
Economics Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Future of Children.
◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 37% percent of Rhode Island’s Hispanic children were living 7
Kneebone, E., Nadeau, C., & Berube, A. (2011). The Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for
22,23,42,43
in poverty, compared to 29% of Hispanic children nationally. The median family income re-emergence of concentrated poverty: Metropolitan Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child
trends in the 2000s. Washington, DC: The Brookings Health Database, 2013-2017.
for Hispanics in Rhode Island was $34,514, compared to $79,043 overall in Rhode Island.41 Institution.
24
Rhode Island Department of Health, Hospital
8
Logan, J. R. & Stults, B. J. (2011). The persistence of Discharge Database, 2013-2017.
Health segregation in the metropolis: New findings from the
2010 Census. Providence, RI: Brown University.
25
National Health Interview Survey. (2017). Table C-1a.
◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, 17.1% percent of Hispanic babies were born Age adjusted percentages (with standard errors) of ever
to women who received delayed or no prenatal care, compared with 14.7% of all babies
9
US2010 Research Project. (n.d.). Dissimilarity index: having asthma and still having asthma for children
White-Hispanic/Hispanic-White all. Retrieved under 18 years, by selected characteristics: United States,
in the state.42 February 22, 2012, from www.s4.brown.edu 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from www.cdc.gov
10
Investing in tomorrow. (2016). Baltimore, MD: The 27
Mendel, R. A. (2011). No place for kids: The case for
◆ Between 2013 and 2017, Hispanic teens between the ages of 15 and 19 in Rhode Annie E. Casey Foundation. reducing juvenile incarceration. Baltimore, MD: The
Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Island had a birth rate that was more than twice as high as the overall teen birth rate in 11
State of working Rhode Island 2017: Paving the way to
Rhode Island (35.2 per 1,000 Hispanic teens ages 15 to 19 compared to 14.4 per 1,000 good jobs. (2017). Providence, RI: The Economic 28
The W. Haywood Burns Institute. (n.d.) Unbalanced
Progress Institute. justice. Retrieved March 11, 2018, from
for all teens).43 data.burnsinstitute.org
12
Orfield, G., Kucsera, J., & Siegel-Hawley, G. (2012). E
Pluribus…Separation: Deepening double segregation 29
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and
Education for more students. Los Angeles, CA: The Civil Rights Families, RICHIST, December 31, 2018.
Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at University of
◆ The four-year high school graduation rate among Hispanic youth in the class of 2018 was California Los Angeles.
30
Policy actions to reduce racial disproportionality and
77%, compared to Rhode Island’s four-year high school graduation rate for all races of 84%.44 disparities in child welfare: A scan of eleven states.
(2009). Washington, DC: Alliance for Racial Equity
in Child Welfare.
◆ The achievement gap between White and Latino students in Rhode Island is among (continued on page 174)
the largest in the U.S.45

Economic
Well-Being

Median Family Income
DEFINITION rate had decreased to 4.2%, the same as

Median family income is the dollar the national unemployment rate, and Median Family Income by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2013-2017*
amount which divides Rhode Island only slightly higher than the overall New $90,000
families’ income distribution into two England rate (3.9%). Despite declines in $80,000 $85,409
$70,000 $79,043 $80,024
equal groups – half with incomes above unemployment, Rhode Island continues $60,000
the median and half with incomes to have gaps in unemployment rates $50,000
$53,797
$40,000 $46,968
below the median. The numbers include by race and ethnicity. In 2018, Rhode $30,000 $37,585 $35,721
only families with their “own children” Island's unemployment rate for White $20,000 $29,009
workers was 3.7%, while it was 6.3% for $10,000
under age 18, defined as never-married 0
children who are related to the family Black workers and 7.2% for Hispanic All Races White Asian Black Hispanic** Native Some Other Two or
head by birth, marriage, or adoption. workers.4,5 American Race More Races
While Rhode Island’s unemployment Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B19113, B19113A, B19113B, B19113C,
SIGNIFICANCE B19113D, B19113F, B19113G, and B19113I. *Median Family Income by race and ethnicity includes all families
rate has declined, many workers remain because data for families with “own children” are not available by race and ethnicity. **Hispanics may be in any race
Median family income is a measure unable to find full-time employment category.
of the ability of families to meet the and struggle to make ends meet with
◆ The median income for White families in Rhode Island is higher than that of Asian
costs of food, clothing, housing, health inadequate and unpredictable income.6
families, and much higher than that of Black, Hispanic, and Native American families.10
care, transportation, child care, and Almost 24 million people in the U.S.
higher education. In 2017, the median work in low-wage jobs where they are
◆ Educational attainment is strongly associated with economic well-being. Rhode
family income for Rhode Island families paid $11.50 per hour or less.7
Islanders who have achieved a Bachelor’s degree or higher have nearly double the wages
with their own children was $79,967.1 Conditions at low-wage jobs, such as
compared to residents who have only completed high school. More than one in three
Rhode Island had the 12th highest fluctuating work hours, lack of paid
Hispanic and more than one in five Black adults in Rhode Island lack a high school
median family income nationally and time off, and strict attendance policies
diploma, compared to one in ten White adults.11
the 4th highest in New England.2 can harm children’s development by
Between 2013 and 2017, Rhode making it difficult for parents to find
◆ According to the 2018 Rhode Island Standard of Need, it costs a single-parent family
Island’s median income for families with and keep affordable high-quality child
with two young children $55,115 a year to pay basic living expenses, including housing,
their own children differed significantly care and education for their children.8
food, health care, child care, transportation, and other miscellaneous items. This family
by family type. The median family In Rhode Island over the past few
would need an annual income of $62,844 to meet this budget without government
income for married two-parent families decades, income inequality has grown.
subsidies.12
($102,759) was almost two and a half In 2015, the top 1% of Rhode Island
times that of male-headed single-parent households had average incomes
◆ An adequate minimum wage and income support programs (including RIte Care
families ($42,018) and more than three ($928,204) that were 18 times more
health insurance, child care subsidies, SNAP/food stamp benefits, and the Earned
and a half times that of female-headed than the bottom 99% ($50,963) of
Income Tax Credit) are critical for helping low-and moderate-income working families in
single-parent families ($27,380).3 households. Rhode Island is ranked
Rhode Island make ends meet.13
Rhode Island had the nation’s highest 32nd of the 50 states in income
unemployment rate in 2010 (11.3%), inequality based on the ratio of top
but by 2017 the state’s unemployment 1% to bottom 99% income.9
24 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

Median Family Income
Table 6. Median Family Income, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
2013-2017 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME FOR
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18
1999 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME ESTIMATES ESTIMATES
FOR FAMILIES WITH WITH HIGH WITH LOWER,
CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 MARGINS ACCEPTABLE
CITY/TOWN (ADJUSTED TO 2017 DOLLARS*) OF ERROR** MARGINS OF ERROR Source of Data for Table/Methodology References
Barrington $131,049 $153,318 Median family income data include only households with 1
Bristol $78,706 $82,067 children under age 18 who meet the U.S. Census 2017. Table B19125.
Burrillville $81,299 $80,025 Bureau’s definition of a family. The U.S. Census
Bureau defines a family as a household that includes
2
Central Falls $32,481 $29,935 2017. Table R1902.
a householder and one or more people living in the
Charlestown $81,291 $88,520 same household who are related to the householder 3
Coventry $90,553 $100,471 by birth, marriage, or adoption. 2013-2017. Table B19126.
Cranston $83,983 $78,750 *The 1999 median family income data are adjusted to 4,6,11
State of working Rhode Island 2017: Paving the way to
Cumberland $100,789 $104,167 2017 constant dollars by multiplying 1999 dollar good jobs. (2017). Providence, RI: The Economic
East Greenwich $160,214 $158,889 values by 1.47587899 as recommended by the U.S. Progress Institute.
Census Bureau.
East Providence $72,134 $67,991 5
Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional
Exeter $108,092 $109,957 The 2013-2017 data come from a Population Reference population by sex, race, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity,
Foster $93,549 $101,250 Bureau analysis of 2013-2017 American Community and detailed age, 2017 annual averages – Rhode Island
Survey data. The American Community Survey is a and United States. (2017). U.S. Department of
Glocester $89,937 $111,902
sample survey, and therefore the median family Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area
Hopkinton $87,179 $101,837 income is an estimate. The reliability of estimates Unemployment Statistics.
Jamestown $117,442 $151,836 vary by community. In general, estimates for small
communities are not as reliable as estimates for larger 7
Patrick, K., Berlan, M., & Harwood, M. (2018). Low-
Johnston $83,595 $81,357
communities. wage jobs held primarily by women will grow the most
Lincoln $95,150 $79,694 over the next decade. Washington, DC: National
Little Compton $83,651 $96,250 **The Margin of Error around the estimate is greater Women’s Law Center.
than or equal to 25 percent of the estimate.
Middletown $81,618 $74,836 8
Vogtman, J. & Schulman, K. (2016). Set up to fail:
Narragansett $100,729 $134,706 The Margin of Error is a measure of the reliability of the When low-wage work jeopardizes parents’ and children’s
estimate and is provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. success. Washington, DC: National Women’s Law
New Shoreham $80,943 $64,375
The Margin of Error means that there is a 90 percent Center.
Newport $63,647 $81,597 chance that the true value is no less than the estimate
North Kingstown $98,567 $107,455 minus the Margin of Error and no more than the 9
Sommeiller, E. & Price, M. (2018). The new gilded age:
North Providence $74,522 $75,154 estimate plus the Margin of Error. See the Income inequality in the U.S. by state, metropolitan
Methodology Section for Margins of Errors for all area, and county. Washington, DC: Economic Policy
North Smithfield $104,885 $106,047
communities. Institute.
Pawtucket $49,533 $42,969
Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and 10
Portsmouth $99,437 $115,101
Woonsocket. 2013-2017. Tables B19113, B19113A, B19113B,
Providence $36,227 $37,183 B19113C, B19113D, B19113F, B19113G, &
Richmond $93,677 $105,400 NA: Median family income cannot be calculated for B19113I.
combinations of cities and towns (i.e., Four Core
Scituate $102,035 $93,929 Cities and Remainder of State). 12,13
The 2018 Rhode Island standard of need. (2018).
Smithfield $98,958 $121,579 Providence, RI: The Economic Progress Institute.
South Kingstown $100,751 $117,059
Tiverton $94,191 $80,727
Warren $79,022 $61,250
Warwick $84,181 $85,346
West Greenwich $103,533 $111,908
West Warwick $61,736 $60,641
Westerly $76,707 $72,143
Woonsocket $50,866 $31,883
Four Core Cities NA NA
Remainder of State NA NA
Rhode Island $74,616 $72,430
Economic Well-Being / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 25

Cost of Housing
DEFINITION In 2018, the Area Median Income

Cost of housing is the percentage of for families in Rhode Island was Average Rent, Two-Bedroom Apartment, Rhode Island, 2014-2018
income needed by a very low-income $81,384.6 Families with this income can $2,000
family to cover the average cost of rent.1 afford to purchase a median-priced,
$1,500
The U.S. Department of Housing and single-family home in 16 of the 39 $1,621
$1,393
Urban Development (HUD) defines a communities in the state. In 2017, the $1,000
very low-income family as a family with median cost of a single-family home in $500
an income less than 50% of the Area Rhode Island was $255,000, 25%
$0
Median Income. A cost burden exists higher than in 2012, but still 22% 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
when more than 30% of a family’s lower than in 2007.7 Source: Rhode Island Housing, Rhode Island Rent Surveys, 2014-2018. Rents include adjustments for the cost of heat,
cooking fuel, electricity, and hot water. Adjustments for utilities for each year vary according to HUD annual utility
monthly income is spent on housing. Federally-funded Section 8 Housing allowances.
Choice rental vouchers can help low-
SIGNIFICANCE income individuals and families afford ◆ In 2018, the average cost of rent in Rhode Island rose by almost $60 from $1,561 in
the cost of housing; however, there are 2017 to $1,621, increasing 16% since 2014.11
Poor quality, unaffordable, or
crowded housing has a negative impact not enough vouchers to meet the need.
Long waiting periods are common and ◆ The percentage of renters in Rhode Island who spent 30% or more of their household
on children’s physical health,
housing authorities may close waiting income on rent was 46% in 2017, down from 49% in 2008. The percentage of
development, and emotional well-being
lists when there are more families on the homeowners who had a cost burden due to their mortgages decreased from 42% in
and on a family’s ability to meet a
list than can be helped in the near 2008 to 32% in 2017.12,13
child’s basic needs. Children who live in
families with cost burdens may live in future.8 Rhode Island’s FY 2015 budget
low-quality and overcrowded housing increased the real estate conveyance tax
Cost of Heating and Other Utilities
and move frequently, all of which have and created a dedicated funding stream
been linked to lower educational for housing subsidies as well as ◆ High energy costs make housing even less affordable for low-income families. Research
achievement and increased risk of homelessness prevention, housing shows that children in households experiencing energy shutoffs are also at risk of food
homelessness.2,3 retention, and lead abatement.9 Rhode insecurity, poor health, and developmental delays.14
In 2018, a worker would have to Island invests $5.21 per capita in
earn $31.17 an hour and work 40 hours affordable homes, compared to ◆ Rhode Island state law prohibits utility shutoffs for protected customers (such as the
a week year-round to be able to afford neighboring Massachusetts which unemployed and low-income families with children under age two) and customers facing
the average rent in Rhode Island invests $100.12 per capita, 20 times as financial hardships during the moratorium period from November 1 through April 15.15
without a cost burden. This hourly much. Rhode Island State Law
wage is more than three times the 2018 establishes a goal that 10% of every ◆ The federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
minimum wage of $10.10 per hour.4 In community’s housing stock qualify as provides financial assistance to Rhode Island’s low-income households to meet home
2017, Rhode Island required the 18th Low- and Moderate-Income Housing. heating and energy costs.16 Rhode Island’s FFY 2018 allocation for LIHEAP was $26.9
highest hourly wage to afford the rent Currently, only six of Rhode Island’s 39 million.17 In 2016, Rhode Island created a LIHEAP Enhancement Plan that established
for a two-bedroom home of any state.5 cities and towns meet that goal.10 per-payment forgiveness of utility debt and allowed previously homeless families to
obtain a crisis grant to cover the down payment required to participate in this program.18

Cost of Housing
Table 7. Cost of Housing for Very Low-Income Families, Rhode Island, 2018
FAMILY INCOME HOMEOWNERSHIP COSTS RENTAL COSTS
2018 2018 TYPICAL % INCOME NEEDED AVERAGE % INCOME NEEDED % INCOME
POVERTY LEVEL VERY LOW- MONTHLY FOR HOUSING RENT FOR RENT NEEDED FOR RENT
FAMILY INCOME HOUSING PAYMENT, VERY 2-BEDROOM POVERTY LEVEL VERY LOW- 2018 poverty level for a family of three as reported in:
CITY/TOWN OF THREE FAMILY PAYMENT LOW-INCOME FAMILY APARTMENT FAMILY OF THREE INCOME FAMILY Federal Register, 82(19), January 31, 2018, pages
8831-8832.
Barrington $20,780 $36,150 $3,113 103% $1,293 75% 43%
Bristol $20,780 $36,150 $2,212 73% $1,346 78% 45% A very low-income family as defined by the U.S.
Burrillville $20,780 $36,150 $1,773 59% $914 53% 30% Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) is a three-person family with income 50% of
Central Falls $20,780 $36,150 $1,069 35% $1,410 81% 47% the Area Median Income and is defined separately
Charlestown* $20,780 $36,150 $2,348 78% $1,014 59% 34% for each of the three metropolitan areas comprising
Coventry $20,780 $36,150 $1,756 58% $1,626 94% 54% Rhode Island and for the state as a whole. Core city
and remainder of state are calculated by Rhode
Cranston $20,780 $36,150 $1,764 59% $1,606 93% 53%
Island KIDS COUNT using unweighted
Cumberland $20,780 $36,150 $1,935 64% $1,846 107% 61% community data. Reported by Rhode Island
East Greenwich $20,780 $36,150 $3,478 115% $1,653 95% 55% Housing. (2018). 2018 Rhode Island income limits
East Providence $20,780 $36,150 $1,712 57% $1,630 94% 54% for low- and moderate-income households. Retrieved
January 29, 2019, from www.rhodeislandhousing.org
Exeter $20,780 $36,150 $2,198 73% $1,123 65% 37%
Foster* $20,780 $36,150 $2,240 74% $1,014 59% 34% Data on typical monthly housing payments are from
HousingWorks RI’s 2018 Housing Fact Book. They
Glocester* $20,780 $36,150 $2,066 69% $1,014 59% 34%
are based on the median selling price of a single-
Hopkinton* $20,780 $36,000 $1,843 61% $1,161 67% 39% family home using year-end 2017 data and
Jamestown* $20,780 $36,150 $4,060 135% $1,014 59% 34% calculated based on a 30-year mortgage at a 3.65%
Johnston $20,780 $36,150 $1,822 60% $1,759 102% 58% interest rate with a 3.5% down payment. The typical
monthly housing payment for the state comes from
Lincoln $20,780 $36,150 $2,454 81% $1,647 95% 55% HousingWorks RI, but core city and remainder of
Little Compton* $20,780 $36,150 $3,500 116% $1,014 59% 34% state are calculated by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Middletown $20,780 $42,350 $2,646 75% $1,579 91% 45% using unweighted community data.
Narragansett $20,780 $36,150 $2,713 90% $1,550 90% 51% Rhode Island Housing, Rhode Island Rent Survey, 2018.
New Shoreham* $20,780 $36,000 $5,787 193% $1,161 67% 39% Estimates include rent and utility costs. Starting with
Newport $20,780 $42,350 $2,966 84% $1,572 91% 45% the 2019 Factbook average rent is calculated using
the CoStar database for two-bedroom units. Average
North Kingstown $20,780 $36,150 $2,395 80% $1,522 88% 51% utility costs from the U.S. Census American
North Providence $20,780 $36,150 $1,756 58% $1,501 87% 50% Community Survey’s annual one-year sample, which
North Smithfield $20,780 $36,150 $2,004 67% $1,349 78% 45% includes gas, fuel, water, and electricity for two-
bedroom units. All values are in unadjusted dollars.
Pawtucket $20,780 $36,150 $1,492 50% $1,374 79% 46%
Statewide average based on all units in state. Data
Portsmouth $20,780 $42,350 $2,658 75% $1,782 103% 50% cannot be compared to prior Factbooks.
Providence** $20,780 $36,150 $1,257 42% $1,760 102% 58%
*Rhode Island Housing 2018 Rhode Island Rent Survey
Richmond* $20,780 $36,150 $2,131 71% $1,014 59% 34% data are not available. Average rent used for these
Scituate* $20,780 $36,150 $2,055 68% $1,014 59% 34% communities is the HUD 2018 Fair Market Rent for
Smithfield $20,780 $36,150 $2,107 70% $1,156 67% 38% the metropolitan area as reported by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
South Kingstown* $20,780 $36,150 $2,426 81% $1,014 59% 34%
Tiverton $20,780 $36,150 $2,065 69% $1,532 88% 51% The average rent calculated for the state as a whole, for
Warren $20,780 $36,150 $2,028 67% $1,653 95% 55% the remainder of state, and four core cities do not
include communities for which data from the Rhode
Warwick $20,780 $36,150 $1,611 53% $1,601 92% 53% Island Rent Survey were not available.
West Greenwich $20,780 $36,150 $2,664 88% $1,933 112% 64%
Statewide average rent is calculated by taking an average
West Warwick $20,780 $36,150 $1,597 53% $1,548 89% 51%
of all listings statewide. Rent averages for the four
Westerly $20,780 $36,000 $2,106 70% $1,463 84% 49% core cities and the remainder of state are calculated
Woonsocket $20,780 $36,150 $1,497 50% $1,177 68% 39% using weighted community data from Rhode Island
Four Core Cities $20,780 $36,150 $1,329 44% $1,637 95% 54% Housing.
Remainder of State $20,780 $36,669 $2,400 79% $1,614 93% 53% (Sources continued with References on page 175)
Rhode Island $20,780 $36,350 $1,851 61% $1,621 94% 54%

Homeless Children
DEFINITION achievement.6,7 When homeless children

Homeless children is the number of are exposed to multiple traumatic events, Children in Emergency Shelters, Domestic Violence Shelters,
children under age 18 who stayed at they may have increased levels of anxiety, and Transitional Housing Facilities by Age, 2018
homeless shelters, domestic violence poor impulse control, and difficulty
shelters or transitional housing facilities developing trusting relationships.8,9 15%
in Rhode Island with their families. This Families who have experienced 42% Ages 0-6
number does not include homeless and homelessness have higher rates of family 43% Ages 7-12
separation than other low-income 42%
runaway youth who are unaccompanied 15% Ages 13-17
by their families. families, with children separated from
43%
their parents due to shelter rules, state n=653
SIGNIFICANCE intervention, and/or parents’ desires to
In the United States, 2.5 million protect their children from homelessness.
Homeless children are more likely to Source: Rhode Island Emergency Shelter Information Project, 2018.
children (one in 30) are homeless each
year.1 Families can become homeless have been placed in foster care (12%)
due to lack of affordable housing, than other children (1%). Homelessness
Supporting Homeless Children in Schools
unemployment, low-paying jobs, extreme also can be a barrier to reunification; it is
estimated that more than 30% of ◆ Family residential instability and homelessness contribute to poor educational
poverty and decreasing government
children in foster care in the U.S. could outcomes for children. Homeless children are more likely to change schools, be
supports. Other causes include domestic
return home if their parents had chronically absent from school, and have lower academic achievement than children who
violence, mental illness, substance abuse,
adequate housing.10 have housing.13 In Rhode Island, just 60.7% of homeless students graduate high school
and frayed social support networks.2,3,4
In 2018, 403 families with 653 on-time compared to 84.1% of all students.14
Compared with their peers, homeless
children are more likely to become ill children stayed at an emergency homeless
shelter, domestic violence shelter, or ◆ The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) requires
(particularly with illnesses such as
transitional housing facility in Rhode that states identify homeless children, allow them to enroll in school even if they lack
stomach problems, ear infections, and
Island. Children made up 17% of the required documents, allow them to stay in their “home school,” provide transportation
asthma), develop mental health issues
people who used emergency homeless when needed, and offer services including health, dental, and mental health services,
(such as anxiety, depression, and
shelters, domestic violence shelters, and tutoring, etc., needed to help them succeed in school.15
withdrawal), experience significant
educational disruption, and exhibit transitional housing in 2018. Forty-two
percent of these children were under age ◆ The McKinney-Vento Act defines a child as homeless if he or she does not have a
delinquent or aggressive behaviors.
six, not yet school age. As of December “fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence.”16 During the 2017-2018 school year,
Homeless children go hungry at twice
12, 2018, there were 152 families on the Rhode Island public school personnel identified 1,539 children as homeless. Of these
the rate of other children.5
state’s wait list awaiting shelter.11 children, 72% lived with other families (“doubled up”), 19% lived in shelters, 7% lived
Homeless children are at a higher risk
In 2018, United Way 211 received in hotels or motels, and 2% were unsheltered.17
of abuse and exposure to violence. This
trauma can lead to an increase in 95,406 calls from individuals and
families seeking housing or shelter and ◆ The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which re-authorized McKinney-Vento
developmental delays and emotional
2,980 related to foreclosure prevention.12 in 2015, strengthens existing provisions for homeless students, guarantees school stability
distress and a decrease in academic
for students starting in preschool, and requires schools to report on student achievement
and graduation rates for homeless students.18
Homeless Children
Table 8. Homeless Children Identified by Public Schools,
Rhode Island, 2017-2018 School Year
SCHOOL TOTAL # OF CHILDREN IDENTIFIED AS
DISTRICT ENROLLMENT HOMELESS BY PUBLIC SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Barrington 3,362 *
Supporting Young Children Bristol Warren 3,226 24 Rhode Island Department of Education, Public School
Burrillville 2,273 52 Enrollment in grades preschool to 12 on October 1,
Experiencing Homelessness 2017.
Central Falls 2,518 113
◆ Many homeless families are comprised Chariho 3,211 33 Number of children identified as homeless by public
school personnel includes children in preschool
of single mothers with children. There are Coventry 4,746 96
through grade 12 who are identified by public school
significant barriers to employment for Cranston 10,364 46 personnel as meeting the McKinney-Vento definition
these mothers experiencing homelessness, Cumberland 4,647 11 of homelessness, which includes any child who does
East Greenwich 2,498 0 not have a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
including low levels of education, lack of residence.”
East Providence 5,267 41
employment histories, and unreliable Charter schools include Achievement First Rhode Island,
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,680 *
childcare. To secure stable employment, Foster 295 *
Beacon Charter School, Blackstone Academy,
Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, Charette
homeless parents need education, job Foster-Glocester 1,257 16 Charter, The Compass School, The Greene School,
skills, and safe, dependable care for their Glocester 540 * Highlander, International Charter, Kingston Hill
children.19 Jamestown 494 * Academy, Learning Community, Paul Cuffee Charter
School, Rhode Island Nurses Institute, RISE Prep
Johnston 3,265 *
Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for Learning,
◆ The Child Care and Development Fund Lincoln 3,083 20 Sheila C. "Skip" Nowell Leadership Academy,
Little Compton 248 0 Southside Charter School, Trinity Academy for the
(CCDF) is a federal and state partnership Performing Arts, and Village Green Virtual. State-
Middletown 2,181 107
program authorized under the Child Care operated schools reporting include the Metropolitan
Narragansett 1,323 * Regional Career & Technical Center and the Rhode
and Development Block Grant Act New Shoreham 120 0 Island School for the Deaf.
(CCDBG). CCDF provides financial Newport 2,237 96
The Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, Warwick,
assistance to low-income families for child North Kingstown 3,955 42 and Woonsocket school districts received grants that
care, so parents can attend work, job North Providence 3,631 46 provided additional resources to identify and serve
homeless students.
training, or educational programs.20 North Smithfield 1,734 *
Pawtucket 8,738 68 *Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
Portsmouth 2,442 * numbers are not shown to protect student
◆ Despite the fact that early care and confidentiality. These students are still counted in
Providence 24,075 261
education can help mitigate the impacts district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Scituate 1,269 0 of state, and state totals.
of homelessness on children, homeless Smithfield 2,395 54
Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
parents are less likely to receive child care South Kingstown 3,069 34 Woonsocket.
assistance than other families.21 Tiverton 1,835 0
References
Warwick 8,953 84
1,4,19
Bassuk, E.L., DeCandia, C.J., Beach, C.A., &
◆ New CCDBG regulations were issued West Warwick 2,790 10
Berman, F. (2014). America’s youngest outcasts: A
Westerly 3,588 64
in 2016. Under the new regulations, report card on child homelessness. Needham, MA: The
Woonsocket 5,982 129 National Center on Family Homelessness.
homeless children are considered a
Charter Schools 7,909 48 2,5,10
The characteristics and needs of families experiencing
priority category. Offering priority to State-Operated Schools 1,749 10 homelessness. (2011). Needham, MA: The National
families experiencing homelessness can UCAP 136 0 Center on Family Homelessness.
include prioritizing enrollment and Four Core Cities 41,313 571 (continued on page 175)
waiving copayments for child care.22 Remainder of State 91,842 910
Rhode Island 142,949 1,539

Secure Parental Employment
DEFINITION Even when families have adults with

Secure parental employment is the secure parental employment, low wages Employment Status of Parents by Family Type, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
percentage of children living with at cause many families to remain in One or Both Parents in Labor Force No Parent in Labor Force
least one parent who has full-time, poverty. Nationally, 30% of working
100%
year-round employment. families are low income (9.9 million). 92%
99%
80% 90%
While the number of low-income 80%
60%
SIGNIFICANCE working families fell slightly between
40%
Secure parental employment 2015 and 2016, there are more low- 20%
20% 8% 10%
increases family income and reduces income working families than at the 1%
0%
poverty. Children with parents who onset of the recession in 2007 (9.5 All Families Two-Parent Single-Father Single-Mother
have steady employment are more likely million). Additionally, people of color
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Table B23008.
to have access to health care. Secure are overrepresented among low-income
parental employment improves family working families. In 2016, families ◆ The majority of children living in Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017 had one or
functioning by reducing the stress headed by people of color represented both parents in the labor force. Children living with a single parent were 12 times more
brought on by unemployment and 41% of all working families, while likely than children living in a two-parent family to have no parents in the labor force.
underemployment of parents. Children accounting for 60% of low-income Of children in two-parent families, 71% had both parents in the labor force.8
with working parents are more engaged working families. In the workforce,
academically and less likely to repeat a low-income individuals tend to have ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, there were 15,497 Rhode Island children living in families
grade or be suspended or expelled from few opportunities for advancement, with no parent in the labor force. Children living in families with a single parent
school than children with non-working limited benefits, and an overall lack of represented 88% (13,623) of families with no employed parents.9
parents.1,2 economic security.7
Rhode Island’s unemployment rate ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 16% (3,923) of Rhode Island families with incomes below
decreased from 4.5% in December Children Living in Families the federal poverty threshold had at least one adult with full-time, year-round
Where No Parent Has Full-Time, employment, and 41% of Rhode Island families living in poverty had at least one adult
2017 to 3.9% in December 2018 and
Year-Round Employment working part-time.10
is now at the same level as the U.S.
unemployment rate. During the 2010 2016
recession in December 2009, Rhode RI 34% 31% ◆ According to the 2018 Rhode Island Standard of Need, 67% of Rhode Island single-
US 33% 28% parent families and 28% of two-parent families with two or more children earn less than
Island’s unemployment rate was
National Rank* 38th the income required to meet their basic needs without public benefits such as SNAP/food
11.1%.3,4
New England Rank** 6th stamps, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child care subsidies, and health
In 2017, 6% of children in Rhode
*1st is best; 50th is worst insurance.11
Island and 5% of children in the U.S. **1st is best; 6th is worst
had at least one unemployed parent.5 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT
Children with unemployed parents are Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 72% of children under age six and 76% of children ages six
at increased risk for homelessness, child to 17 in Rhode Island had all parents in the labor force. In comparison, nationally, 65%
abuse or neglect, and failure to finish of children under age six and 71% of children ages six to 17 had all parents in the labor
high school or college.6 force.12

Secure Parental Employment
Barriers to Secure Employment for Low-Income Families Secure Employment and Child Care
◆ Families leaving cash assistance can face many barriers to employment. Research ◆ Research shows a link between adequate child care availability and sustained maternal
shows that families who leave welfare due to time limits or sanctions often have barriers labor force participation. Studies find that mothers report that the lack of reliable and
such as mental and physical impairments, a child with a disability, or learning disabilities affordable child care arrangements affected their ability to remain employed.20
that can impede their ability to secure or sustain employment.13
◆ In 2017 in Rhode Island, a single mother earning the state median income for a
◆ Low-income workers are less likely to have benefits, such as paid time off and flexible single-parent family ($26,809) would have to spend half (49.9%) of her income to pay
work schedules, that would allow them to address the needs of sick children.14 for child care for an infant in center-based care.21
Approximately 60% of the entire U.S. workforce qualifies for the federal Family and
Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but many who are eligible cannot afford to take it.15 In 2013, ◆ In Rhode Island, child care assistance is available to all income-eligible working families
Rhode Island passed legislation that created the Temporary Caregivers Insurance (TCI) with incomes at or below 180% of the federal poverty level ($38,394 for a family of three
Program, which provides up to four weeks of benefits for workers who need to care for a in 2019). Families may continue to receive their child care subsidy until their income
seriously ill family member or to bond with a newborn, foster, or adopted child.16 Rhode reaches 225% of the federal poverty level ($47,993 for a family of three).22,23,24
Island is one of six states that offer paid family leave.17
◆ Limited education also can be a barrier to sustained employment. Between 2013 and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC)
2017 in Rhode Island, adults without a high school diploma were nearly four times as
◆ State and federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) provide tax reductions and wage
likely to be unemployed as those with a bachelor’s degree.18
supplements for low- and moderate-income working families. EITCs reduce child poverty,
decrease taxes, and serve as an incentive to work for families struggling to make ends meet.
◆ Having access to work supports, such as tax credits, SNAP/food stamps, child care,
The federal EITC is the nation’s most effective antipoverty program for working families. It
and health insurance, can facilitate steady employment over time. Researchers have found
lifted 5.8 million people, including about 3 million children, out of poverty in 2016.25,26
links between these programs and positive employment outcomes for parents, such as
work stability and earnings.19
◆ Benefits of the EITC extend well beyond the time families receive the credit. EITC
References recipients are more likely to work and earn higher wages, and their children do better in
school, are more likely to attend college, and earn more as adults.27
1
Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family 5
Statistics. (2017). America’s children: Key national Center. (2018). Children with at least one unemployed
indicators of well-being, 2017. Washington, DC: U.S. parent - 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2019, from ◆ State EITCs can supplement the federal EITC to further support working families. In
Government Printing Office. www.datacenter.kidscount.org
2016, the Rhode Island General Assembly increased the state's EITC from 12.5% to 15%
2
Isaacs, J. (2013). Unemployment from a child’s perspective. 6
Lovell, P. & Isaacs, J. B. (2010). Families of the recession:
of the federal EITC. In 2017, approximately 81,000 Rhode Island working families and
Washington, DC: Urban Institute and First Focus. Unemployed parents and their children. Washington,
DC: First Focus. individuals received a total of $185 million in federal EITC tax credits.28,29
3
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
(n.d.). Rhode Island labor force statistics, seasonally 7
Jarosz, B. & Mather, M. (2018). Low-income working
adjusted 1976-present. Retrieved January 17, 2019, families: Rising inequality despite economic recovery. ◆ The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps working families offset the cost of raising children.
from www.dlt.ri.gov Retrieved January 7, 2019, from
www.workingpoorfamilies.org
The CTC lifted 2.7 million people out of poverty in 2016, including 1.5 million
4
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. children. Boosting a family’s income can expand opportunities for children and improve
(n.d.). United States labor force statistics seasonally 8,9
adjusted (in thousands) 1978-present. Retrieved 2013-2017. Table B23008. their immediate well-being, as well as improve outcomes into adulthood.30
January 7, 2019, from www.dlt.ri.gov
Paid Family Leave
DEFINITION sector workers and 17% of public sector

Paid family leave is the number of workers), the majority do not. High- Approved Temporary Caregiver Insurance Claims by Type,
approved claims to bond with a new wage workers are much more likely to Rhode Island, 2014-2018
child or to care for a seriously ill family have access to paid family leave than New Child Seriously Ill Family Member
member through Rhode Island’s low-wage workers. More than three in 8,000
6,760
Temporary Caregiver Insurance four employees in the U.S. report not 6,000
5,882 6,224
1,370
4,941 1,198 1,256
Program (TCI). being able to take family leave when 3,870 1,138 5,390
4,000 4,684 4,968
needed because it was unpaid.5 1,023 3,803
SIGNIFICANCE 2,000 2,847
Paid family leave provides job security
Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregiver and consistent income so that working 0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Insurance (TCI) program, established parents can care for a new child or any
Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, TCI Program, 2014-2018
in 2014, provides up to four weeks of worker can care for a seriously ill family
partial wage replacement benefits to member. Taking time off from work ◆ There were 6,760 approved claims for TCI during 2018 (up from 6,224 in 2017); 80%
eligible workers who need to take time to care for a new child reduces infant were to bond with a new child and 20% were to care for a seriously ill family member.
off from work to bond with a newborn, mortality rates and child abuse, improves Forty-four percent of individuals contributing to TDI/TCI earn less than $20,000, yet only
adopted or foster child, or to care for a breastfeeding rates and duration, and 16% of all approved TCI claims were for an individual with wages in this category.12
seriously ill family member. The TCI increases preventive medical care and
program is financed entirely by immunizations. Mothers who take at ◆ Of the 5,390 approved claims to bond with a new child, 98% (5,256) were for a
employee contributions.1 least 12 weeks off from work after newborn child and 2% were for a newly adopted (27), foster (64), or other child (43).
Almost all advanced, industrialized the birth of a child are less likely to Forty-one percent of claims to bond with a new child were filed by men and 59% were filed
nations guarantee paid leave for new experience depression, which can by women.13
mothers and many include new fathers. improve the quality of the care they are
In many European countries, families able to provide to their infants. Providing ◆ Of the 1,370 approved claims to care for a seriously ill family member, 55% were to care
receive at least six months of paid leave to time off from work for new parents gives for a spouse or domestic partner, 30% were to care for a parent or parent-in-law, 14% were
care for a new baby.2 The U.S. requires babies time to form secure attachments, to care for a child, and 1% were to care for a grandparent. Thirty-one percent of claims to
employers with 50 or more workers to which form the foundation for healthy care for a seriously ill family member were filed by men and 69% were filed by women.14
offer 12 weeks of leave for workers to care relationships and development.6,7,8,9
for a new child or to care for a seriously Rhode Island’s Temporary Disability
Insurance Program (TDI) provides Temporary Disability Insurance for Pregnancy Complications & Childbirth
ill family member; however the time off
can be unpaid.3 Rhode Island’s 1987 partial-wage replacement for ◆ In 2018, there were 1,532 approved TDI claims for disabling pregnancy complications
Parental and Family Medical Leave Act participating workers who are and 1,798 TDI claims to recover from childbirth.15 Recovery from childbirth is a
requires a 13-week leave, but does not temporarily unable to work because disabling condition covered by TDI. In general, six weeks is covered for vaginal births
require that the leave be paid.4 of a physical or mental condition, and eight weeks for cesarean section births. More time can be approved for postpartum
Although some workers in the U.S. including pregnancy complications complications, based on the health care provider’s determination. TDI is not available to
have access to paid leave through their and recovery from childbirth.10,11 TCI new parents who do not give birth (e.g., fathers and adoptive parents).16
employers (estimated at 11% of private supplements TDI; women who give
birth are eligible for both.

Paid Family Leave
Table 9. Approved Temporary Disability Claims for Childbirth & Temporary Caregiver Claims
for Paid Family Leave, Rhode Island, 2018
TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE (TDI) CLAIMS TEMPORARY CAREGIVER INSURANCE (TCI) CLAIMS
TDI FOR PREGNANCY TDI FOR TOTAL TDI TCI TO BOND TCI TO CARE FOR TOTAL TCI
CITY/TOWN COMPLICATIONS CHILDBIRTH CLAIMS WITH NEW CHILD FAMILY MEMBER CLAIMS
Barrington 13 24 37 54 15 69
Bristol 15 20 35 71 21 92 Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training,
Burrillville 19 24 43 59 20 79 approved TDI claims for pregnancy complications
and childbirth and approved TCI claims, 2018.
Central Falls 28 30 58 58 14 72
Approved TDI claims for pregnancy complications
Charlestown 6 18 24 20 12 32 include cesarean births. TDI claims approved for
Coventry 46 66 112 211 65 276 pregnancy complications retain that code regardless
Cranston 111 128 239 431 108 539 of when the birth happens so they are not counted in
Cumberland 44 56 100 158 38 196 the childbirth column.
East Greenwich 12 35 47 64 12 76 In 2018 in Rhode Island, the average length of approved
East Providence 71 65 136 226 68 294 TDI claims for pregnancy complications was 9.6
Exeter 11 5 16 30 11 41 weeks. The average length of approved TCI claims to
bond with a new child was 3.2 weeks while the
Foster * 9 13 33 * 36
average number of weeks approved to care for a
Glocester 11 14 25 47 12 59 seriously ill family member was 2.8 weeks.
Hopkinton 8 5 13 31 14 45
Jamestown 0 5 5 23 * 27
Woonsocket.
Johnston 38 48 86 177 50 227
Lincoln 22 18 40 66 25 91 Out-of-State are approved claims for residents of states
other than Rhode Island. TDI and TCI are available
Little Compton 0 0 0 6 * 8
to employees of Rhode Island companies and
Middletown 21 26 47 34 17 51 organizations, including employees who are not
Narragansett * 9 13 25 9 34 residents of the state. Employees of certain
New Shoreham 0 0 0 0 0 0 governmental entities do not contribute to and
cannot claim TDI or TCI.
Newport 32 24 56 58 8 66
North Kingstown 25 42 67 128 25 153 *Data for any town with less than 5 approved claims are
North Providence 42 44 86 160 52 212 suppressed by the Rhode Island Department of
Labor and Training.
North Smithfield 14 12 26 35 18 53
Pawtucket 114 114 228 385 84 469 References
Portsmouth 17 21 38 67 12 79 1
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
Providence 307 328 635 874 177 1,051 Department of Labor and Training. (2014).
Richmond 5 8 13 19 9 28 Temporary Caregiver Insurance [Brochure].
Scituate 11 33 44 46 21 67 2,5
Ochshorn, S. & Skinner, C. (2012). Building a
Smithfield 29 15 44 110 26 136 competitive future right from the start: How paid leave
South Kingstown 21 26 47 81 24 105 strengthens 21st century families. New York, NY:
Tiverton 12 17 29 46 13 59 National Center for Children in Poverty.
Warren 9 20 29 39 12 51 3
Business support for the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Warwick 123 131 254 482 134 616 (2013). Washington, DC: Center for Law and Social
West Greenwich 12 9 21 26 8 34 Policy.
West Warwick 60 53 113 228 38 266 4
Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act,
Westerly 25 26 51 78 20 98 Title 28 Rhode Island General Law § 28-48-2
Woonsocket 39 65 104 158 34 192 (1987,1990).
Out-of-State 151 205 356 546 135 681 6
The child development case for a national paid family
Four Core Cities 488 537 1,025 1,475 309 1,784 and medical leave program. (2018). Washington,
Remainder of State 893 1,056 1,949 3,369 917 4,295 DC: Zero to Three and the National Partnership for
Women & Families.
Rhode Island 1,381 1,593 2,974 4,844 1,226 6,079
Total Program Claims 1,532 1,798 3,330 5,390 1,370 6,760 (continued on page 176)

Children Receiving Child Support
DEFINITION up in a family with a non-resident

Children receiving child support is the parent. In 2015, child support kept Non-Custodial Parents With Court Orders Who Pay Child Support
percentage of parents who make child 790,000 U.S. children out of poverty, on Time and in Full, Rhode Island, 2009-2018
support payments on time and in full as and for poor custodial parents that 100%
indicated in the Rhode Island Office of received full child support, these 80%
Child Support Services system. The payments represented more than half 60%
percentage does not include cases in (58%) of their mean personal income. 40% 51% 52% 50% 51% 51% 50% 50% 49% 49% 47%
which paternity has not been established Custodial parents who receive steady 20%
or cases in which the non-custodial child support payments are less likely 0%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
parent is not under a court order because to rely on public assistance programs
he/she cannot be located. Court orders and more likely to find work than Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Services, 2009-2018.
for child support and medical support those who do not.4,5,6

◆ As of December 1, 2018, there were 71,628 children in Rhode Island’s Office of Child
require establishment of paternity. For many families, even when a child
Support Services system, including private, interstate, and IV-D cases (i.e., families
support order is in place, payments can
receiving RI Works, RIte Care, or child-care assistance). Forty-five percent of the children
SIGNIFICANCE be unreliable. Noncustodial parents of
in the Child Support system with a known Rhode Island residence lived in the four core
poor children are often poor themselves 4
Child support is a major part of the cities. Nearly half (47%) of non-custodial parents under court order in Rhode Island
safety net for children and families. In and have limited ability to provide
were making child support payments on time and in full.11
2017, one in five U.S. children (15.1 financial support to their children.7
million) received public child support Incarcerated parents with active child
◆ In 2018, the Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services collected $94.7 million in
services.1,2 Child support provides a support orders are unable to pay while
child support, an increase of about $273,000 over the previous year. Eighty-seven percent
mechanism for non-custodial parents in prison, and may face legal and
($82.7 million) of the funds collected were distributed directly to families and the
(usually fathers) to contribute to the financial burdens upon release.8 Child
remainder was retained by the state and federal governments as reimbursement for RI
financial and medical support of their support systems that encourage
Works (cash assistance), RIte Care health coverage, and other expenses.12
children. Child support programs can relationship building with the co-parent,
encourage responsible co-parenting and positive parenting, and can strengthen
◆ In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2017, the Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services
increase the reliability of child support parent-child relationships and increase 0
collected $5.85 for every $1.00 Rhode Island spent on administering the program.13
paid by helping custodial parents locate child support payments. Non-custodial
the non-custodial parent, establishing parents who pay regular child support
◆ During FFY 2018, there were 16,313 court orders for non-custodial parents to provide
paternity and support orders, and are more involved with their children,
medical insurance and 9,650 orders for non-custodial parents to contribute funds toward
monitoring and enforcing child support providing them with critical emotional
medical coverage. More than $4.3 million in payments was retained by the state to offset
obligations.3 support and care. Child support reduces
the cost of RIte Care, while approximately $3.1 million was disbursed directly to families
Child support is a critical tool to the risk of chilld maltreatment, and has
to offset the cost of private health insurance coverage or other medical expenses.14
provide resources for children living in a positive effect on children’s academics
poverty. The receipt of child support and behavior.9,10
◆ In 2017, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a law that allows the Office of Child
payments can significantly improve the Support Services to automatically file a motion to modify or a motion for relief when a
economic well-being of a child growing noncustodial parent is or will be incarcerated for 180 days or more. This law also clarifies
that incarceration may not be considered by the court as “voluntary unemployment.”15

Children Receiving Child Support
Rhode Island Children in the Office of Child Support Services System Child Support and Rhode Island Works
With Paternity Established, 2009-2018
◆ As of December 1, 2018, Rhode Island’s Office of Child Support Services system
included 4,883 children enrolled in the cash assistance program (Rhode Island Works
[RI Works]).21
◆ In December 2018, the average child support obligation for children enrolled in RI
Works was $295 per month, compared to an average child support obligation of $407
per month for children in non-RI Works families.22 (Calculations for child support
Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Services, 2009-2018. Includes all children payments are based on both parents’ incomes, so it is expected that the average child
in the child support system – private, interstate, and IV-D cases (i.e., cases that received assistance with child support support obligation for children enrolled in RI Works would be lower.)
because they were receiving RI Works, RIte Care, or child care assistance benefits).
◆ The percentage of children in the Rhode Island child support system with paternity ◆ In Rhode Island, only the first $50 of child support paid on time each month on
established increased from 88% of children in 2009 to 91% of children in 2018.16 behalf of a child receiving RI Works cash assistance (called a “pass-through” payment)
goes to the custodial parent caring for the child. The remainder of the payment is
◆ When applying for cash assistance, child care assistance, or RIte Care, parents are retained by the federal and state governments as reimbursement for assistance received
asked to provide information on the other parent to the Office of Child Support Services. through RI Works.23
This information is used to establish paternity (if not already established), and to seek
child support payments and/or medical support. Victims of domestic violence can apply ◆ An average of 413 families received at least one “pass-through” payment each month,
for a waiver of this requirement if providing this information could endanger themselves for a total of $239,512 paid to families enrolled in RI Works in FFY 2018.24
or their children.17,18
◆ States have the option to increase the amount of money passed through to children.
◆ In FFY 2017, Rhode Island had the lowest rate of court orders established for child Pass through money is not included in calculating eligibility for cash assistance, which
support in New England (Maine – 95%; Connecticut – 93%; Vermont – 89%; means it does not reduce the amount of the family’s cash assistance. Under this federal
Massachusetts – 89%; New Hampshire – 82%; Rhode Island – 77%). The national policy, a number of states have increased the amount they pass through to children.
average for cases with child support orders established is 87%.19 Some states pass through up to $100 per month for one child (and up to $200 per
month for two or more children). Rhode Island is one of eight states with a pass-through
◆ In FFY 2017, Rhode Island had the highest case/staff ratio in New England at 704 policy that limits the pass-through amount to $50, regardless of the number of children
cases per person, nearly five times that of the lowest state, Vermont (141 cases per in the household.25,26
person).20 High caseloads and a low number of full-time staff affects the Office of Child
Support Services’ ability to establish court orders for child support. ◆ More generous child support pass-through policies for families receiving cash
assistance provide a greater incentive for custodial parents to seek child support and for
References
noncustodial parents to make regular payments, because more of the child support
1,13,19,20
U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement, 2
Statistics. (2016). Table POP-1: Child population:
payment goes to the child. Increased pass-throughs could therefore increase total child
Administration for Children & Families. (2018). FY
2017 preliminary report. Retrieved January 29, 2019, Number of children (in millions) ages 0-17 in the support collections, increase custodial family income, and potentially encourage
from www.acf.hhs.gov United States by age, 1950-2017 and projected 2018-
constructive coparenting.27,28
2050. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from
www.childstats.gov
Children in Poverty
DEFINITION poverty measure does not reflect the

Children in poverty is the percentage effects of key government policies and Children in Poverty, by Race and Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
of children under age 18 who are living programs that support families living in 100%
in households with incomes below the poverty, does not take into account the 80%
poverty threshold, as defined by the increased cost of transportation, child 60%

care, housing, and medical care, and 59%
U.S. Census Bureau. Poverty is 40%
40%
determined based on income received does not consider geographic variations 20% 31% 26%
in the cost of living. To address these 19% 15%
during the year prior to the Census. 0% 8%
limitations, in 2011, the U.S. Census All Races White Black Asian Native Two or Hispanic*
American More Races
SIGNIFICANCE Bureau began releasing a Supplemental Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Tables S1701, B17020A, B17020B, B17020C,
Poverty Measure. This measure does not B17020D, B17020G and B17020I. *Hispanic children may be included in any race category.
Poverty is related to every KIDS
replace the official measure, but provides
COUNT indicator. Children in poverty, ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 19% (39,229) of Rhode Island’s 207,838 children under age
policy makers with an additional way to
especially those who experience poverty 18 with known poverty status lived in households with incomes below the federal
evaluate the effects of anti-poverty
in early childhood and for extended poverty threshold.12
policies.10
periods, are more likely to have physical
According to the 2018 Rhode Island
and behavioral health problems, ◆ In Rhode Island as well as in the United States as a whole, Hispanic, Black, and Native
Standard of Need, it costs a single-parent
experience difficulty in school, become American children are more likely than White and Asian children to live in families with
family with two young children
teen parents, and earn less or be incomes below the federal poverty threshold.13,14
$55,115 a year to pay basic living
unemployed as adults.1,2,3 Children in
expenses, more than two and half times
poverty are less likely to be enrolled in ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, over half (55%) of all children living in poverty in Rhode
the federal poverty level for a family of
preschool, more likely to attend schools Island were White, 14% were Black, 2% were Asian, 2% were Native American, 18%
three. This family would need an annual
that lack resources and rigor, and have were Some other race, and 9% were Two or more races. During this same time period,
pre-tax income of $62,844 to meet this
fewer opportunities to participate in 64% of Native American, 38% of Hispanic, and 29% of Black children in Rhode Island
budget without government subsidies.
extracurricular activities.4,5,6 lived in poverty, compared to 9% of Asian children and 14% of White children.15
Work supports can help families with
Nationally and in Rhode Island,
incomes below the federal poverty level
children of color are more likely to grow ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 48% of Rhode Island’s poor children were Hispanic.
meet their basic needs.11
up poor than White children. Children Hispanic children may be included in any race category. The Census Bureau asks about
under age six, who have single parents, race separately from ethnicity, and the majority of families who identify as Some other
Children in Poverty
whose parents have low educational race also identify as Hispanic.16
levels, or whose parents work part-time 2014 2015 2016 2017
or are unemployed are at increased risk RI 19.8% 19.4% 17.0% 16.6% ◆ In 2017, about one in six (17%) children in Rhode Island (a total of 33,858 children)
US 21.7% 20.7% 19.5% 18.4%
of living in poverty.7,8 lived in poverty.17
National Rank* 24th
In 2018, the federal poverty threshold
New England Rank** 6th
was $20,231 for a family of three with
*1st is best; 50th is worst
two children and $25,465 for a family of **1st is best; 6th is worst
four with two children.9 The official
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community
Survey, 2014-2017. Table R1704.

Children in Poverty
Rhode Island’s Poor Children, 2013-2017 Child Poverty Concentrated in Four Core Cities,
By Age By Race* Rhode Island, 2013-2017
35% Ages 5 and Younger 55% White NUMBER PERCENTAGE NUMBER IN PERCENTAGE IN
CITY/TOWN IN POVERTY IN POVERTY EXTREME POVERTY EXTREME POVERTY
34% Ages 6 to 11 14% Black
Central Falls 2,297 41.5% 809 14.6%
15% Ages 12 to 14 2% Asian
Pawtucket 4,913 30.9% 1,735 10.9%
16% Ages 15 to 17 2% Native American Providence 14,520 36.0% 6,309 15.7%
18% Some Other Race Woonsocket 3,357 38.5% 1,661 19.0%
16% 9% Two or More Races Rhode Island 39,229 18.9% 16,523 7.9%
35% Source: Population Reference Bureau analysis of 2013-2017 American Community Survey data.
9%
15% ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, almost two-thirds (64%) of Rhode Island's children living in
18% poverty lived in just four cities. These cities, termed core cities, include Central Falls,
55% Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket, all communities in which more than one in four
34% 2% children live below poverty (36% between 2013-2017). The four core cities also have
2%
14% substantial numbers of children living in extreme poverty, defined as families with incomes
n=39,229 below 50% of the federal poverty threshold, or $10,116 for a family of three with two
By Family Structure
children and $12,733 for a family of four with two children in 2018.18,19
n=39,229
25% Married Couple Family
7% Unmarried Male Householder *Hispanic children may be included in any Young Children Under Age Six in Poverty,
66% Unmarried Female Householder race category. Between 2013 and 2017, Four Core Cities and Rhode Island, 2013-2017
19,356 (48%) of Rhode Island’s
2% Not in Related-Family Household NUMBER PERCENTAGE
40,699 poor children were Hispanic. CITY/TOWN <AGE 6 IN POVERTY <AGE 6 IN POVERTY
2%
Central Falls 938 45.1%
Pawtucket 1,766 31.8%
25%
Providence 4,776 34.7%
Woonsocket 1,328 43.6%
Rhode Island 13,560 20.9%
7%
66% Source: Population Reference Bureau analysis of 2013-2017 American Community Survey data.
◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 20.9% (13,560) of Rhode Island children under age six lived
in poverty.20 Children under age six are at higher risk of living in poverty than any other
n=39,229 age group.21 Exposure to risk factors associated with poverty, including inadequate
nutrition, environmental toxins, crowded and unstable housing, maternal depression,
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2013-2017. Tables S1701, B17001, B17006, B17020A,
B17020B, B17020C, B17020D, B17020E, B17020F, B17020G, & B17020I. Population includes children for
trauma and abuse, lower quality child care, and parental substance abuse interferes with
whom poverty status was determined. young children’s emotional, physical, and intellectual development.22,23

Children in Poverty
Financial Asset Building Building Blocks of Economic Security

◆ Having assets such as bank or credit union accounts provides families with a safe place Income Supports
to store their money and allows families to conduct basic financial transactions, manage ◆ The Supplemental Poverty Measure shows the positive impact of government
financial emergencies, and plan for their future.24,25 programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Social Security, SNAP, and
housing subsidies. These programs kept millions of children out of poverty.35
◆ Many low-income families lack knowledge about or access to traditional banks and
instead rely on cash transactions or alternative financial services, such as check-cashing Health Coverage and Access to Care
stores, payday lenders, and rent-to-own stores. These families pay high fees for financial ◆ Low-income people are the most likely to be uninsured; some because of job loss, some
transactions and high interest rates on loans, and often struggle to build credit histories do not have access to coverage through their employers, and others cannot afford the cost.36
and achieve economic security.26,27 Children with health insurance (public or private) are more likely to have a regular and
accessible source of health care than uninsured children.37
◆ In Rhode Island in 2017, 6.5% of households did not have a checking or savings
account, the same as the U.S. rate. Nationally, households with lower income, disabled Affordable Quality Child Care
working-age adults, or adults with less than a high school education, as well as Black and ◆ In Rhode Island in 2018, the average annual cost of center-based child care for one
Hispanic households, are less likely to have a checking or savings account.28 infant was $13,093.38 Child care subsidies can help poor families afford the cost of high-
quality child care, which can help parents maintain employment and support children’s
◆ Raising awareness about the importance of saving and consumer protections, development.39
providing financial education and counseling, preventing predatory lending, and
Educational Attainment
connecting families to safe and affordable financial products can support families in
using traditional banking institutions and increase their savings.29 ◆ By 2020, 71% of all jobs in Rhode Island will require postsecondary training beyond
high school.40 Forty-seven percent of Rhode Islanders had a postsecondary degree or
◆ States can protect consumers from high-cost payday lending by prohibiting these loans certificate in 2016.41
outright or enacting measures that make the loans more affordable, such as an annual
Affordable Housing
rate cap or limiting the amount of monthly payments as a percent of a borrower’s
◆ In 2018, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island was $1,621.42
monthly income. Rhode Island is the only New England state that does not currently
In Rhode Island, a family of three with an income at the federal poverty level would need
protect against payday lending.30,31
to spend 94% of its income on rent to pay this amount, well above the recommended
30%. Nationally, only one in four eligible low-income families receive rental assistance to
◆ Many public assistance programs have eligibility provisions that limit the amount of
help them afford the high cost of housing.43,44
assets and/or the value of vehicles a family can own. Such policies discourage families
from saving and building the assets they need to improve their economic security.32 Child Support
◆ As of December 1, 2018, there were 71,628 children in Rhode Island’s Office of Child
◆ Rhode Island currently has a $1,000 asset limit to qualify for and retain RI Works Support Services system.45 Child support helps reduce poverty. Custodial parents who
cash assistance and is one of only nine states with such a restrictive asset limit. Under receive steady child support payments are less likely to rely on public assistance and more
Rhode Island law, the value of one vehicle for each adult household member (not to likely to be employed than those who do not.46 Among poor custodial parents that
exceed two vehicles per household) does not count toward the family’s asset limit.33,34 received full child support in 2015 in the U.S., these payments represented 58% of their
mean personal income.47
Children in Poverty
Table 10. Children Living Below the Federal Poverty Threshold, Rhode Island, 2000 and 2013-2017
CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 LIVING BELOW POVERTY 2013-2017
CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 ESTIMATES WITH HIGH ESTIMATES WITH LOWER,
LIVING BELOW POVERTY, 2000 MARGINS OF ERROR* ACCEPTABLE MARGINS OF ERROR
CITY/TOWN N % N % N % Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Barrington 127 2.7% 70 1.6% Data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000,
Bristol 436 10.0% 229 7.2% Summary File 3, P.87 and PCT.50 and Population
Reference Bureau analysis of 2013-2017 American
Burrillville 236 6.0% 456 14.1%
Community Survey data. The data include the
Central Falls 2,210 40.9% 2,297 41.5% poverty rate for all children for whom poverty was
Charlestown 78 4.7% 132 10.4% determined, including “related” children and
Coventry 481 5.9% 722 10.7% “unrelated children” living in the household.
Cranston 1,496 9.1% 2,296 14.4% The American Community Survey is a sample survey, and
Cumberland 237 3.1% 774 11.0% therefore the number and percentage of children living
in poverty provided are estimates, not actual counts.
East Greenwich 147 4.1% 101 2.9%
The reliability of these estimates varies by community.
East Providence 1,126 10.8% 919 11.1% In general, estimates for small communities and
Exeter 112 7.5% 40 3.5% communities with relatively low poverty rates are not
Foster 32 2.9% 39 5.3% as reliable as estimates for larger communities and
communities with higher poverty rates.
Glocester 178 6.7% 153 7.7%
Hopkinton 115 5.9% 111 7.9% *The Margin of Error around the percentage is greater
than or equal to five percentage points.
Jamestown 17 1.4% 73 6.9%
Johnston 527 9.0% 692 13.6% The Margin of Error is a measure of the reliability of the
Lincoln 329 6.5% 648 13.3% estimate and is provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Margin of Error means that there is a 90
Little Compton 8 1.0% 41 7.2% percent chance that the true value is no less than the
Middletown 264 6.2% 423 12.5% estimate minus the Margin of Error and no more
Narragansett 235 8.6% 18 0.9% than the estimate plus the Margin of Error. (See the
Methodology Section for Margins of Errors for all
New Shoreham 19 10.2% 28 30.8%
communities.)
Newport 1,267 24.4% 743 21.2%
North Kingstown 663 9.7% 661 11.6% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
North Providence 579 10.1% 482 9.0%
References
North Smithfield 72 3.0% 138 5.5%
Pawtucket 4,542 25.3% 4,913 30.9%
1
Ratcliffe, C. (2015). Child poverty and adult success.
Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
Portsmouth 118 2.8% 200 5.7%
Providence 18,045 40.5% 14,520 36.0%
2,4,22
Moore, K. A., Redd, Z., Burkhauser, M., Mbwana,
K., & Collins, A. (2009). Children in poverty: Trends,
Richmond 82 4.2% 68 4.2%
consequences, and policy options. Washington, DC:
Scituate 113 4.3% 203 10.2% Child Trends.
Smithfield 153 3.9% 41 1.2% 3
Children in poverty. (2016). Washington, DC: Child
South Kingstown 324 5.3% 388 8.4% Trends.
Tiverton 92 2.8% 218 8.0%
5
Laughlin, L. (2013). Who’s minding the kids? Child care
Warren 205 8.4% 324 19.1% arrangements: Spring 2011. Washington, DC: U.S.
Warwick 1,243 6.7% 899 6.4% Census Bureau.
West Greenwich 40 2.7% 1 0.1% 6
Knop, B., & Siebens, J. (2018). A child’s day: Parental
West Warwick 1,186 18.1% 1,040 19.8% interaction, school engagement, and extracurricular
Westerly 534 10.0% 771 18.8% activities: 2014. Washington, DC: U.S. Census
Woonsocket 3,494 31.8% 3,357 38.5% Bureau.
Four Core Cities 28,291 35.9% 25,087 35.6% (continued on page 176)
Remainder of State 12,871 7.8% 14,142 10.3%
Rhode Island 41,162 16.9% 39,229 18.9%

Children in Families Receiving Cash Assistance
DEFINITION additional education or training to

Children in families receiving cash improve their employability prospects.2 Cash Assistance Caseload, Rhode Island, 1996–2018*
RI Works provides a safety net for 20,000
assistance is the percentage of children
under age 18 who were living in families some children whose parents are unable 18,428
15,000
receiving cash assistance through the to work due to a disability and can
Rhode Island Works Program (RI function as an unemployment system 10,000
Works). These data measure the number for parents who do not have sufficient
of children and families enrolled in RI earnings or work experience to qualify 5,000
Works during the month of December. for unemployment benefits. RI Works 4,430
also provides time-limited supplementary 0
Children and families who participated 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
in the program at other points in the cash assistance to very low-income
Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, InRhodes Database, December 1, 1996-2015 and RI Bridges Database,
year but who were not enrolled in that working families.3 In December 2018, December 2016-2018. Cases can be child-only or whole families and multiple people can be included in one case. *The
the average hourly wage of working Rhode Island Department of Human Services changed the method for calculating the caseload data starting in the 2012
month are not included. Factbook. This change is reflected in 2010-2018 caseload data. Comparisons to earlier years should be made with caution.
parents enrolled in RI Works was Starting in 2016, caseload data are for the month of December and not for a point in time, December 1.
SIGNIFICANCE $11.17 per hour.4
RI Works connects families to the ◆ Since 1996, when the program began, the Rhode Island cash assistance caseload has
The goal of RI Works is to help very declined steadily. Between 1996 and 2018, the Rhode Island cash assistance caseload
low-income families meet their basic Office of Child Support Services, which
assists families in establishing paternity decreased by 77% from 18,428 cases to 4,149 families.10
needs by providing cash assistance and
work supports, including employment (when applicable), identifying and
locating non-custodial parents, and ◆ The RI Works caseload declined due to policies implemented in 2008, when the
services, SNAP benefits, health program changed from the Family Independence Program (FIP) to RI Works. These
insurance, and subsidized child care. obtaining child support payments from
non-custodial parents.5 In Rhode Island, policies included new time limits (a 48-month lifetime limit for benefits and a periodic
Children and families qualify for cash time limit that limits assistance to no more than 24 months of assistance in any 60-month
assistance based on their income, the first $50 of child support paid on
time each month on behalf of a child period), closing the entire family’s case when parents reach their time limit, and limiting
resources, and the number of people in eligibility for legal permanent residents to those who have had that status for five years.11
their families.1 enrolled in RI Works goes to the
RI Works cash assistance recipients custodial parent caring for the child. The
balance is kept by the state and federal ◆ In December 2018, there were 2,781 adults and 7,195 children under age 18 enrolled
must participate in an employment in RI Works. Almost three-quarters (72%) of RI Works beneficiaries were children, and
plan unless they meet specific criteria governments as reimbursement for
assistance received through RI Works.6,7 43% of the children enrolled in RI Works were under the age of six.12
for an exemption. This employment
plan must take into account the parent’s The maximum monthly RI Works
benefit for a family of three is $554 per ◆ In December 2018, 58% of RI Works cases were single-parent families, 39% were
skills, education, and family child-only cases, and 3% were two-parent families.13
responsibilities as well as place of month.8 Families receiving the maximum
residence and should outline a process monthly cash benefit have incomes that
are less than one-half the federal poverty ◆ High unemployment rates for adults with limited education, coupled with shorter
for helping the parent meet his or her time limits for cash assistance, leaves many families with children experiencing deep
employment goals. Parents should be level and are living in extreme poverty.9
poverty, hardship, and homelessness. In 2017, 10,761 children in Rhode Island lived in
informed about opportunities to seek extreme poverty, yet only 7,593 received cash assistance in December 2017.14,15

RI Works Policies RI Works by Case Type, December 2018

Work Requirements NUMBER PERCENTAGE
◆ Single-parent families must participate in a work activity for a minimum of 20 hours Child-only cases 1,629 39%
per week if they have a child under age six and a minimum of 30 hours per week if their Cases with adults with a work activity 1,647 40%
Cases with adults exempt from a work activity* 356 9%
youngest child is age six or older. For two-parent families, one or both parents must
Unknown status 517 12%
participate in work activities for an individual or combined total of 35 hours per week.16
Total RI Works Caseload 4,149
Time Limits Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, RI Bridges Database, December 2018.
◆ The lifetime limit for RI Works is 48 months. Families also are limited to no more *RI Works regulations require that all parents and caretaker relatives included in the cash assistance
than 24 months of cash assistance in a 60-month period. Rhode Island is one of only 13 grant participate in a work activity unless they receive a temporary exemption. Exemptions from
states that has a lifetime limit less than the federal 60-month time limit, and one of only work activities include: youngest child under age one (197), in third trimester of pregnancy (70),
caring for a disabled spouse or child (1), being a victim of domestic violence (15), illness or
eight states that imposes a periodic time limit on its entire caseload.17,18 incapacity (19), or second parent is a non-participant (54).
Hardship Extensions
◆ Families can apply for hardship extensions that allow them to continue receiving cash Rhode Island Cash Assistance Expenditures,
assistance after reaching the time limit if the parent has a documented significant State Fiscal Years 1996-2018
disability, is caring for a significantly disabled family member, is unable to pursue State Federal
employment due to domestic violence, is homeless, or is unable to work because of “a
$150m
critical other condition or circumstance.” While parents must submit requests for $125m
$68.5
hardship extensions (for six-month periods), there is no limit on the total time a family $100m $70.6
can receive a hardship extension.19,20 $62.6
$75m $73.3
$60.3
$50m $51.1
$58.0 $38.0
Child-Only Cases $40.6 $38.5 $43.8 $40.1
$25m $35.7
◆ Child-only cases are those that receive assistance for only the children in the family $16.2 $21.9 $16.1 $17.6 $25.4 $25.4
$0m
because the child’s parent is ineligible. Child-only cases include children living with a 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
non-parent or a parent who is disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Income.21 Sources: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Family Independence Program 2007 annual report. (FY 1996-2001);
$
House Fiscal Advisory Staff. (2004-2018). Budget as enacted: Fiscal Years 2005-2019. (FY 2001-2018). Fiscal years
1996-2017 are funds spent and FY 2018 is final budget.
Sanctions
◆ If a parent misses a required appointment, refuses or quits a job, or in some other way fails ◆ In State Fiscal Year 2018, for the ninth year in a row, no state general revenue was
to comply with an employment plan and is not able to establish “good cause” (e.g., lack of allocated for cash assistance. State general revenue spending for cash assistance decreased
child care, illness, a family crisis or other allowed circumstance), the family’s cash benefit is steadily from 1996 through 2010. The cash assistance program is now entirely supported
reduced. If benefits are reduced for a total of three months (consecutive or not) due to non- by federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds. The total
compliance, the family’s case is closed and the entire family loses the RI Works benefit. expenditures for cash assistance in Rhode Island (federal and state) decreased by 80%
Benefits can be restored in the month after the parent reapplies and comes into compliance.22 between 1996 (when the program began) and 2018, from $126.5 million to $25.4 million.23,24

Activities of Families Enrolled in the RI Works Program, Support for Young Parents
December 2018*
◆ A child is nine times more likely to grow up in poverty if that child’s mother gave
By Type of Activity
1% <1% birth as a teen, the parents were unmarried when the child was born, and the mother did
1% (23) Employed not receive a high school diploma or GED.32
<1% (1) Work Experience 20%
21%
21% (353) Education/Training
◆ RI Works provides additional support to young parents. Parents who are under age 20
17% (286) Job Search 3%
and do not have a high school diploma or GED are required to receive parenting skills
7% (126) Job/Work Readiness
17%
training and are supported in completing their high school education while enrolled in
31% (534) Supportive Services
31%
RI Works. In addition, pregnant or parenting teens under age 18 are required to live with
3% (43) Teen and Family Development
20% (349) Multiple Activities
7% their parent, legal guardian, or adult relative or in an adult-supervised setting.33
n=1,715 ◆ In December 2018, there were 77 parents under the age of 20 enrolled in RI Works.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, RI Bridges Database, December 2018. *Some cases may have a Some are parent heads of household, and others may be parts of multi-generational
work activity and a work exemption during the same month. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding. households.34
◆ As of December 2018, 1% of families with work activities were employed. Less than
1% were in unpaid work experience.25 Work experience can help parents gain new skills, Support for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
knowledge, and work habits to improve their employability.26
◆ Nationally, 10% of adult cash assistance recipients have a severe disability and require
help with self-care or routine activities, and a much larger percentage (about 40%) have
◆ Parents with limited training and skills can participate in basic education and work
an emotional, cognitive, sensory, or cognitive disability that may be a barrier to
skills programs. Parents also can receive up to one year of vocational education as part of
employment.35
their 48-month lifetime limit.27 As of December 2018, 21% of families were participating
in education or training programs, up from 15% in December 2017.28
◆ Under RI Works, parents with disabilities may be exempt from work requirements
only if they are receiving SSI or SSDI or determined to be eligible for SSI or SSDI.
◆ Seventeen percent of families with a work activity were participating in job search
Other parents with disabilities are referred to the Office of Rehabilitation Services for
activities, including job search and job skills development programs delivered in
further assessment, vocational rehabilitation services, and help applying for SSI, or to
partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and 7% were
substance abuse or mental health treatment, as appropriate.36
participating in other job readiness activities. Another 31% were receiving supportive
services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, and housing and
◆ As of December 2018, 651 families (16% of the total RI Works caseload) had hardship
homelessness services needed to address barriers to employment.29,30
extensions, two for a physical or mental disability, two who were unable to work due to a
domestic violence situation, one due to homelessness, and 646 because of economic
◆ An additional 3% of families were in the Teen and Family Development Program, a
hardship or another critical condition or circumstance.37 Nationally, many families leave
program for young parents, and 20% of families were in multiple activities.31
cash assistance not because they find work, but because they reach their time limit or are
sanctioned. These families often have barriers to employment, such as a mental or
physical impairment, or a child with a disability.38

Table 11. Children in Families Receiving Cash Assistance (RI Works),
Rhode Island, December 2018
# OF NUMBER RECEIVING % OF CHILDREN
CHILDREN CASH ASSISTANCE RECEIVING CASH
CITY/TOWN UNDER AGE 18 FAMILIES CHILDREN ASSISTANCE
Barrington 4,597 4 4 <1%
Education and Training Supporting Employment Bristol 3,623 30 50 1%
Burrillville 3,576 31 44 1%
◆ An estimated 75,000 working-age adults (ages 18 to 65) in Rhode Island do not have a Central Falls 5,644 197 351 6%
high school diploma. Of the 5,500 adults in adult education programs in Rhode Island, Charlestown 1,506 2 2 <1%
94% entered these programs with a reading or math level lower than the ninth grade.39 Coventry 7,770 43 60 1%
Cranston 16,414 193 286 2%
◆ By 2020, 71% of jobs in Rhode Island will require post-secondary education beyond Cumberland 7,535 37 59 1%
East Greenwich 3,436 17 25 1%
high school.40 Between 2013 and 2017, the unemployment rate for Rhode Islanders
East Providence 9,177 119 189 2%
without high school diplomas was 10.6%, compared to 8.7% for those with high school
Exeter 1,334 4 6 <1%
degrees and 2.9% for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.41 Foster 986 3 4 <1%
Glocester 2,098 7 9 <1%
◆ Parents enrolled in RI Works face significant barriers to success in the labor market. Hopkinton 1,845 5 8 <1%
Thirty-one percent of parents enrolled in RI Works report not finishing high school. Jamestown 1,043 4 6 1%
Johnston 5,480 67 120 2%
Among a recently tested group of parents receiving cash assistance, more than one-third
Lincoln 4,751 32 56 1%
(37%) of those tested in English tested at or below the sixth-grade reading level, while
Little Compton 654 2 5 1%
almost two-thirds (66%) of native Spanish speakers enrolled in RI Works tested at or Middletown 3,652 35 62 2%
below the sixth-grade reading level on a Spanish-language version of the test.42 Narragansett 2,269 7 11 <1%
New Shoreham 163 0 0 0%
◆ Research comparing mandatory job-search-first and mandatory education-or-training- Newport 4,083 134 235 6%
first programs has found that the most effective approach is a mixed strategy where North Kingstown 6,322 38 70 1%
North Providence 5,514 76 105 2%
beneficiaries are encouraged to look for and take full-time jobs that pay above the
North Smithfield 2,456 7 8 <1%
minimum wage, offer benefits, have the potential for advancement, and also are offered Pawtucket 16,575 440 783 5%
high-quality, work-focused, and short-term education or training to improve their Portsmouth 3,996 16 21 1%
employability.43 States should explore how to meet their work participation rate while Providence 41,634 1,816 3,329 8%
offering beneficiaries a chance to improve job skills and long-term work preparedeness.44 Richmond 1,849 2 2 <1%
Scituate 2,272 10 18 1%
Source of Data for Table/Methodology Communities may have more families than children Smithfield 3,625 8 13 <1%
receiving cash assistance because a pregnant woman South Kingstown 5,416 22 48 1%
Rhode Island Department of Human Services, RI Bridges without children is eligible if in the final trimester of
Database, December 2018. The Rhode Island Tiverton 2,998 30 48 2%
her pregnancy.
Department of Human Services changed the method Warren 1,940 20 30 2%
for calculating the caseload and persons receiving Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Warwick 15,825 163 236 1%
cash assistance starting in the 2012 Factbook. Woonsocket.
West Greenwich 1,477 0 0 0%
Comparisons to data presented in previous Factbooks
should be made with caution. References West Warwick 5,746 114 183 3%
Rhode Island Secretary of State.
1,2,3,5,8,16,17,19,21,22,26,27,30,33,36 Westerly 4,787 22 34 1%
The denominator is the total number of children under
age 18 from U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010, (2019). Rhode Island Works Program rules and Woonsocket 9,888 385 667 7%
Summary File 1. regulations 218-RICR-20-00-2. Retrieved January 30, Other/Unknown NA 7 8 NA
2019, from sos.ri.gov
Four Core Cities 73,741 2,838 5,130 7%
(continued on page 177) Remainder of State 150,215 1,304 2,057 1%
Rhode Island 223,956 4,149 7,195 3%

Children Receiving SNAP Benefits
DEFINITION limit for Rhode Island is 185% of the

Children receiving SNAP benefits is federal poverty level ($38,443 per year Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
the number of children under age 18 for a family of three in 2018).7,8 Children and Adults, Rhode Island, 2009-2018
who participated in the Supplemental Households must still meet the net Children Adults
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) monthly income limit of 100% of the 125,000
in October 2018. federal poverty level after allowable 100,000

105,566
68,611
deductions, which include deductions 75,000
SIGNIFICANCE for housing costs and child care.9 50,000
53,220 54,706
Hunger and lack of regular access to SNAP is an important anti-hunger 25,000
sufficient food are linked to serious program that helps individuals and 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
physical, psychological, emotional, and families purchase food when they have
Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, InRhodes Database, 2009–2015 and RI Bridges Database, 2016-
academic problems in children and can limited income, face unemployment or
2018. Data represent children under age 18 and adults who participated in SNAP during the month of October.
interfere with their growth and reduced work hours, or experience a
crisis.10 In Rhode Island during October ◆ Of the 160,272 Rhode Islanders enrolled in SNAP in October 2018, 66% were adults
development.1,2 The Supplemental
2018, 76% of SNAP recipients had and 34% were children. Of the children enrolled in SNAP, 34% were under the age of six.17
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
formerly the Food Stamp Program, gross incomes below the federal poverty
level ($20,780 for a family of three in ◆ The number of children and adults receiving SNAP benefits decreased slowly between
helps low-income individuals and
2018).11,12 In October 2018, the average 2012 and 2015, then increased in 2016. It is possible that the 2016 increase was due to
families obtain better nutrition through
monthly SNAP benefit for a family of efforts to avoid denying eligible SNAP recipients during the difficult transition to the RI
monthly benefits they can use to
three in Rhode Island was $377.13 Bridges/UHIP computer system. Between 2016 and 2018, the number of adults and
purchase food at retail stores and some
Participation in SNAP has been children receiving SNAP benefits again decreased.18,19
farmers’ markets.3 Child food insecurity
has been shown to decrease by almost associated with improvement in both
one-third after their families have current and long-term health outcomes
among low-income or food insecure Food Insecurity in Rhode Island
received SNAP benefits for six months.4
Nationally, SNAP is available to children.14 SNAP also is effective in ◆ The USDA defines food insecurity as not always having access to enough food for an
households with gross monthly incomes reducing poverty. Nationally in 2015, active, healthy life. Between 2015 and 2017, 12.4% of Rhode Island households and
below 130% of the federal poverty level, SNAP reduced poverty 20.9% for non- 12.3% of U.S. households were food insecure. In 2017, 15.7% of all U.S. households
net monthly incomes below 100% of Hispanic Blacks, 17.6% for Hispanics, with children were food insecure, while 43.4% of U.S. households with children with
the federal poverty level, and no more 15.5% for non-Hispanic Whites, and incomes below the poverty level experienced food insecurity.20
than $2,250 in resources.5 Rhode Island 21.3% for individuals in working
is one of 40 states that have families.15 In addition, SNAP is a quick ◆ Several federal nutrition programs provide nutrition assistance to children and families,
implemented broad-based categorical and effective form of economic including SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and
eligibility, which allowed Rhode Island stimulus because it moves money Children (WIC), the National School Lunch Program, the National School Breakfast
to increase the gross income limit and directly into the local economy.16 Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.21
remove the resource limit for most In 2018, food pantries and soup kitchens provided emergency food assistance to 53,000
applicants.6 The gross monthly income Rhode Islanders each month who needed additional help to meet their nutritional needs.22

Children Receiving SNAP Benefits
Table 12. Children Under Age 18 Receiving SNAP Benefits,
Rhode Island, October 2018
CITY/TOWN NUMBER PARTICIPATING
Barrington 91 Note to Table
Bristol 406
Increasing Access Burrillville 427
In 2008, the Food Stamp Program was renamed the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
to SNAP Benefits Central Falls 2,867
Charlestown 143
◆ The decisions that states make about
Coventry 828 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data
their enrollment and renewal processes for are from the Rhode Island Department of Human
Cranston 3,009
public benefits such as SNAP can help Cumberland 720
Services, RI Bridges Database, October 2018.
eligible families successfully access benefits East Greenwich 168 Due to changes in the availability of data, we report
participation for the entire month of October, rather
and remain enrolled in the program. East Providence 1,647
than October 1 in this Factbook. Due to this change
Rhode Island has implemented a number Exeter 73 in methodology, Children Receiving SNAP Benefits
of strategies to improve access to SNAP Foster 90 cannot be compared with Factbooks prior to 2016.
Glocester 124
benefits, including implementing Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Hopkinton 162 Woonsocket.
“expanded categorical eligibility” so more Jamestown 41
References
families qualify, developing an online Johnston 960
SNAP application, and requiring less Lincoln 601
1
Food insecurity: Indicators of child and youth well-being.
(2016). Washington, DC: Child Trends.
frequent certification.23,24,25 Little Compton 37
Middletown 466 2,4,14
Carlson, S. & Keith-Jennings, B. (2018). SNAP is
Narragansett 176 linked with improved nutritional outcomes and lower
◆ Rhode Island could increase access to health care costs. Washington, DC: Center on Budget
New Shoreham 5
SNAP benefits for children and families and Policy Priorities.
Newport 1,329
by using a more flexible interview process North Kingstown 726
3
Food Research and Action Center. (2017). FRAC facts:
SNAP strengths. Retrieved January 28, 2019, from
that accommodates households’ schedules North Providence 1,091 www.frac.org
and has different options for conducting North Smithfield 164
5,9
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
interviews and completing renewals. Pawtucket 6,235
Service. (2018). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Portsmouth 222
Rhode Island could also consider the use Program (SNAP): Am I eligible for SNAP? Retrieved
Providence 20,730 January 25, 2019, from www.fns.usda.gov
of mobile technology in the enrollment Richmond 119 6
process to increase access to SNAP Scituate 144 Service. (2018). Broad-based categorical eligibility.
benefits. Low-income individuals are Smithfield 192 Retrieved January 28, 2019, from www.fns.usda.gov
more likely to be dependent on their cell South Kingstown 474 7
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (n.d.).
phones as a means of going online. Tiverton 351 SNAP eligibility. Retrieved January 25, 2019, from
Warren 338 www.dhs.ri.gov
Mobile technologies would allow the state
Warwick 2,166 8,12
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
to more easily reach families that lack
West Greenwich 51 (2018). Annual update of the HHS poverty
access to a personal computer.26,27 West Warwick 1,706 guidelines. Federal Register, 83(12), 2642-2644.
Westerly 687 10,16
Policy basics: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Woonsocket 4,806 Program (SNAP). (2018). Washington, DC: Center
Unknown 134 on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Four Core Cities 34,638 (continued on page 177)
Remainder of State 19,934
Rhode Island 54,706

Women and Children Participating in WIC
DEFINITION participation also may decrease

Women and children participating household food insecurity (families that Women, Infants, and Children Enrolled in WIC,
do not have regular access to food for Rhode Island, September 2018
in WIC is the percentage of eligible
women, infants, and children enrolled an active healthy life).4 Food insecurity
in early childhood can lead to impaired 13%
in the Special Supplemental Nutrition 23% 23% Infants
Program for Women, Infants and cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial 9% 55% Children (Ages 1 through 4)
Children (WIC). development, and can limit academic
9% Pregnant Women
achievement.5 Pregnant women also
13% Postpartum Women
SIGNIFICANCE have special nutritional needs that
influence pregnancy outcomes and the
The Special Supplemental Nutrition 55%
health of their children.6 n=21,209
Program for Women, Infants and
WIC participation has been shown
Children (WIC) is a federally-funded Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, WIC Program, September 2018. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to
to reduce infant mortality, improve rounding.
preventive program that provides
birth outcomes (including reducing the
participants with nutritious food, ◆ Infants and children ages one through four comprised more than three-quarters (78%) of
likelihood of low birthweight and
nutrition education, and referrals to the population being served by WIC in September 2018 in Rhode Island. Women accounted
prematurity), improve cognitive
health care and social services. WIC for over one-fifth (9% pregnant and 13% postpartum) of the population being served.12
development, reduce risk of child abuse
serves pregnant, postpartum, and
and neglect, increase child
breastfeeding women, infants, and ◆ In September 2018, 68% of WIC participants in Rhode Island were White, 17% were
immunization rates, boost cognitive
children under five years of age living in Black, 3% were Asian, and 12% identified as other races or more than one race. Fifty-two
development, and increase access to
low-income households. Any individual percent of WIC participants identified as Hispanic. Hispanics are included in the racial
preventive medical care.7,8
who participates in SNAP (formerly the groups above.13
Revisions made in 2014 to the WIC
Food Stamp Program), RIte Care,
food package increased access to a wider
Medicaid, or Rhode Island Works is ◆ All four core cities had participation rates exceeding the statewide enrollment rate of 46%
variety of nutritious foods and
automatically income-eligible for WIC. in 2018 – Central Falls (54%), Pawtucket (47%), Providence (56%), and Woonsocket
strengthened breastfeeding support.9
Participants also must have a specified (53%).14
WIC consistently promotes
nutritional risk to qualify. This includes
breastfeeding as the optimal method of
medically-based risks such as anemia or ◆ WIC is not an entitlement program. Congress determines funding annually, and WIC is
infant feeding.10 In Rhode Island in
high-risk pregnancy, or dietary risks not funded at a level that is sufficient to serve all eligible women and children.15 Rhode
Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2018, 79% of
such as inadequate nutrition.1,2,3 Island received $21.7 million in federal WIC funding during FFY 2018, which was less than
mothers participating in WIC initiated
WIC improves the quality of the $22.9 million in funding for FFY 2017.16
breastfeeding. Sixteen percent of infants
participants’ diets and promotes healthy
participating in WIC were breastfed at
eating habits. Studies have shown that ◆ The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) improves participants’ intake of
three months of age, and 13% were
WIC participants access more nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables by enabling participants to purchase produce at authorized local
breastfed at six months of age.11
foods, including more produce, whole farmers’ markets using WIC benefits.17 In Rhode Island, 31 farmers’ markets provided fresh
grains, and low-fat dairy. WIC produce to 12,235 WIC participants through the FMNP in FFY 2018.18

Women and Children Participating in WIC
Table 13. Women, Infants, and Children Enrolled in WIC, September 2018
ESTIMATED NUMBER % OF ELIGIBLE
CITY/TOWN NUMBER ELIGIBLE ENROLLED ENROLLED
Barrington 154 34 22%
Bristol 429 153 36%
Burrillville 489 169 35% Rhode Island Department of Health, WIC Program,
Central Falls 2194 1182 54% September 2018.
Charlestown 157 41 26% Note: WIC participation rates in this Factbook can be
Coventry 824 305 37% compared to all Factbooks, with the exception of the
2011 Factbook, which used a July rather than
Cranston 2953 1374 47%
September 30 reference date. Additionally, since
Cumberland 719 208 29% 2007, the “estimated number eligible” is based on
East Greenwich 178 47 26% calculations done by the Rhode Island Department
East Providence 1733 691 40% of Health to determine the number of pregnant and
postpartum women, infants, and children under age
Exeter 121 34 28% five who live in families with an income less than
Foster 105 24 23% 185% of the federal poverty level. In previous years,
Glocester 180 38 21% the “estimated number eligible” was based on 2000
Census data (2005 and 2006 Factbooks) and 1990
Hopkinton 224 122 54%
Census data (all Factbooks prior to 2005).
Jamestown 34 5 15%
Johnston 1043 421 40% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Lincoln 553 160 29%
Little Compton 54 11 20% References
Middletown 440 206 47% 1
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2018). Women,
Narragansett 169 47 28% Infants, and Children (WIC program). Retrieved
January 8, 2019, from www.fns.usda.gov
New Shoreham 32 2 6%
Newport 905 450 50% 2
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). The Special
North Kingstown 588 183 31% Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants
and Children (WIC program). Retrieved January 8,
North Providence 1145 495 43% 2019, from www.fns.usda.gov
North Smithfield 248 81 33%
3,4,7,10
Carlson, Steven and Neuberger, Zoë. (2017). WIC
Pawtucket 5243 2439 47%
Works: Addressing the nutrition and health needs of
Portsmouth 247 75 30% low-Income families for 40 years. Washington, DC:
Providence 15016 8423 56% Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Richmond 131 25 19% 5
Food insecurity. (2016). Washington, DC: Child Trends.
Scituate 216 67 31%
6
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Smithfield 330 102 31%
Office on Women’s Health. (2018). Pregnancy:
South Kingstown 522 113 22% Staying healthy and safe. Retrieved January 8, 2019,
Tiverton 360 105 29% from www.womenshealth.gov
Warren 340 119 35% 8
Fortson, B. L., Klevens, J., Merrick, M. T., Gilbert, L.
Warwick 2334 774 33% K., & Alexander, S. P. (2016). Preventing child abuse
West Greenwich 101 28 28% and neglect: A technical package for policy, norm, and
programmatic activities. Atlanta, GA: National Center
West Warwick 1469 528 36%
for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for
Westerly 753 207 27% Disease Control and Prevention.
Woonsocket 3260 1721 53%
Four Core Cities 25,713 13,765 54%
Remainder of State 20,280 7,444 37%
Rhode Island 45,993 21,209 46%

Children Participating in School Breakfast
DEFINITION undernourished are more likely to have

Children participating in school poorer cognitive functioning when they Children Participating in the School Breakfast Program,
breakfast is the percentage of low- miss breakfast. They are more likely to Rhode Island, October 2018
income children who participate in the have behavior, emotional, and academic
Rhode Island 19%
School Breakfast Program. Children are problems, more likely to repeat a grade,
RI Schools Without CEP, Universal School Breakfast, 8%
counted as low-income if they are and more likely to be suspended.4,5 or Alternative Breakfast Service
eligible for and enrolled in the Free or Nationally, kindergarteners in RI Schools With Only Alternative Breakfast Service 11%
Reduced-Price Lunch Program. households experiencing food insecurity 20%

RI Schools With Only Universal School Breakfast
are more likely to be chronically absent
RI Schools With Only CEP 33%
SIGNIFICANCE than their peers in food-secure
RI Schools With Universal School Breakfast
The School Breakfast Program helps households.6 and Alternative Breakfast Service
58%
ensure that the nation’s most vulnerable Rhode Island law requires that all RI Schools with CEP and 70%
Alternative Breakfast Service
children start their day off with a public schools make breakfasts and
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
healthy meal. During the 2017-2018 lunches available to all students,
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs, Office of Statewide Efficiencies, October 2018.
school year,12.5 million low-income including students who qualify for free
children in the U.S. participating in the or reduced-price meals based on their ◆ The federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows schools and districts with
School Breakfast Program ate breakfast income (less than 130% of the federal 40% or more students identified as low-income (e.g., enrolled in the Supplemental
at school each day, continuing a pattern poverty level for free meals and between Nutrition Assistance Program) or at-risk (i.e., homeless or in foster care) to provide free
of steady year-over-year growth in 130% and 185% of the federal poverty breakfast and lunch to all students and offers higher reimbursements.10 During the 2016-
student participation over the past level for reduced-price meals).7,8 2017 school year, 20,721 schools (55% of all eligible schools nationally) participated in
decade.1 The School Breakfast Program During the 2017-2018 school year CEP. Rhode Island’s participation rate was among the lowest with 19% of eligible schools
offers nutritious meals, which together in Rhode Island, 53 low-income participating.11
with school lunches, make up a large students participated in the School
proportion of the daily dietary intake of Breakfast Program for every 100 low- ◆ Universal School Breakfast Programs, which provide free breakfast to all children
participating children.2 The School income students who participated in the regardless of income, increase school breakfast participation by removing the stigma often
Breakfast Program helps schools support School Lunch Program. Rhode Island associated with school breakfast and can reduce the administrative burden for schools.12,13
academic success and improved ranks 33rd in the U.S. for participation During the 2018-2019 school year, all schools in Cranston and Woonsocket, selected
attendance, behavior and health, in the School Breakfast Program, down schools in five other districts, and three charter schools offered universal school breakfast.14
including reduced obesity rates.3 from 31st last year. If Rhode Island
Food-insecure families often do not increased low-income student ◆ Making breakfast part of the school day is another proven strategy for increasing
have sufficient food to provide participation in the School Breakfast breakfast participation, reducing stigma, and increasing convenience. In fact, some states
nutritious breakfasts every morning, Program to 70% of School Lunch are adopting legislation requiring schools to offer alternative breakfast service.15,16 During
and children in these families are at risk Program participation, the state would the 2018-2019 school year, several Rhode Island school districts offered alternative
of falling behind their peers physically, receive $2.6 million in additional breakfast service, including breakfast in the classroom, “grab and go” breakfasts, bagged
cognitively, academically, emotionally, federal funds to support the School breakfasts, or breakfast on a cart in all or some of their schools.17
and socially. Children who are Breakfast Program.9

Children Participating in School Breakfast
Table 14. Children Participating in School Breakfast, Rhode Island, October 2018
ESTIMATED
ESTIMATED % OF ALL LOW-INCOME % OF ALL
OCTOBER AVERAGE DAILY CHILDREN # OF AVERAGE DAILY LOW-INCOME CHILDREN
2018 PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATING LOW-INCOME PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATING IN
SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT IN BREAKFAST IN BREAKFAST STUDENTS IN BREAKFAST SCHOOL BREAKFAST
Barrington 3,357 44 1% 157 13 8%
Bristol Warren 3,383 354 10% 1,161 214 18% Rhode Island Department of Education, Child
Nutrition Programs, Office of Statewide
Burrillville 2,368 156 7% 814 116 14%
Efficiencies, October 2018.
Central Falls 2,774 1,318 48% NA NA NA
Chariho 3,364 176 5% 704 116 16% NA indicates that data on low-income students and their
participation in school breakfast was not available
Coventry 9,462 390 4% 2,970 286 10% because some or all schools in this district were
Cranston 11,224 2,469 22% 4,590 1,420 31% using the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
Cumberland 4,837 428 9% 1,029 250 24% and therefore not collecting data on the incomes of
students’ families. During the 2018-2019 school
East Greenwich 2,544 69 3% 170 34 20%
year, Central Falls, all elementary schools in
East Providence 5,890 1,055 18% 2,975 734 25% Providence, some schools in Pawtucket, Highlander
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,628 87 5% 285 49 17% Charter School, Rhode Island Nurses Institute
Foster 270 31 11% 64 26 40% Middle College Charter School, and the
Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center
Foster-Glocester 1,344 98 7% 244 51 21% were using CEP.
Glocester 556 64 11% 74 27 37%
*Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
Jamestown 486 14 3% 44 * 17%
numbers are not shown to protect student
Johnston 3,409 370 11% 1,458 272 19% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
Lincoln 3,214 224 7% 853 159 19% district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Little Compton 253 * 1% 41 * 3% of state, and state totals.
Middletown 2,487 128 5% 732 99 13% Charter schools include: Achievement First Rhode
Narragansett 1,332 75 6% 284 42 15% Island, Beacon Charter High School for the Arts,
Blackstone Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep,
New Shoreham 136 11 8% 23 * 31%
Charette Charter School, The Compass School, Paul
Newport 2,338 516 22% 1,442 436 30% Cuffee Charter School, The Greene School,
North Kingstown 4,264 273 6% 1,031 218 21% Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
North Providence 4,027 624 15% 1,569 392 25% International Charter School, Kingston Hill
Academy, The Learning Community, RI Nurses
North Smithfield 1,730 62 4% 320 40 12%
Institute Middle College Charter School, RISE Prep
Pawtucket 10,325 2,470 24% NA NA NA Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for Learning,
Portsmouth 2,500 93 4% 398 55 14% Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy, South
Side Elementary Charter School, Trinity Academy
Providence 27,141 11,065 41% NA NA NA
for the Performing Arts, and The Village Green
Scituate 1,245 29 2% 221 19 8% Virtual Charter School. State-operated schools
Smithfield 2,699 130 5% 414 73 18% include: William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical
South Kingstown 3,050 209 7% 568 154 27% High School, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf,
and Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical
Tiverton 3,550 112 3% 864 74 9%
Center. UCAP is the Urban Collaborative
Warwick 9,334 657 7% 3,187 456 14% Accelerated Program.
West Warwick 3,993 579 15% 2,120 465 22%
Westerly 2,740 278 10% 970 234 24% Woonsocket.
Woonsocket 6,734 2,257 34% 4,674 1,859 40%
The October 2018 enrollment and number of low-
Charter Schools 8,892 3,006 34% NA NA NA
income students are for the full month of October
State-Operated Schools 1,842 507 28% NA NA NA and are not comparable with the October 1, 2018
UCAP 137 23 17% 125 23 18% enrollment numbers reported elsewhere in the
Factbook.
Four Core Cities 46,974 17,110 36% NA NA NA
Remainder of State 103,014 9,808 10% 31,776 6,541 21% (Sources and References are continued on page 177)
Rhode Island 160,859 30,454 19% NA NA NA

Health

Children’s Health Insurance
DEFINITION insurance program, is available to

Children’s health insurance is the children and families who qualify based Children Without Health Insurance, Rhode Island and U.S. , 2010-2017
percentage of children under age 19 on family income. RIte Care also serves Rhode Island U.S.
who were covered by any kind of as the health care delivery system for 10%
8.0%
private or public health insurance, specific groups of children who qualify 8%
7.5% 7.2% 7.5%
6.3%
including Medicaid. for Medical Assistance based on a 6% 5.1%
4.7% 5.0%
disability or because they are in foster 4% 5.6% 5.7%
4.5%
SIGNIFICANCE care or receiving an adoption subsidy. 2%
4.0% 3.5% 3.6%
RIte Share is Rhode Island’s premium 2.2% 2.1%
Children who have health insurance 0%
coverage are healthier and have fewer assistance program that helps income- 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
preventable hospitalizations than those qualifying families afford an employer’s Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2012 & 2017. Table CP03. Data from 2010 to 2012 are for
children under 18 years of age and data from 2013 to 2017 are for children under 19 years of age due to a change in
who are uninsured.1 Medicaid and the health insurance plan.8 the 2017 American Community Survey. Prior Factbooks are not comparable.
Children’s Health Insurance Program On December 31, 2018, 73% of RIte

Care members who qualified based on ◆ In 2017, 2.1% of Rhode Island’s children under age 19 were uninsured. Rhode Island
(CHIP) provide health insurance and ranks third best state in the U.S., with 97.9% of children covered. In 2017, 59% of
access to health care for low-income family income and 72% of RIte Share
enrollees were children under age 19.9 Rhode Island children under age 19 are covered by private health insurance, most of
children.2 Medicaid’s Early and Periodic which is obtained through their parents’ employers.14,15
Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Rhode Island children who are older
(EPSDT) benefit entitles children to all than age five, living in urban
communities, or are Native American, ◆ Younger children are more likely to live in low-income families compared to older
age-specific pediatrician-recommended children and therefore are more likely to meet the income-eligibility threshold for RIte
services to grow and thrive.3 Children Asian, or Hispanic are the most likely to
be uninsured. In 2017, an estimated Care, which is 261% of the federal poverty level. Approximately 60% of children under
insured through Medicaid and CHIP the age of three were enrolled in RIte Care/medical assistance in 2017.16,17,18
are more likely to receive primary and 2.1% of Rhode Island children were
preventive medical and dental care, have uninsured.10,11,12,13
◆ Approximately 70% (4,713) of the estimated 6,725 uninsured children under age 18 in
access to specialists, and have fewer Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017 were eligible for RIte Care coverage based on their
unmet health needs than uninsured Children Without Health Insurance
family incomes but were not enrolled. An estimated 2,012 uninsured children lived in families
children. Evidence indicates that CHIP 2013 2017
with incomes above the income limit for RIte Care eligibility and 64% (1,279) of them may
has reduced racial/ethnic disparities in RI 5.7% 2.1%
US 7.5% 5.0% have been eligible for financial assistance through HealthSource RI based on income.19
access and utilization, improved
educational outcomes, and shielded National Rank* 3rd
New England Rank** 3rd ◆ As of December 31, 2018, 3,826 children and 1,504 adults (5,330 total) were enrolled
children from poverty.4,5,6 in RIte Share, a 26% decrease since 2017.20
Children are more likely to be *1st is best; 50th is worst
insured if their parents also have health ◆ Families can enroll in health coverage though HealthSource RI, Rhode Island’s health
Source: For 2017: U.S. Census Bureau, American
insurance (especially continuous Community Survey, 2017. Table R2702. For 2013: insurance marketplace under the federal Affordable Care Act. As of October 2018, 1,749
coverage).7 RIte Care, Rhode Island’s U.S Census Bureau, American Community Survey,
children were enrolled in private health coverage through HealthSource RI, 52% of whom
2013. Table CP03.
Medicaid/CHIP managed care health received financial assistance through a premium tax credit or a cost sharing reduction.21
52 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Health

Children’s Health Insurance
Table 15.
Children Under Age 19 Receiving Medical Assistance, Rhode Island, December 31, 2018
KATIE BECKETT ADOPTION FOSTER
CITY/TOWN RITE CARE SSI PROVISION SUBSIDY CARE TOTAL
Barrington 536 11 36 27 11 621 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 1053 30 18 44 22 1,167
Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human
Burrillville 1216 35 21 86 22 1,380 Services, MMIS Database, December 31, 2018.
Central Falls 5355 274 4 46 56 5,735
The table includes children enrolled in RIte Care
Charlestown 418 13 8 15 15 469
managed care as of December 31, 2018. Children
Coventry 2263 81 48 149 74 2,615 with special health care needs who are covered
Cranston 6793 197 75 204 139 7,408 through RIte Care or Medical Assistance are also
Cumberland 1907 85 48 75 28 2,143 included because they receive SSI, adoption
subsidies, or qualify for the Katie Beckett provision.
East Greenwich 546 18 33 35 16 648
East Providence 4066 157 35 114 92 4,464 The Providence numbers include some children in
substitute care who live in other towns because the
Exeter 289 6 5 22 6 328
Medicaid database lists some foster children as
Foster 323 4 7 16 7 357 Providence residents for administrative purposes.
Glocester 468 18 6 56 30 578
Unknown residence: All children are Rhode Island
Hopkinton 411 9 5 25 10 460 residents, but specific city/town information was
Jamestown 131 8 9 4 6 158 unavailable.
Johnston 2536 87 43 69 44 2,779
Lincoln 1503 52 24 58 39 1,676 Woonsocket.
Little Compton 164 1 3 2 2 172
References
Middletown 1086 36 16 35 15 1,188
Narragansett 460 14 8 24 21 527
1
Murphey, David. (2017). Health insurance coverage
improves child well-being. Washington, DC: Child
New Shoreham 67 0 2 0 69 Trends.
Newport 2206 111 4 45 57 2,423
2
Medicaid’s role for children. (2017). Washington, DC:
North Kingstown 1600 49 30 65 47 1,791
Georgetown University Health Policy Institute
North Providence 1435 56 10 35 42 1,578 Center for Children and Families.
North Smithfield 604 20 13 47 20 704 3
EPSDT: A primer on Medicaid’s pediatric benefit. (2017).
Pawtucket 12287 499 30 172 175 13,163 Washington, DC: Georgetown University Health
Portsmouth 752 24 17 48 27 868 Policy Institute Center for Children and Families.
Providence 38152 1766 78 488 845 41,329 4
Paradise, J. (2014). The impact of the Children Health
Richmond 413 11 12 27 13 476 Insurance Program (CHIP): What does the research tell
Scituate 322 5 11 22 11 371 us? Washington, DC: The Henry J. Kaiser Family
Foundation.
Smithfield 753 19 27 50 21 870
South Kingstown 1388 50 34 61 30 1,563 5
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Policy
Tiverton 978 25 13 25 23 1,064 statement: Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP): Accomplishments, Challenges, and Policy
Warren 865 32 10 36 33 976
Recommendations. Pediatrics, 122(3), 784-793.
Warwick 5474 196 91 237 144 6,142
6
Wagnerman, K., Chester, A., & Alker, J. (2017).
West Greenwich 248 3 12 18 9 290
Medicaid is a smart investment in children.
West Warwick 3349 150 18 96 62 3,675 Washington, DC. Georgetown University Health
Westerly 1920 63 24 54 41 2,102 Policy Institute Center for Children and Families.
Woonsocket 7745 514 27 143 159 8,588 (continued on page 178)
Four Core Cities 5,355 3053 139 849 1,235 68,815
Remainder of State 106,727 1676 776 1926 1,179 54,100
Rhode Island 112,082 4729 915 2775 2,414 122,915
Health / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 53

Childhood Immunizations
DEFINITION it is important to continue to immunize

Childhood immunizations is the against them until the diseases are Fully Immunized Children*, Ages 19 Months to 35 Months,
completely eradicated.1,2,3 Rhode Island and United States, 2007-2017
percentage of children ages 19 months to
35 months who have received the entire The federal Vaccines for Children Rhode Island U.S.
4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series of vaccinations as program is used to eliminate cost as a 100%

77% 74%
recommended by the Advisory barrier to vaccination. It allows states to 80%
Committee on Immunization Practices obtain vaccines at a discounted price. 60% 75% 70%
(ACIP). In 2017, the complete series Local providers then administer the 40%
included 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus vaccines at no cost to eligible children 20%
and pertussis (DTaP); 3 doses of polio; 1 under age 19, including those who are 0%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
dose of measles, mumps, rubella uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid-
(MMR); 3-4 doses of Haemophilus eligible.4 Due to the federal Affordable *Fully immunized children received the 4:3:1:0:3:1:4 series in 2008 to 2010; and the
Care Act (ACA), children and 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series from 2011-2017.
influenzae type b (Hib); 3 doses of
hepatitis B vaccines (Hep B); 1 dose of individuals enrolled in new health Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Survey, 2007-2017.
varicella (chickenpox); and 4 doses of insurance plans now have access to

◆ In 2017, 74% of Rhode Island’s children ages 19 months to 35 months were fully
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). recommended vaccines without
immunized, above the national average of 70% and 14th best in U.S.9
deductibles or copays, when delivered
SIGNIFICANCE by an in-network provider.5
◆ In 2017, the U.S. rate for fully immunized children ages 19 months to 35 months
The Rhode Island Department of
Timely and complete immunization ranged from 63% for children living below the federal poverty level to 74% for children
Health obtains and distributes vaccines
protects children against a number of living at or above the federal poverty level. The 2017 U.S. rate was 72% for Asian, non-
and works in partnership with local
infectious diseases that were once Hispanic children, 72% for White, non-Hispanic children, 70% for Hispanic children,
health care providers to maintain and
common and resulted in death or and 67% for Black, non-Hispanic children.10
share KIDSNET immunization data for
disability. Vaccines interact with the children from birth through age 18.6
immune system to produce antibodies ◆ Vaccine concerns have led some parents to request alternative vaccination schedules or
Rhode Island requires vaccination
that protect the body if it is later to refuse some or all immunizations, which contribute to under-immunization.11,12
against the following diseases prior to
exposed to disease. The benefits of Federal law requires that families be provided with information about each vaccine,
entry into child care, preschool, Head
immunization include improved quality including risks and benefits about the vaccine.13
Start, or Kindergarten: diphtheria,
of life and productivity, reduced health tetanus, and pertussis; Haemophilus
spending, and prevention of illness and ◆ In Rhode Island, children may be exempt from receiving one or more vaccines for
influenza type b; hepatitis A; hepatitis
death. Society benefits from high medical or religious reasons.14 In the 2017-2018 school year, 1.1% (120) of kindergarten
B; influenza; measles, mumps, and
vaccination levels because disease students had exemptions from vaccination requirements. Of these exemptions, 92% were
rubella; pneumococcal conjugate; polio;
outbreaks are minimized, and those for religious reasons and 8% were for medical reasons.15 In the 2017-2018 school year,
rotavirus; and varicella (chickenpox).
who cannot be vaccinated for medical 4.4% (533) of 7th grade students had exemptions from vaccination requirements. Of
Kindergarten entry requires all of these
reasons are less likely to be exposed. these exemptions, 92% were for religious reasons and 8% were for medical reasons.16
and additional doses of DTAP, MMR,
Although many of the diseases against polio, and varicella.7,8
which children are vaccinated are rare,

Childhood Immunizations
Vaccination Coverage Among Children, Ages 19 Months to 35 Months, Immunizations for Elementary and Middle School Students
Rhode Island and United States, 2017
◆ The 2017-2018 Rhode Island Department of Health Immunization Survey analyzed
Rhode Island U.S.
student immunization status reports through a web-based survey of all kindergarten and
89% 7th grade school nurse teachers. The immunization statuses of 98% of kindergarten
4+DTaP
83% students and more than 95% of 7th grade students were assessed. Of the immunizations
97%
needed for school entry, entering kindergarteners had coverage rates between 96% and
3+Polio
93% 98%, while entering 7th grade students had rates between 74% and 99%.19,20
95%
1+MMR
92%
Adolescent Immunization
84%
Hib-Full Series* ◆ All Rhode Island seventh grade students are required to receive the human
81%
papillomavirus (HPV), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), and meningococcal
97%
3+HepB
91%
conjugate (MCV4) vaccines, as well as any needed catch-up doses, for entry into school.21
95%
1+Varicella ◆ According to the 2017 National Immunization Survey–Teen, Rhode Island adolescents
91%
ranked first in the U.S. for the 3+HPV vaccine for males (with 78% of adolescents
89%
4+PCV vaccinated), second in the nation for the 3+HPV vaccine for females (77% vaccinated),
82%
third in the nation for the 1+MenACWY vaccine (94% vaccinated), and fifth in the
4:3:1:0:3:1:4 74% nation for the 1+Tdap vaccine (95% vaccinated).22
Series* 70%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ◆ To ensure that all high school seniors are fully vaccinated before beginning college or
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health analysis of data from the National Immunization Survey-Children, 2017. work, the Rhode Island Office of Immunization runs the Vaccinate Before You Graduate
*Depending on the product type received, 3+ or 4+ doses of Hib vaccine is a full dose. (VBYG) program in high schools throughout the state. The program holds vaccination
◆ In 2017, Rhode Island ranked first in the U.S. for children receiving the rotavirus clinics throughout the year at each participating school. The immunizations are funded
vaccines; second for 3+Polio and 3+HepB vaccines; fourth for 1+ MMR; fifth for the by the federal Vaccines for Children program, local insurers, and other federal grants and
4+DTaP, 1+Varicella, 4+PCV vaccines; and eleventh for the 3+HepB vaccine.17 are offered at no cost to students.23,24
◆ In 2017, Rhode Island’s rate of completion for the 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 (74.4%) did not reach ◆ During the 2017-2018 school year, 103 schools participated in VBYG. In total, 4,942
the national Healthy People 2020 target (80%), but a number of individual vaccine vaccine doses were administered to 2,245 students. Vaccines administered included
coverage rates in Rhode Island did. Polio, MMR, HepB, and varicella had coverage rates influenza, HPV, MCV4, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella, polio,
that met or surpassed the Healthy People 2020 targets (90%) set for each type of vaccine tetanus, diphtheria, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and varicella (chicken pox).25
for children ages 19 months to 35 months.18
◆ The School Located Vaccination (SLV) program administered 28,200 doses of the
References influenza vaccine to both children and adults at school-based clinics throughout Rhode
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). 2
Immunization. (2015). Washington, DC: Child Trends. Island from October to December 2018. The goal of SLV is to ensure all Rhode Island
Why are childhood vaccines so important? Retrieved
January 21, 2019, from www.cdc.gov (continued on page 178) children receive their annual flu vaccination at no out-of-pocket cost.26
Access to Dental Care
DEFINITION insurance coverage have greater access to

Access to dental care is the percentage dental and medical care than children Children Under 21 Enrolled in Medical Assistance* Programs
of children under age 21 who were who have no insurance.6,7,8 Who Received Any Dental Service, Rhode Island, SFY 2008-2018
enrolled in RIte Smiles or Medicaid fee- Children of color have the highest # Received Dental Service # Enrolled in Medical Assistance
for-service on June 30, 2018 and who rates of tooth decay and untreated 150,000
130,460 131,722 127,368
had received dental services at any point dental problems. In Rhode Island and 120,000
122,236
107,468
during the previous State Fiscal Year. the U.S., non-Hispanic White children 88,198 88,667 93,118 96,314 96,930 99,159
90,000
are more likely to have had a recent 50% 53%
44% 51%
60,000 51%
SIGNIFICANCE dental visit than non-Hispanic Black or 52% 52% 52% 52% 53% 52%
57,108 61,843 65,868 67,981
50,020 51,245 51,340 54,848
46,358 48,858
Hispanic children.9,10,11 30,000 46,052
Dental caries (tooth decay) is the
Some evidence suggests that poor
most common chronic disease among 0
oral health during pregnancy is a 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
children. Poor oral health has immediate
potential risk factor for some pregnancy Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State Fiscal Years (SFY) 2008-2018. *Medical
and significant negative impacts on Assistance includes RIte Care, RIte Share, and Medicaid fee-for-service.
complications and poor birth outcomes,
children’s overall health, growth and
including preterm birth and low ◆ Fifty-three percent (67,981) of the children who were enrolled in RIte Care, RIte
development, school attendance, and
birthweight infants.12 Although oral Share, or Medicaid fee-for-service on June 30, 2018 received a dental service during State
academic achievement.1,2
health care can be safely provided Fiscal Year (SFY) 2018. The number of children receiving dental services has increased by
Insurance is a strong predictor of
during pregnancy, less than two-thirds 57% since 2006, when RIte Smiles launched.17
access to health and dental care. Twenty-
(59%) of Rhode Island women report
one percent of uninsured children in the
having a dental visit during their ◆ The federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)
U.S. have unmet dental needs, compared
pregnancy. In Rhode Island, uninsured standard requires that states provide comprehensive dental benefits to children with
with 5% of those with Medicaid and 3%
women and low-income women are Medicaid coverage, including preventive dental services.18 In Rhode Island, 45% of
of those with private health insurance.3
less likely to see a dentist. Fifty percent children with Medicaid in Rhode Island received a preventive dental visit in FFY 2017.19
In Rhode Island, pediatric dental
of women who participated in WIC
coverage is embedded in most private
received preventive dental care during ◆ RIte Smiles, Rhode Island’s managed care oral health program for children has been
health insurance coverage, and RIte
their pregnancy.13,14 credited with improving access to dental care for children. RIte Smiles is for low-income
Smiles is Rhode Island’s dental insurance
Children with special health care children born on or after May 1, 2000, and the cohort expands through an eligibility
for Medicaid-eligible children born after
needs may have problems finding and age-in process.20,21,22 As of December 31, 2018, there were 113,462 children enrolled in
May 1, 2000.4,5
accessing providers who are trained RIte Smiles.23,24
Children living in poverty are more
and equipped to address their special
likely to have untreated tooth decay
dental, medical, behavioral, and ◆ The federal Affordable Care Act made pediatric dental benefits mandatory offerings in
than higher-income children. For
mobility needs. A dental home can individual and small employer plans.25 In Rhode Island, most commercial coverage in the
children in low-income families, the
provide comprehensive, continuously individual market of HealthSource RI (Rhode Island’s state-based insurance marketplace)
efficacy and continuity of public dental
accessible, coordinated, and family- includes pediatric dental benefits as part of health coverage.26
insurance is a critical factor in access to
centered dental care for all children,
dental care. In the U.S. and in Rhode
including those with special needs.15,16
Island, children who have public health

Access to Dental Care
Dental Provider Participation in Medicaid and RIte Smiles Importance of Early Dental Visits for Very Young Children
◆ Nationally, children and adults with public insurance coverage face access problems ◆ Clinical recommendations are that children first visit the dentist before age one.36
because many private dentists do not accept Medicaid for payment. Dental providers cite However, nearly three-quarters (74%) of babies in the U.S. have not seen the dentist by
low reimbursement rates, cumbersome administrative requirements, and patient-related their first birthday.37
issues (e.g., missed appointments and poor treatment compliance) as reasons why they do
not see more patients with Medicaid coverage. Additional access barriers for children and ◆ There are too few dentists specially trained to treat very young children, and too few
families with public insurance include difficulty with transportation, lack of child care, who accept RIte Smiles. Pediatric dentists are dentists with specialized training who work
and issues with paperwork. Family education, case management, and streamlining with infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.38,39
administrative procedures can encourage provider enrollment and patient utilization.27,28
◆ In 2017, 39% of Rhode Island children under age five with Medicaid coverage received
◆ Since RIte Smiles started in 2006, reimbursement rates have been raised for participating any dental service, and 36% received a preventive dental service.40
dental providers.29 The number of dentists accepting qualifying children increased from
27 before RIte Smiles began to 90 at the launch of RIte Smiles.30 In FY 2018, there were ◆ In 2015, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation to increase access to
309 unduplicated dentists in 195 practice locations participating in RIte Smiles.31 oral health care for children by allowing dental hygienists to perform approved services
in public health settings, including for young children.41
◆ General dentists and dental specialists who provide dental care to youth who do not
qualify for the RIte Smiles program (currently between the ages of 18 and 21) continue ◆ Primary care providers can conduct oral health risk assessment, refer for dental care,
to be reimbursed at the Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rate.32 Medicaid and provide preventive services, all of which can improve oral health outcomes.42
reimbursement rates often lag behind fees charged by dental providers and private
commercial rates, which reduces incentives for providers to treat children with Medicaid ◆ All 50 state Medicaid programs reimburse primary care medical providers for
coverage. Rhode Island had the fifth lowest Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rate preventive oral health services for very young children, including risk assessment,
for pediatric dental services in the nation in 2016.33 anticipatory guidance, and fluoride varnish application.43
References
Consequences of Untreated Dental Disease The state of little teeth: Second edition. (2019).
1,6,9,15,25,27,36,37,39 4,26
HealthSource RI. (n.d.). HealthSource RI dental
Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. coverage. Retrieved February 20, 2019, from
◆ Between 2013 and 2017, an average of 557 children under age 21 were treated for a www.healthsourceri.com
2
Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General.
primary dental-related condition in Rhode Island emergency departments annually. Of
(2000). Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health 5
these children and youth, 23% were ages five and under, 18% were ages six to 11, 17% and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Services (2019). Dental services for children and young
were ages 12 to 17, and 42% were age 18-20.34 Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health. adults. Retrieved February 20, 2019, from
www.eohhs.ri.gov
3,10
National Health Interview Survey. (2017). Table C-
11a: Age-adjusted percent distributions (with standard 7
Wilkniss, S. & Tripoli, S. (2015). Health investments
◆ Each year between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, an average of 67 children under errors) of unmet dental need due to cost in the past 12 that pay off: Strategies to improve oral health.
age 19 were hospitalized with a diagnosis that included an oral health condition. During months and of length of time since last visit with a Washington, DC: National Governors Association.
dentist or other dental health care professional for
this time period, an average of 16 children per year under age 19 were hospitalized with (continued on page 178)
children aged 2-17 years, by selected characteristics:
an oral health condition as the primary reason for the hospitalization.35 United States, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2019,
from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/shs/tables.htm
Note: Effective October 1, 2015, the International Classification of Disease (ICD) Codes changes
from the 9th classification to the 10th classification, which may impact comparability across the years.

Children’s Mental Health
DEFINITION diagnosable mental health problem; one

Children’s mental health is the number in ten (9.8%) has significant functional Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
of acute care hospitalizations of children impairment.6
◆ Infant mental health is the growing capacity of infants and toddlers to experience,
under age 18 with a primary diagnosis of Risk factors for childhood mental
regulate, and express emotions, form close and secure relationships with caregivers, and
a mental disorder. Hospitalization is the disorders include prenatal exposure to
explore their environment to learn and thrive. Infant mental health is synonymous with
most intensive type of treatment for alcohol, physical and sexual abuse,
healthy social and emotional development.16
mental disorders and represents only one adverse childhood experiences, toxic
type of treatment category on a broad stress, genes or a family history of
◆ Infants need to form secure attachment with at least one caregiver. Infants who do not
continuum available to children with mental health issues, involvement with
develop secure attachment are at risk for learning delays, relationship dysfunction,
mental health concerns in Rhode Island. juvenile justice and child welfare
difficulty expressing emotions, and future mental health disorders.17
systems, and living in poverty.7,8,9
SIGNIFICANCE Mental health treatment systems tend
◆ Infants and toddlers can have specific mental health disorders related to development
Mental health in childhood and to be fragmented and crisis-driven with
stage like Excessive Crying Disorder, or general disorders that manifest in certain ways
adolescence is defined as the achievement disproportionate spending on high-end
among infants and toddlers like Social Phobia and Autism Spectrum Disorder.18
of expected developmental, cognitive, care and often lack adequate investments
social, and emotional milestones and the in prevention and community-based
ability to use effective coping skills. services.10,11,12 In Rhode Island, an Children with Medicaid and RIte Care with a Mental Health Diagnosis
Mental health influences children’s health estimated 36% of children ages three to
17 who needed mental health treatment ◆ In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2018, 27% (33,407) of children under age 19 enrolled in
and behavior at home, in school, and in Medicaid/RIte Care had a mental health diagnosis. Of those children with a mental
the community. Mental health or counseling had a problem obtaining
needed care.13 In Federal Fiscal Year health diagnosis, 21% were ages 6 and under, 37% were ages seven to 12, and 42% were
conditions can impair daily functioning, ages 13 to 18. In addition, 42% were females and 58% were males.19
prevent or affect academic achievement, (FFY) 2018, there were 465 children and
increase involvement with the juvenile youth awaiting psychiatric inpatient
admission, similar to FFY 2017 when ◆ In SFY 2018, 1,486 children under age 19 enrolled in Medicaid/RIte Care were
justice and child welfare systems, result hospitalized due to a mental health related condition (up from 983 in SFY 2016), and
in high treatment costs, diminish family there were 462 boarders. The average
wait time for FFY 2018 was 1.4 days, 2,649 children had a mental health related emergency department visit (up from 1,690 in
incomes, and increase the risk for suicide. SFY 2016, a 57% increase). Eighty-seven percent of those mental health-related
Children with mental health issues are down from 3.6 days in FFY 2017. In
FFY 2018, an average of seven children emergency department visits did not result in a hospitalization.20
also likely to have other chronic health
conditions.1,2,3,4 per day were ready to leave the
psychiatric hospital (down from the FFY ◆ Sixty-three percent of all emergency department visits for children with a mental
Mental health problems affect health primary diagnosis were enrolled in RIte Care/Medicaid and 32% had commercial
children of all backgrounds. Nationally, 2017 average of eight kids per day), but
were unable due to a lack of step-down insurance.21
10% of children under age five
experience a significant mental health availability or there being no other safe
issue.5 In Rhode Island, one in five placement (including at home).14,15
(19.0%) children ages six to 17 has a

Children’s Mental Health
Rhode Island’s Community Mental Health Organizations Emergency Care for Primary Diagnosis of Mental Disorder,
Children Under Age 18, Rhode Island, 2007-2017*
◆ The six Community Mental Health Organizations (CMHOs) in Rhode Island are the
Emergency Department Visits # Hospitalizations
primary source of public mental health treatment services available in the state for
4,000
children and adults.22 During 2018, 4,520 children under age 18 were treated at 3,168
CMHOs, and 4,099 children were receiving treatment as of December 31, 2018.23 3,000 2,675
2,000 2,458
1,798
1,000
Psychiatric Hospitals
Children Under Age 19 Treated at Rhode Island Psychiatric Hospitals, 0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018 (FFY 2018)
BRADLEY HOSPITAL BRADLEY HOSPITAL BUTLER HOSPITAL Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Hospital Discharge Database, 2007-2017. *Data are for emergency department
GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL ADOLESCENT visits and hospitalizations, not children. Children may visit emergency department or be hospitalized more than once.
SERVICES DISABILITIES PROGRAM PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
Trend line is comparable to Factbooks since 2012. Note: Effective October 1, 2015, the International Classification of
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE Disease (ICD) codes changed from the 9th classification to the 10th classification, which may impact comparability across
# LENGTH # LENGTH # LENGTH
TREATED OF STAY TREATED OF STAY TREATED OF STAY the years.
Inpatient 773 23 days 141 42 days 456* 9 days
Residential 188 48 days** 35 69 days** -- --
◆ In 2017, there were 3,168 emergency department visits and 2,458 hospitalizations of
Partial Rhode Island children with a primary diagnosis of mental disorder. Between 2007 and
Hospitalization 727 22 visits 106 22 visits 175 6 visits 2017, emergency department visits increased 18% and hospitalizations increased 37%.26
Home-Based 0 NA 20 26 visits -- --
Outpatient 1,363 *** 63 *** 99 NA
Source: Lifespan, 2017-2018 and Butler Hospital, 2017-2018. Programs can have overlapping enrollment. Number Suicide Among Rhode Island Children and Youth
treated is based on the hospital census (i.e., the number of patients seen in any program during FFY 2018). The
average length of stay is based on discharges. *An additional 61 youth were treated in adult programs. **Residential ◆ Children and youth with mental health conditions are at increased risk for suicide.27 In
average length of stay has dropped significantly compared to last year’s 235 day average due to a new residential
short-term stay facility. *** Only total number treated with outpatient services by the Lifespan Physician Group is 2017, 16% of Rhode Island high school students reported that they seriously considered
available attempting suicide, and 11% reported attempting suicide one or more times during the
-- = Service not offered. NA = Data not available for this service. past year.28 In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, there were 965 emergency
department visits and 649 hospitalizations of youth ages 13-19 due to suicide attempts.
◆ The two hospitals in Rhode Island that specialize in providing psychiatric care to
Six children under age 20 died due to suicide in Rhode Island between 2013-2017.29
children and youth are Bradley Hospital and Butler Hospital. Inpatient treatment at a
psychiatric hospital is the most intensive type of mental health care. The most common References
diagnoses for youth treated at Butler or Bradley Hospitals in FFY 2018 in an inpatient 2.7,27
Murphey, D., Barry, M., & Vaughn, B. (2013).
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013).
setting were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, schizophrenia, Mental health surveillance among children: United Adolescent health highlight: Mental health disorders.
and bipolar disorders.24,25 States, 2005-2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (Publication No. 2013-1). Washington, DC: Child
Report, 62(Supp.2):1-35. Trends.

Children with Special Needs
DEFINITION anxiety, developmental delays, and other

Children with special needs are those mental health conditions.4 Children Enrolled in Early Intervention
who have a chronic disease or disability In Rhode Island in 2017, high school
◆ States are required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
that requires educational services, health students with disabilities reported being
Part C to identify and provide appropriate Early Intervention (EI) services to all infants
care, and/or related services of a type or bullied at school and cyber bullied more
and toddlers under age three who have developmental delays or have a diagnosed
amount beyond that required generally than their peers. They were also twice as
physical or mental condition that is associated with a developmental delay.13
by children. Special needs can be likely to feel sad or hopeless and four
physical, developmental, behavioral, times as likely to have attempted suicide
◆ As of June 30, 2018, nine certified EI provider agencies served 2,219 children in
and/or emotional. This indicator as their non-disabled peers. They also
Rhode Island. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of those children receiving EI services were male
measures the number of children with reported higher rates of sexual activity,
and just over one-third (37%) were female. Of these children, 57% were White, 30%
special health care needs enrolled in drinking, and use of cigarettes, electronic
were Hispanic, 7% were Black, 4% were Mixed Race, 2% were Asian, and <1% were
Early Intervention, special education, vapor products, and marijuana.5,6
American Indian or Alaska Native.14
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), CSHCN may require physical health,
and Medical Assistance. mental health, and education services,
special equipment, or assistive Children Enrolled in Special Education
SIGNIFICANCE technology. Health-related needs are best
met via a comprehensive, coordinated, ◆ Under IDEA Part B, local school systems are responsible for identifying, evaluating,
An estimated 19% of children in the
and family-centered medical home. and serving students ages three to 21 who have disabilities that might require special
U.S. and 21% of children in Rhode
Families may also need help with education and related services.15
Island had at least one special health care
need.1 Children with special health care transportation, child care, family
support, and home modifications. ◆ As of June 30, 2018 in Rhode Island, there were 3,121 children ages three to five who
needs (CSHCN) can have impairments
Having children with special needs can received preschool special education services.16
of varying degrees in physical,
developmental, emotional, and/or significantly upset parents’ finances,
employment, and family lives.7,8,9 ◆ In Rhode Island as of June 30, 2018, 21,488 students in public schools ages six to 21
behavioral functioning.2 Thirty percent of
In 2014, Congress passed the received special education services (15% of all students). Thirty-six percent of students
parents with young children in Rhode
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act receiving special education services in Rhode Island had a learning disability.17
Island and 31% of parents nationally
reported completing a developmental (ABLE), which created tax-exempt
saving accounts for people who become ◆ Early Intervention (EI) programs are required to provide transition services for
screening.3 In Rhode Island, 66% of
disabled before age 26. ABLE accounts children who are enrolled in EI and who may be eligible for special education services at
CSHCN have two or more health
cover a range of expenses related to age three. In 2018, 62% of the 1,224 children who reached age three while in EI were
conditions, compared to 68% of
living a life with disabilities, including determined to be eligible for preschool special education, 19% were found not eligible,
CSHCN in the U.S. Nationally,
health care, education, housing, and 13% did not have eligibility determined when exiting EI. The remainder completed
commonly reported health conditions
transportation, and employment their service plan prior to reaching the maximum age for EI, moved out of state,
among CSHCN include allergies,
training.10,11 In 2015, the Rhode Island withdrew, or were otherwise unreachable for follow-up.18
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, behavioral General Assembly established ABLE
problems, asthma, learning disabilities, savings accounts for Rhode Islanders
with special health care needs.12

Children with Special Needs
Medical Assistance for Children With Special Health Care Needs Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
◆ As of December 31, 2018, there were 4,740 Rhode Island children and youth under ◆ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant
age 19 receiving Medical Assistance benefits through their enrollment in the federal SSI social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Children diagnosed with ASD have a
program.19,20 variety of symptoms and experience challenges and abilities that range widely in severity.
Many children with ASD face challenges in social interaction, speech/language, and
◆ In Rhode Island, the Katie Beckett eligibility provision provides Medical Assistance communication and demonstrate repetitive behaviors and routines.33
coverage to children under age 19 who have serious disabling conditions, in order to
enable them to be cared for at home instead of in an institution.21 As of December 31, ◆ The national ASD prevalence among children age eight is estimated to be 16.8 per 1,000
2018, there were 911 Rhode Island children enrolled through the Katie Beckett children. ASD prevalence is significantly higher among boys (26.6 per 1,000 boys) than
provision, a decline of 49% from the peak enrollment of 1,770 in 2007.22,23 girls (6.6 per 1,000 girls). ASD prevalence is higher among non-Hispanic White children
than non-Hispanic Black children and Hispanic children (17.2 per 1,000 children,
◆ Children with special health care needs have a variety of coverage options under compared to 16.0 and 14.0 per 1,000).34
Medicaid. Medicaid coverage also provides access to the Early and Periodic Screening,
Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit, which requires that children receive all the services
they need, either as a direct benefit or wrap-around benefit to commercial coverage they Children Ages Three to 21 With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
might have.24,25 Rhode Island, June 2000 – June 2018
3,000
2,500
2,619
2,000 1,496
Children With Special Needs in the Child Welfare System 1,500
1,000
◆ Children and youth who are in the child welfare system are more likely to have special 500
317
needs, including behavioral and emotional problems, developmental delays, and serious 0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
health problems than other children. They often enter the child welfare system in poor
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, June 2000 – June 2018. Numbers include parentally placed students.
health and face difficulties accessing services while in care.26,27
◆ In June 2018, there were 2,619 Rhode Island children ages three to 21 with ASD who
◆ As of December 31, 2018, 2,421 children in Rhode Island were enrolled in Medical received special education services.35 The increase in number of children with ASD has
Assistance through the child welfare system.28 Per provisions of the federal Affordable been attributed, in part, to improved awareness and better screening and evaluation tools,
Care Act, all youth who turned age 18 while in foster care are eligible for Medicaid as well as the broadening of the definition of ASD.36 Early and appropriate identification
coverage until they reach age 26 in the state in which they aged out of care.29 In Rhode and sustained interventions by skilled professionals can result in improvements in the levels
Island, estimates show that 71% of all eligible former foster youth were enrolled in of independent functioning of children and youth with ASD.37,38
Medicaid coverage as of December 31, 2018, up from 66% in 2017.30
References
◆ Children who are adopted through the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth 1
Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. 2
Maternal and Child Health Bureau. (2018). Children
(n.d.). 2016-2017 National Survey of Children’s with special health care needs. Retrieved February 19,
and Families and have special needs may qualify for Medical Assistance coverage.31 As of Health: Children with special health care needs. 2019, from https://mchb.hrsa.gov
December 31, 2018, 2,771 children were enrolled in Medical Assistance because of Retrieved February 19, 2019, from
www.childhealthdata.org (continued on page 179)
special needs adoptions.32

Infants Born at Risk
DEFINITION place a child at increased risk for

Infants born at risk is the number of developmental delays, health problems, Births by Key Risk Factors, Four Core Cities and Rhode Island 2018
babies born in Rhode Island to Rhode cognitive impairment, lowered rates of # TO MOTHERS # TO
# TO # TO WITHOUT A MOTHERS
Island women who were low-income, school success, and unhealthy behaviors LOW-INCOME SINGLE HIGH SCHOOL YOUNGER
CITY/TOWN BIRTHS MOTHERS MOTHERS DIPLOMA THAN 20
single, did not have a high school throughout life.4,5,6
Central Falls 303 263 213 97 20
diploma, and/or were under age 20. Economic hardship in early childhood
Pawtucket 852 596 481 110 38
is associated with poor educational and
Providence 2,352 1,760 1,355 466 147
SIGNIFICANCE health outcomes. Differences in
Woonsocket 465 343 315 95 40
The basic architecture of the human development are evident by age two, with
Rhode Island 9,952 5,069 4,441 1,069 395
brain develops during the infant and children born into low-income families
toddler years. By age three, a child’s lagging behind children born into higher Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, KIDSNET Database, 2018.
brain has grown to 80% of its adult size income families. When economic
◆ The U.S. birth rate has been declining since 2007, reaching an historic low in 2017. The
and the foundation of many cognitive insecurity is combined with other risk
U.S. teen birth rate also reached a record low in 2017. Rhode Island had the fifth lowest
structures and systems are in place. factors such as having a single parent, a
overall birth rate and the sixth lowest teen birth rate in the U.S. in 2017, with 10.0 births
Early experiences lay the foundation for parent with low education levels, and/or
per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 and 11.4 births per 1,000 teens ages 15 to 19.12
future learning, and strong, positive a teen parent, children are at markedly
relationships are the building blocks for increased risk for poor outcomes.7 In the
◆ The total number of babies born in Rhode Island to Rhode Island women declined
healthy development. Babies who have U.S., 44% of all infants and toddlers live
17% between 2008 and 2018. The proportion of Rhode Island births that were to mothers
positive early childhood experiences and in low-income families (below 200% of
without a high school diploma fell from 17% to 11% and the proportion of all births that
stable, loving relationships with parents the federal poverty line) and 21% live in
were to teen mothers fell from 10% to 4% of all births during the same time period.13
and other caregivers have a sturdy poverty, a significantly higher proportion
foundation to achieve healthy growth than older children and adults. Children
◆ All babies born in Rhode Island are screened through the Rhode Island Department of
and development, while babies who go under age three are more than twice as
Health’s Newborn Risk Assessment Program. In 2018, there were 6,333 newborns (64%)
without often encounter educational, likely to live in poverty than adults age
who “screened positive,” indicating the presence of one or more risk factors associated with
social-emotional, health, and 65 or older.8
poor developmental outcomes.14
developmental challenges.1,2,3 Family planning programs help
Infancy is a time of great opportunity individuals avoid unintended
◆ Of the 9,952 babies born in Rhode Island to Rhode Island women in 2018, nearly one-
and vulnerability. A child’s development pregnancies which are associated with
third (3,189) had a mother with a documented history of treatment for mental health
can be compromised by "toxic stress" negative educational, health, and
conditions. Also, 627 (6%) had a mother with a documented history of substance abuse
caused by a variety of adverse childhood economic outcomes for women and
problems, and 225 (2%) had a mother with documented involvement in the child welfare
experiences and risk factors, including children.9,10 In addition, evidence-based
system (either as an adult or as a child).15
poverty, maternal depression, family home visiting programs for vulnerable
chaos, exposure to violence, child families help parents develop critical
maltreatment, parental substance abuse, nurturing skills and improve outcomes
and/or parental incarceration. These for children and families.11
negative experiences in early childhood

Infants Born at Risk
Table 16. Infants Born at Risk, Rhode Island, 2018
# OF BIRTHS TO BIRTHS TO MOTHERS # OF BIRTHS TO
TOTAL # LOW-INCOME # OF BIRTHS TO WITHOUT A MOTHERS YOUNGER
CITY/TOWN OF BIRTHS MOTHERS SINGLE MOTHERS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA THAN AGE 20
Barrington 107 14 8 0 0 Source of Data for Table/Methodology

Bristol 103 35 31 6 * Rhode Island Department of Health, KIDSNET
Burrillville 121 44 50 5 6 Database, 2018. Birth data from 2018 are
provisional. Data include only births that occurred
Central Falls 303 263 213 97 20
in Rhode Island to Rhode Island residents. This
Charlestown 54 22 20 4 * table shows the number of births with key risk
Coventry 280 84 84 9 * factors that place a child at high risk for poor
Cranston 756 314 298 48 28 developmental outcomes. Births to low-income
women are births to women with public health
Cumberland 346 96 87 13 6
insurance (Medicaid/RIteCare) or no insurance. Of
East Greenwich 109 17 18 0 0 the 5,059 births to low-income families in 2017,
East Providence 447 197 199 37 11 5,023 had Medicaid/RIte Care coverage and 36 had
Exeter 52 11 12 3 0 no insurance.
Foster 41 11 10 2 * * Fewer than 5 births to mothers younger than age 20

Glocester 69 17 21 1 * are suppressed by the RI Department of Health due
to the policy regarding sensitive reproductive health
Hopkinton 30 11 7 1 0
information of a potentially socially-stigmatizing age
Jamestown 22 4 2 0 0 group. These births are still counted in the four core
Johnston 270 107 107 20 5 cities, remainder of state, and state totals.
Lincoln 160 43 48 4 * The definition for this indicator changed in 2016. The
Little Compton 6 2 - 0 0 percentage of births with specific risk factors (births
Middletown 156 51 39 8 * to women under age 20, single, and without a high
school diploma) and the number and percentage of
Narragansett 42 19 15 2 *
all births with all three risk factors is no longer being
New Shoreham 2 1 1 0 0 reported.
Newport 207 104 100 30 14
North Kingstown 235 55 61 7 7 Woonsocket.
North Providence 311 159 134 19 15
References
North Smithfield 83 35 28 2 *
Pawtucket 852 596 481 110 38
1
The basics of infant and early childhood mental health: A
briefing paper. (2017). Washington, DC: Zero to
Portsmouth 135 23 33 2 *
Three.
Providence 2,352 1,760 1,355 466 147
2
First Things First. (n.d.). Brain development. Retrieved
Richmond 79 18 20 3 *
February 22, 2019, from www.firstthingsfirst.org/
Scituate 89 24 26 3 * early-childhood-matters/brain-development
Smithfield 132 31 35 2 * 3
Zero to Three. (2019). Share the Think Babies message.
South Kingstown 155 50 40 8 * Retrieved February 22, 2019, from
Tiverton 73 22 26 6 * www.thinkbabies.org
Warren 80 29 29 1 * 4
Toxic stress. (2017.) Cambridge, MA: Harvard Center
Warwick 712 233 265 24 12 on the Developing Child.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2001-2018).
West Warwick 326 158 159 26 9 Adverse childhood experiences. Retrieved February 22,
Westerly 140 48 54 5 * 2019 from www.rwjf.org
Woonsocket 465 343 315 95 40 6
Traumatic experiences widespread among U.S. youth, new
Unknown 1 1 1 0 0 data show. (2017). Washington, DC: Robert Wood
Four Core Cities 3,972 2,962 2,364 768 245 Johnson Foundation.
Remainder of State 5,979 2,096 2,076 301 150 (continued on page 180)
Rhode Island 9,952 5,059 4,441 1,069 395

Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting
DEFINITION economically secure through education

Evidence-based family home visiting and employment. Some home visiting Families Enrolled in Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting Coordinated
is the number of families enrolled in programs can also improve maternal by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island, 2012-2018
evidence-based home visiting programs and child health, reducing long-term 1,500
funded/coordinated by the Rhode health care costs.3,4,5 1,200 1,278

Island Department of Health. In 2010, federal legislation 900 1,043 1,090
established the Maternal, Infant, and 823
600
SIGNIFICANCE Early Childhood Home Visiting 500
300
Parents are the most important (MIECHV) program to expand and 174
288
0
individuals in a child’s life, particularly improve state-administered home 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018*
during infancy and early childhood. visiting programs for at-risk families Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Family Home Visiting, Family Visiting Database, October 2012-2018. *Beginning
Infants and toddlers who receive with young children. This funding must in 2018, enrolled families includes all families participating in Parents as Teachers programs, including those without
be spent by states on approved models MIECHV funding.
responsive, nurturing care and are
provided with opportunities to learn that meet rigorous evidentiary ◆ As of October 2018, of the 1,278 parents/caregivers participating in evidence-based home
have a strong foundation for success. standards.6 In 2018, there were 20 home visiting programs 12% were under age 20, 17% were ages 20 to 24, and 71% were age 25 or
When parents face obstacles that impact visiting models identified as effective, older at enrollment. Twenty-three percent of the parents/caregivers had less education than a
their ability to meet the needs of their evidence-based programs for families high school diploma or GED, 29% had a high school diploma or GED, 21% had some
babies, the child’s health, development, during the prenatal period and early college or vocational training, 10% had a four-year college degree, and 17% had an
and learning trajectory are threatened.1,2 childhood years, with evidence showing unknown amount of education. At the time of enrollment, 36% of the parents/caregivers
Home visiting programs are designed they produce statistically significant were single, 46% were married or had a domestic partner, 4% were divorced or
to reach young children and their improvements in outcomes for children separated, less than 1% were widowed, and 13% had an unknown marital status. Among
families at home. Each program is and families.7 Rhode Island uses the enrolled children, 8% were not born yet, 30% were under age one, 23% were age
different, but all provide parenting MIECHV funding to implement three one, 21% were age two, 14% were age three, 4% were age four, and 1% were age five.10
education to foster healthy, safe, and of these evidence-based models: Healthy
stimulating environments for young Families America, Nurse-Family ◆ Home-based Early Head Start is also recognized as an evidence-based home visiting
children. Children in at-risk families Partnership, and Parents as Teachers; the program that improves child outcomes.11 As of October 2018 in Rhode Island, there
who participate in high-quality home federal government directly funds the were 656 pregnant women and children enrolled in home-based Early Head Start.12
visiting programs have improved Early Head Start home-based option.8
language, cognitive, and social- In order to achieve improved outcomes ◆ Early Intervention (EI) programs serve infants and toddlers with developmental delays
emotional development and are less for children, evidence-based programs and disabilities in Rhode Island and deliver nearly all (97%) services through home
likely to experience child abuse and must follow national program visits. As of June 2018, there were 2,219 children enrolled in EI in Rhode Island.13
neglect. Families who participate are guidelines, use professional staff trained
more likely to provide an enriching in the model, be implemented in the ◆ Rhode Island also operates First Connections, a statewide, short-term home visiting
home environment, use appropriate appropriate timeframes, and be program designed to help families get connected to needed resources.14 In 2018, 2,657
discipline strategies, and become more implemented with fidelity.9 children received at least one First Connections home visit (49% lived in one of the four
core cities and 51% in the remainder of the state).15

Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting
Table 17. Evidence Based Family Home Visiting, Rhode Island, 2018
# FAMILIES ENROLLED IN EVIDENCE-BASED
COMMUNITY CONTEXT, 2018 HOME VISITING PROGRAMS, OCTOBER 1, 2018
TOTAL # OF BIRTHS # OF BIRTHS TO # RECEIVED HEALTHY NURSE- PARENTS
# OF WITH 1 OR MORE LOW-INCOME FIRST CONNECTIONS FAMILIES FAMILY AS Source of Data for Table/Methodology
CITY/TOWN BIRTHS RISK FACTORS FAMILIES VISIT IN 2018 AMERICA PARTNERSHIP TEACHERS* TOTAL
Home visiting data are from the Rhode Island Department
Barrington 107 32 14 14 1 0 1 2
of Health, Family Home Visiting, Family Visiting
Bristol 103 56 35 20 3 0 21 24 Database. Birth data are from Rhode Island
Burrillville 121 66 44 17 1 1 2 4 Department of Health, Center for Health and Data
Central Falls 303 263 263 125 41 13 32 86 Analysis, KIDSNET. Number of births with one or
Charlestown 54 32 22 15 6 0 1 7 more risk factor is the “risk positive” definition from
the Developmental Risk Assessment. Births to low-
Coventry 280 144 84 73 14 0 10 24 income families are births to families with public
Cranston 756 431 314 173 45 4 26 75 health insurance (Medicaid/RIteCare) or no insurance.
Cumberland 346 153 96 59 3 3 2 8
*Beginning in 2018, enrolled families includes all families
East Greenwich 109 41 17 20 1 1 3 5 participating in Parents as Teachers programs,
East Providence 447 280 197 65 17 1 13 31 including those without MIECHV funding.
Exeter 52 30 11 21 0 0 0 0
Unknown: Specific city/town information is unavailable.
Foster 41 20 11 9 0 1 0 1
Glocester 69 37 17 12 1 0 0 1 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket
Hopkinton 30 12 11 15 3 0 3 6
Jamestown 22 7 4 6 0 0 0 0 References
Johnston 270 156 107 45 6 2 1 9 1,3
DiLauro, E. & Schreiber, L. (2012). Reaching families
Lincoln 160 71 43 27 4 1 2 7 where they live: Supporting parents and child
Little Compton 6 4 2 3 0 0 0 0 development through home visiting. Retrieved
February 28, 2019, from www.zerotothree.org
Middletown 156 76 51 26 5 0 8 13
Narragansett 42 28 19 16 1 0 1 2 2,6
States and the new federal home visiting initiative: An
assessment from the starting line. (2011). Washington,
New Shoreham 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
DC: The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Newport 207 127 104 52 14 1 12 27
North Kingstown 235 99 55 59 4 1 17 22
4,7,11
Sama-Miller, E., et al. (2018). Home visiting evidence
of effectiveness review: Executive summary.
North Providence 311 205 159 57 4 2 5 11
Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and
North Smithfield 83 48 35 11 1 0 0 1 Human Services, Administration for Children and
Pawtucket 852 653 596 273 87 16 51 154 Families, Office of Planning, Research, and
Portsmouth 135 59 23 26 6 0 4 10 Evaluation.
Providence 2,352 1,835 1,760 758 285 78 100 463 5
Home visiting family support programs: Benefits of the
Richmond 79 42 18 19 1 0 0 1 Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting
Scituate 89 36 24 4 0 0 0 0 Program. (2015). Washington, DC: The Pew
Charitable Trusts.
Smithfield 132 62 31 21 0 0 0 0
South Kingstown 155 71 50 45 14 1 6 21 8,10,15
Rhode Island Department of Health, 2018.
Tiverton 73 41 22 12 6 0 3 9 9
Howard, K. S. & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2009). The role of
Warren 80 45 29 8 3 1 9 13 home-visiting programs in preventing child abuse
Warwick 712 390 233 203 22 0 40 62 and neglect. The Future of Children, 19(2), 119-146.
West Greenwich 49 19 7 9 2 0 1 3 12
Rhode Island Early Head Start program reports to
West Warwick 326 217 158 108 23 1 8 32 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, October 2018.
Westerly 140 76 48 77 10 0 40 50 13
Woonsocket 465 367 343 154 47 6 41 94 Services, Center for Child and Family Health, June
Unknown 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 30, 2018.
Four Core Cities 3,972 3,118 2,962 1,310 460 113 224 797 14
Rhode Island Department of Health. (n.d.). First
Remainder of State 5,979 3,214 2,096 1,347 221 21 239 481 Connections. Retrieved March 1, 2019, from
Rhode Island 9,952 6,333 5,059 2,657 681 134 463 1,278 http://health.ri.gov

Women with Delayed Prenatal Care
DEFINITION monitoring and treatment of chronic

Women with delayed prenatal care is disease, education on preventive health Women With Delayed Prenatal Care by Race/Ethnicity,
the percentage of women receiving practices, implementing and enhancing Rhode Island, 2013-2017
prenatal care beginning in the second or Medicaid policies to improve health 30%
third trimester of pregnancy. Data are insurance coverage, and ensuring 25%
20% 21.8%
reported by place of mother’s residence, access to culturally and linguistically
15% 16 17.1%
not place of infant’s birth. competent health providers can 15.5% 15.3% 14.7%
10% 12.2%
improve prenatal care for women of 9
5%
SIGNIFICANCE childbearing age.5,6 0%
Asian Black American Indian White Hispanic* All Races
Early prenatal care is an important Barriers to prenatal care include not and Alaskan Native
way to identify and treat health knowing one is pregnant, not being able Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Database,
problems as well as influence health to get an appointment or start care 2013-2017. * Race categories are non-Hispanic.
behaviors that can affect fetal when desired, lack of transportation or

◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, Black women (21.8%), Hispanic women
development, infant health, and child care, inability to get time off
(17.1%), American Indian and Alaskan Native (15.5%), and Asian women (15.5%) were
maternal health. Women receiving late work, and/or financial constraints,
more likely to receive delayed prenatal care than White women (12.6%).10
or no prenatal care are at increased risk including lack of insurance and/or
of poor birth outcomes, such as having money to pay for care.7
◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, women who did not graduate from high
babies who are low birthweight or who Rhode Island women with delayed
school were more likely to receive delayed prenatal care than women with more than a
die within the first year of life.1,2 or no prenatal care are more likely to
high school education (23% compared to 11.7%). Nineteen percent of pregnant women
Effective prenatal care screens for report their pregnancy was unintended
in the four core cities received delayed prenatal care.11
and intervenes with a range of maternal than women who initiated care in the
needs including nutrition, social first trimester. Between 2012 and 2015
support, mental health, smoking in Rhode Island, 66% of women whose Insurance Coverage Improves Access to Prenatal Care
cessation, substance use, domestic prenatal care was delayed had
unintentional pregnancies.8 ◆ In the U.S. and Rhode Island, women with commercial insurance have the highest
violence, and unmet needs for food and
In Rhode Island between 2013 and rates of timely prenatal care. Rhode Island women who are most likely to receive care in
shelter. A prenatal visit is the first step
2017, 14.6% of women who gave birth the first trimester have higher levels of education.12,13
in establishing an infant's medical home
and can provide valuable links to other did not begin care until the second or
third trimester. Adolescent and teen ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, pregnant women with health coverage through RIte Care
services.3,4
mothers were more likely to receive (Rhode Island’s Medicaid managed care health program) were much less likely (19.0%)
Early prenatal care is especially
delayed prenatal care than older to receive delayed prenatal care than women who were uninsured (27.4%). Pregnant
important for women who face multiple
mothers in Rhode Island.9 women with private insurance coverage were the least likely to receive delayed prenatal
risks for poor birth outcomes, as is
care (10.3%) during this time period.14
ensuring access to preconception health
care services before pregnancy. Effective
◆ RIte Care ranks in the top quartile in first trimester prenatal care, compared to other
Medicaid health plans in the nation.15

Women with Delayed Prenatal Care
Table 18. Delayed Prenatal Care, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
CITY/TOWN # BIRTHS # DELAYED CARE % DELAYED CARE
Barrington 537 60 11.2%
Bristol 713 91 12.8% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Delayed Prenatal Care by Burrillville 660 80 12.1%
Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
Mother’s Insurance Type, Central Falls 1,606 298 18.6%
Database, 2013-2017. Data for births in 2014 do
Rhode Island, 2013-2017 Charlestown 239 17 7.1%^ not include births among Rhode Island residents that
Coventry 1,469 167 11.4% occurred out-of-state.
Delayed Prenatal Care (2nd or 3rd Trimester)
Cranston 3,912 519 13.3% The denominator is the total number of live births to
Prenatal Care in 1st Trimester
Cumberland 1,717 204 11.9% Rhode Island residents from 2013-2017.
Uninsured East Greenwich 558 57 10.2% *The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
East Providence 2,331 310 13.3% reported and should not be calculated.
Exeter 238 26 10.9%
^The data are statistically unstable and rates or
27% Foster 169 22 13.0%
(109) percentages should be interpreted with caution.
Glocester 333 41 12.3%
73% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Hopkinton 308 27 8.8% Woonsocket.
(289)
Jamestown 116 11 9.5%^
n=398 Johnston 1,328 151 11.4%
** Unknown births include three births with missing
maternal residence data.
Lincoln 997 125 12.5%
Public Insurance (RIte Care) Due to birth certificate changes that began in 2015 (the
Little Compton 83 14 16.9%
last three years in the 2013-2017 five-year average),
Middletown 844 106 12.6% comparisons with previous years should be made
Narragansett 316 34 10.8% with caution. Delayed prenatal care is now a
19% calculated variable that is based on the number of
(4,871) New Shoreham 57 11 19.3%^
visits over 90 days (3 months). “No prenatal care” is
Newport 1,303 186 14.3%
not broken out.
81% North Kingstown 1,097 117 10.7%
(20,817) References
North Providence 1,627 211 13.0%
n=25,688 1,4
Yogman, M., Lavin, A., & Cohen, G. (2018). The
North Smithfield 407 49 12.0%
prenatal visit. Pediatrics 142(1): e20181218.
Pawtucket 4,848 910 18.8%
Private Insurance Portsmouth 618 62 10.0%
2,6
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office
on Women's Health. (n.d.). Prenatal care. Retrieved
Providence 12,453 2,275 18.3%
March 6, 2019, from www.womenshealth.gov
10% Richmond 280 23 8.2%
(2,673) 3
Hagan, J. F., Shaw, J. S., & Duncan, P. M. (Eds.).
Scituate 394 53 13.5%
(2017). Bright futures: Guidelines for health
Smithfield 673 72 10.7% supervision of infants, children and adolescents (4th
90% South Kingstown 817 79 9.7% ed.). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of
(23,173) Pediatrics.
Tiverton 597 81 13.6%
n=25,846
Warren 455 58 12.7% 5
Shore, R. & Shore, B. (2009). KIDS COUNT indicator
Warwick 3,862 452 11.7% brief: Reducing infant mortality. Baltimore, MD: The
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child West Greenwich 230 25 10.9%
Health Database, 2013-2017. West Warwick 1,720 249 14.5% 7
Kim, H., Cain, R., & Viner-Brown, S. (2014). 2014
Westerly 913 69 7.6% Rhode Island Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring
System data book. Providence, RI: Rhode Island
Woonsocket 2,925 562 19.2% Department of Health.
Unknown** 217 29 13.6%
Four Core Cities 21,832 4,045 18.5%
Remainder of State 31,918 3,859 12.1%
Rhode Island 53,967 7,933 14.7%

Preterm Births
DEFINITION enduring health problems, high

Preterm births is the percentage of hospitalization costs during their first year, Preterm Births by Smoking Status, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
births occurring before the 37th week and increased health care-related costs Smoking During Pregnancy Not Smoking During Pregnancy
of pregnancy. The data are reported by later in life.6,7 Preventive interventions 11.6% Premature 8.4% Premature
place of mother’s residence, not place can improve outcomes for very preterm 88.4% Full gestation 91.6% Full gestation
of infant’s birth. infants and their caregivers.8,9
The U.S. preterm birth rate rose 11.6% 8.4%
SIGNIFICANCE between 2016 and 2017, from 9.85%

Preterm birth is a major determinant to 9.93%, the third year of an increase
of infant mortality and morbidity in after steady declines from 2007 to
the U.S. Infants born before 37 weeks 2014. The preterm birth rate varies by
88.4% 91.6%
gestation are at higher risk than full-term race/ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black
infants for neurodevelopmental, women (13.9%) continuing to have the
respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune highest preterm birth rate in the U.S. in
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health Database,
system, central nervous system, hearing, 2017. Hispanic women had a preterm 2013-2017. *See note regarding new methodology for calculating preterm births, starting with the 2016 Factbook.
dental, and vision problems. Children birth rate of 9.6% in 2017 and non-
Hispanic White women had a rate of ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 70.5% of all preterm births in Rhode Island were late preterm
who were born preterm may experience births (34-36 weeks gestation) and 17.6% of all preterm births were very preterm (<32
physical disabilities, learning difficulties, 9.0%. The rate increased for each group
between 2016 and 2017.10,11 Nationally, weeks gestation).13
and behavioral problems later in life.1,2,3
While the specific causes of preterm births racial and ethnic disparities continue in
the outcomes for preterm infants, with ◆ Multiple births are more likely to be born preterm. In Rhode Island between 2013 and
are largely unknown, research indicates 2017, 55.9% of multiple births were preterm, compared with 6.9% of singleton births.14
that there are a number of inter-related the preterm-related infant mortality rate
risk factors involved. The three leading for Black infants about three times the
rate for White infants.12 ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 13.2% of births of Non-Hispanic Native American infants and
risk factors are a history of preterm birth, 11.3% of births of Non-Hispanic Black infants in Rhode Island were preterm, compared
pregnancy with multiples, and uterine with 7.7% of Non-Hispanic Asian and 8.0% of Non-Hispanic White infants. During this
Preterm Births
and/or cervical abnormalities. Other risk same time period, 9.3% of births to Hispanic women in Rhode Island were preterm.15
2007 2017
factors include some health conditions,
RI 10.8% 8.3%
delayed or no prenatal care, stress, ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, 9.3% of births to women with a high school
US 10.4% 9.9%
domestic violence, having pregnancies National Rank* 2nd degree or less were preterm, compared with 7.9% of those with higher education levels.16
close together, and maternal use of New England Rank** 2nd
tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.4,5 *1st is best; 50th is worst ◆ Social determinants of health, including poverty, racism, and access to care are
Even “late preterm” infants (34-36 **1st is best; 6th is worst important factors in the disparities in preterm births.17
weeks gestation) can experience Sources: For 2007: Martin, J. A., et al. (2015). Measuring
immediate and long-term complications. gestational age in vital statistics data: Transitioning to
◆ “17P”, a weekly injection for mothers with singleton pregnancies between 16 and 36 weeks
the obstetric estimate. NVSR, 64(5), 1-19. For 2017:
Infants born very preterm (<32 weeks Martin, J. A., et al. (2018). Births: Final data for 2017. gestation and a prior preterm birth, can reduce the chance of future preterm birth by 33%.18
gestation) are at highest risk for death, NVSR, 67(8), 1-49.

Preterm Births
Table 19. Preterm Births, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
CITY/TOWN # BIRTHS # PRETERM BIRTHS % PRETERM BIRTHS
Bristol 713 52 7.3%
Preterm Births by Mother’s Burrillville 660 60 9.1% Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
Insurance Type, Rhode Island, Central Falls 1,606 144 9.0% Database, 2013-2017. Data for births in 2014 do
Charlestown 239 24 10.0% not include births among Rhode Island residents that
2013-2017 occurred out-of-state.
Coventry 1,469 96 6.5%
Uninsured
Cranston 3,912 345 8.8% The denominator is the total number of live births to
Rhode Island residents from 2013-2017.
15.1% Preterm Births Cumberland 1,717 133 7.7%
84.9% Full-term Births East Greenwich 558 47 8.4% *The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
East Providence 2,331 188 8.1% reported and should not be calculated.
Exeter 238 20 8.4%^ ^The data are statistically unstable and rates or
15.1%
Foster 169 13 7.7%^ percentages should be interpreted with caution.
Glocester 333 33 9.9% Beginning in 2015, the federal Centers for Disease
Hopkinton 308 21 6.8%^ Control and Prevention and the Rhode Island
84.9%
Jamestown 116 4 * Department of Health transitioned to a new
standard for estimating the gestational age of the
Johnston 1,328 108 8.1% newborn. The new measure – the obstetric estimate
Lincoln 997 82 8.2% of gestation at delivery (OE) – replaces the measure
Public Insurance (RIte Care)
Little Compton 83 11 13.3% based on the date of the last normal menses (LMP).
9.5% Preterm Births Middletown 844 66 7.8% The 2013-2017 five-year preterm birth percentage and
90.5% Full-term Births Narragansett 316 22 7%^ the single year average are measured by OE. Because
New Shoreham 57 7 * of this change, preterm birth data reported prior to
the 2016 Factbook are not comparable. National
9.5% Newport 1,303 115 8.8% preterm birth data use the OE measurement as of the
North Kingstown 1,097 88 8.0% 2007 data year at the time of publication of this
North Providence 1,627 162 10.0% Factbook Unknown births include three births with
missing maternal residence data.
90.5% North Smithfield 407 29 7.1%
Pawtucket 4,848 477 9.8% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Portsmouth 618 32 5.2% Woonsocket.
Private Insurance Providence 12,453 1,223 9.8% References

Richmond 280 26 9.3% 1
8.0% Preterm Births Scituate 394 34 8.6% Preterm birth. Retrieved March 12, 2019, from
www.cdc.gov
92.0% Full-term Births Smithfield 673 37 5.5%
South Kingstown 817 63 7.7% 2,5,6
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Premature birth. Retrieved March
8.0% Tiverton 597 53 8.9% 12, 2019, from www.mayoclinic.org
Warren 455 38 8.4% 3

Beauregard, J.L., et. al. (2018). Pretern birth, poverty,
Warwick 3,862 316 8.2% and cognitive development. Pediatrics, 141(1):
e20170509.
92.0% West Greenwich 230 13 5.7%^
West Warwick 1,720 142 8.3% 4
March of Dimes. (2018). Preterm labor and premature
birth: Are you at risk? Retrieved March 12, 2019,
Westerly 913 57 6.2%
from www.marchofdimes.org
Woonsocket 2,925 248 8.5%
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for
Unknown 217 19 8.8%^
7
McCabe, E. R. B., Carrino, G. E., Russell, R. B., &
Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child
Howse, J. L. (2014). Fighting for the next
Health Database, 2013-2017. Four Core Cities 21,832 2,092 9.6%
generation: U.S. prematurity in 2030. Pediatrics,
Remainder of State 32,135 2,589 8.1% 134(6), 1-7.
Rhode Island 53,967 4,681 8.7%

Low Birthweight Infants
DEFINITION at a greater risk of physical and

Low birthweight infants is the developmental problems and death than Low Birthweight Infants by Race/Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
percentage of infants born weighing less those born at a normal birthweight. 15%
than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). Children born at very low birthweight 12%
12.3%
The data are reported by place of mother’s (less than 1,500 grams or 3.3 pounds) 9%
11.2%
residence, not place of infant’s birth. are more than 100 times more likely to 7.3% 8.0% 7.4%
6%
6.4%
die within the first year of life than
3%
SIGNIFICANCE infants of normal birthweight. Those
0%
An infant’s birthweight is a key who survive are at higher risk of long- American Indian Asian* Black* White* Hispanic All races
Alaskan Native*
indicator of newborn health. Infants term health issues, including heart
born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 disease, diabetes, obesity, and 2013-2017. * Race categories are non-Hispanic. Data for births in 2017 are provisional.
ounces are at greater risk for physical intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Low birthweight babies are ◆ There are racial and ethnic disparities in rates of low birthweight.14 In Rhode Island
and developmental problems than
also at greater risk for long-term between 2013 and 2017, 12.3% of American Indian Alaskan Native infants, 11.2% of
infants of normal weights. Factors that
learning difficulties and mental health Black infants, 7.3% of Asian infants, and 8.0% of Hispanic infants were born at low
influence infant birthweight include
problems than their peers.8,9,10 birthweight, compared to 6.4% of White infants.15
maternal smoking, poverty, level of
educational attainment, infections, In the U.S. in 2017, 8.3% of infants
were born at low birthweight, which was ◆ Factors that persist throughout a woman’s life, such as increased stress, income
violence, stress, prenatal nutrition, and
a 10.7% increase from 7.5% in 1997. inequality, insufficient health care, toxic environmental exposures, lack of safe and
environmental hazards.1,2,3
In Rhode Island in 2017, 7.5% of affordable housing, and/or discrimination, have been shown to increase the likelihood of
Low birthweight often is a result of a
Rhode Island’s infants were born at low delivering a low birthweight baby, particularly among Black women and other racial and
premature birth but also can occur after
birthweight, which was a slight increase ethnic minorities.16,17
a full-term pregnancy. Fetal growth
restriction results in low birthweight from 7.4% in 1997.11,12 The Healthy
People 2020 national target is 7.8%.13 ◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 9.5% of births among women under age 20 were
babies, and may be caused by infection,
low birthweight compared to 7.3% of those over age 20; 8.7% of infants born to women
birth defects, or simply because the
Low Birthweight Infants living in the four core cities were low birthweight compared to 6.6% in the remainder of
baby’s parents are small.4
2007 2017
the state; and 8.5% of infants born to women with a high school degree or less were low
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy
RI 8.0% 7.5% birthweight, compared to 6.4% of those born to women with higher education levels.18
is a leading cause of low birthweight.5,6 In
Rhode Island, 6.8% of births between US 8.2% 8.3%
National Rank* 15th ◆ Rhode Island women who deliver a low birthweight infant are more likely to report
2013 and 2017 were to mothers who
New England Rank** 4th smoking while pregnant, feeling unsafe in their neighborhood, delayed or no prenatal care, a
smoked during their pregnancy. During
*1st is best; 50th is worst depression diagnosis, and intimate partner violence than those with a normal weight baby, as
that time, Rhode Island smokers
**1st is best; 6th is worst well as health issues during their pregnancy such as high blood pressure or hypertension.19
(13.0%) were nearly twice as likely to
Source: For 2007: Martin, J. A., et al. (2010). Births:
deliver a low birthweight infant as Final data for 2007. National Vital Statistics Reports, ◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 1.5% of all live births were born at very low
women who did not smoke (6.9%).7 58(24), 1-88. For 2017: Martin, J. A., Hamilton, B.
E., Osterman, M. J. K., Driscoll, A. K., & Drake, P. birthweight (less than 1,500 grams or 3.3 pounds).20
Children born at low birthweight are (2018). Births: Final data for 2017. National Vital
Statistics Reports, 67(8), 1-49.

Low Birthweight Infants
Table 20. Low Birthweight Infants, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
# LOW % LOW
CITY/TOWN # BIRTHS BIRTHWEIGHT BIRTHWEIGHT
Bristol 713 33 4.6% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Burrillville 660 41 6.2% Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Low Birthweight by Mother’s
Central Falls 1,606 131 8.2% Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
Insurance Type, Rhode Island, Database, 2013-2017. Data for births in 2017 are
Charlestown 239 14 5.9%^
2013-2017 provisional. 2014 birth data do not include births
Coventry 1,469 91 6.2% among Rhode Island residents that occurred out-of-
Uninsured Cranston 3,912 274 7.0% state.
Cumberland 1,717 112 6.5%
13.6% Low Birthweight The denominator is the total number of live births to
East Greenwich 558 37 6.6% Rhode Island residents between 2013 and 2017.
86.4% Normal Birthweight
East Providence 2,331 168 7.2%
*The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
Exeter 238 15 6.3%^ reported and should not be calculated.
13.6% Foster 169 11 6.5%^
^The data are statistically unstable and rates or
Glocester 333 20 6.0%^ percentages should be interpreted with caution.
Hopkinton 308 18 5.8%^
86.4% Unknown: Births were to Rhode Island residents, but
Jamestown 116 2 *
specific city/town information was unavailable.
Johnston 1,328 93 7.0%
Lincoln 997 62 6.2% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Public Insurance (RIte Care) Woonsocket.
Little Compton 83 4 *
Middletown 844 51 6.0% References
8.3% Low Birthweight
Narragansett 316 22 7.0%^
1,5
2018 KIDS COUNT data book: State trends in child
91.7% Normal Birthweight well-being. (2018). Baltimore, MD: The Annie E.
New Shoreham 57 5 *
Casey Foundation.
Newport 1,303 108 8.3%
8.3% 2,4,10
March of Dimes. (2018). Low birthweight. Retrieved
North Kingstown 1,097 78 7.1%
March 14, 2019, from www.marchofdimes.org
North Providence 1,627 143 8.8%
North Smithfield 407 30 7.4%
3
Gage, T.B., Fang, F., O'Neill, E., & DiRienzo, G.
91.7% (2013). Maternal education, birth weight, and infant
Pawtucket 4,848 428 8.8%
mortality in the United States. Demography 50(2),
Portsmouth 618 32 5.2% 615-635.
Providence 12,453 1,095 8.8%
Private Insurance
6
Richmond 280 18 6.4%^ Tobacco use and pregnancy. Retrieved March 14,
6.4% Low Birthweight Scituate 394 21 5.3%^ 2019, from www.cdc.gov
93.6% Normal Birthweight Smithfield 673 31 4.6% Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for
7,15,18,19,20
South Kingstown 817 48 5.9% Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child
Tiverton 597 45 7.5% Health Database, 2013-2017.
6.4%
Warren 455 28 6.2% 8
American Psychological Association. (2017). Low birth
Warwick 3,862 248 6.4% weight babies at higher risk for mental health problems
West Greenwich 230 12 5.2%^ later in life. [Press release]. Retrieved from
93.6% https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/02/low
West Warwick 1,720 114 6.6% -birth-weight
Westerly 913 55 6.0%
9
Matthews, T. J., MacDorman, M. F., & Thoma, M. E.
Woonsocket 2,925 242 8.3%
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for (2015). Infant mortality statistics from the 2013
Health Data and Analysis. Maternal and Child
Unknown 217 13 6.0%^ period linked birth/infant death data set. National
Health Database, 2013-2017. Data for births in Four Core Cities 21,832 1,896 8.7% Vital Statistics Reports, 64(9), 1-30.
2017 are provisional. Remainder of State 32,135 2,122 6.6% (continued on page 180)
Rhode Island 53,967 4,018 7.4%

Infant Mortality
DEFINITION live births in 1960 to 5.9 deaths per

Infant mortality is the number of 1,000 live births in 2016 due to Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 Live Births by Race/Ethnicity,
deaths of infants under one year of age improvements in healthier behaviors, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
per 1,000 live births. The data are medical advances, improved access to 15
reported by place of mother’s residence, care, and economic growth.5,6,7,8 Relative 12

11.5
not place of infant’s birth. to other industrialized countries, the 9
U.S. has higher rates of infant mortality 6
5.2 5.7 5.5
SIGNIFICANCE due in part to a relatively high number 3 3.8
Infant mortality rates are associated of preterm births that result in infant 0
Asian Black White Hispanic* All Races
with maternal health, quality of and mortality.9,10
The overall infant mortality rate in Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health Database,
access to medical care, socioeconomic 2013-2017. *Hispanic infants can be of any race.
conditions, and public health practices.1 Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017
was 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, the Black infant mortality rate was 11.5 deaths
Communities with high poverty and
The infant mortality rate was 7.2 per per 1,000 live births, up from 9.9 deaths per 1,000 births between 2012 and 2016.12
disadvantaged social conditions tend to
have higher infant mortality rates than 1,000 live births in the four core cities,
compared with 4.4 per 1,000 live births ◆ The Black infant mortality rate is the highest of any racial or ethnic group even after
more advantaged neighborhoods.2
in the remainder of the state. Mothers controlling for risk factors such as socioeconomic status and educational attainment.13
The five main causes of infant
death in the U.S. — congenital with a high school degree or less had a
higher infant mortality rate (5.7 per ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 297 infants died in Rhode Island before their first birthday, a
malformations, low birthweight,
1,000 live births) than mothers with rate of 5.5 per 1,000 live births. This is a slight improvement from the 2012-2016 infant
sudden infant death syndrome
higher educational attainment (3.5 per mortality rate of 5.6 per 1,000 live births (when there were 302 infant deaths). Between
(SIDS), maternal complications, and
1,000 live births) between 2013 and 2013 and 2017, 76% of infants who died were low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams)
unintentional injuries — account for
2017.11 and 22% were born at normal weights.14
56% of all infant deaths with congenital
malformations as the leading cause of
Infant Mortality Rate ◆ Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death in Rhode Island.15 Between 2013
infant deaths.3 While infant mortality (rate per 1,000 live births)
and 2017, 75% (222) of all infant deaths were preterm (born before the 37th week of
has declined nationally across all racial 2006 2016
pregnancy).16
and ethnic groups, disparities remain. RI 6.1 5.7
Nationally in 2016, the non-Hispanic US 6.7 5.9
◆ Of the 297 infant deaths between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 76% (225)
Black infant mortality rate was 11.4 National Rank* 16th
New England Rank** 4th occurred in the neonatal period (during the first 27 days of life). Generally, infant deaths
deaths per 1,000 births, the American
in the neonatal period are related to short gestation and low birthweight (less than 2,500
Indian/Alaska Native rate was 7.4, the *1st is best; 49th is worst
**1st is best; 5th is worst grams), malformations at birth, and/or conditions occurring in the perinatal period.17,18
Hispanic rate was 5.0, the non-Hispanic
(Vermont did not meet NCHS reporting standards in 2016)
White rate was 4.9, and the Asian rate
Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 24% (72) of the 297 infant deaths in Rhode Island occurred
was 3.6.4
Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org in the post-neonatal period (between 28 days and one year after delivery).19
The U.S. infant mortality rate
declined from 26.0 deaths per 1,000

Infant Mortality
Table 21. Infant Mortality by City/Town, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
CITY/TOWN # OF BIRTHS # OF INFANT DEATHS RATE PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS
Barrington 537 0 0.0
Bristol 713 0 0.0 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Reducing Infant Mortality Burrillville 660 1 * Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Central Falls 1,606 8 * Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
◆ Comprehensive state initiatives to Charlestown 239 2 * Database, 2013-2017.
reduce infant mortality should include the Coventry 1,469 3 * The denominator is the total number of live births to
residents between 2013 and 2017.
following seven broad strategies: improve Cranston 3,912 17 4.3^
health promotion efforts; ensure quality Cumberland 1,717 9 * ^ The data are statistically unstable and rates or
East Greenwich 558 4 * percentages should be interpreted with caution.
of care for all women and infants; improve
East Providence 2,331 14 6.0^ * The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
maternal risk screening for all women of
Exeter 238 1 * reported and should not be calculated
reproductive age; enhance service Foster 169 0 0.0 Unknown: Deaths were to Rhode Island residents, but
integration for women and infants; Glocester 333 0 0.0 specific city/town information was unavailable.
improve access to health care of women Hopkinton 308 5 *
before, during and after pregnancy; Jamestown 116 0 0.0 Woonsocket.
develop data systems to understand and Johnston 1,328 8 *
References
inform efforts; and promote social equity.20 Lincoln 997 6 *
Little Compton 83 0 0.0
1
Statistics. (2017). America’s children: Key national
Middletown 844 5 *
◆ Infant mortality is a result of a variety indicators of well-being, 2017. Washington, DC: U.S.
Narragansett 316 0 0.0 Government Printing Office.
of factors and interventions to prevent New Shoreham 57 6 * 2
infant mortality should occur at multiple Newport 1,303 0 0.0 Infant deaths – United States, 2005-2008. Morbidity
levels, including individual health North Kingstown 1,097 2 * and Mortality Weekly Report, 62(Suppl 3), 171-174.
education and counseling, ongoing North Providence 1,627 8 * 3,7
Kochanek, K.D., Murphy, S.L., Xu, J., & Arias, E.
evidence-based clinical interventions, North Smithfield 407 3 * (2017). Mortality in the United States, 2016. NCHS
Pawtucket 4,848 39 8.0 Data Brief, 293, 1-7.
long-lasting health protecting actions,
Portsmouth 618 2 * 4
creating health-promoting environments,
Providence 12,453 96 7.7 Infant mortality. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from
and socioeconomic interventions to Richmond 280 4 * www.cdc.gov
eliminate disparities.21 Scituate 394 3 * 5
MacDorman, M. F. & Rosenberg, H. M. (1993).
Smithfield 673 0 0.0 Trends in infant mortality by cause of death and
other characteristics, 1960-88. National Vital
◆ Participation in enhanced prenatal and South Kingstown 817 1 *
Statistics Reports, 20(20), 1-51.
postnatal care programs, such as Tiverton 597 0 0.0
Warren 455 0 0.0
6
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data
evidence-based family home visiting Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
Warwick 3,862 10 *
programs, have been shown to reduce the 8,10
Child health USA 2014. (2015). Rockville, MD: U.S.
West Greenwich 230 3 *
risk of infant death.22 As of October 2018, Department of Health and Human Services, Health
West Warwick 1,720 0 0.0
Resources and Services Administration.
there were 1,278 families enrolled in one Westerly 913 8 *
of the evidence-based family home Woonsocket 2,925 14 4.8^
9
Health at a glance 2017: OECD indicators. (2018). Paris,
FR: OECD Publishing.
visiting programs coordinated by the Unknown 214 15 *
Rhode Island Department of Health.23 Four Core Cities 21,832 157 7.2
Remainder of State 32,132 140 4.4
Total 53,964 297 5.5

Breastfeeding
DEFINITION facility policies and practices that take

Breastfeeding is the number and place before, during, and after labor and Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding at Birth, Rhode Island, 2013-2017*
percentage of newborn infants who delivery, including access to professional Any Breastfeeding Formula Feeding
are breastfed at the time of hospital lactation consultants and involvement
100%
discharge. in community breastfeeding support 28% 19% 23%
networks.7 In 2015, Women & Infants 80%
79% 76%
SIGNIFICANCE Hospital became the second-largest 60% 70%
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as hospital in the U.S. to achieve the

40%
the ideal method of feeding and “Baby-Friendly” designation, which
20%
nurturing infants and a critical recognizes breastfeeding support and
component in achieving optimal infant promotion by birth facilities.8 Rhode 0%
Four Core Cities Remainder of State Rhode Island
and child health, growth, and Island ranks second best in the U.S.
development.1,2 National health experts with 86% of babies born at Baby-
2013-2017. Breastfeeding and formula feeding are defined as intended feeding method at hospital discharge. Totals
recommend exclusive breastfeeding for Friendly hospitals.9 may not sum to 100% because data on feeding methods were not available for all births.
six months after birth and continuous Breastfeeding rates generally increase *Note: The data collection process at the Rhode Island Department of Health was changed in 2015. Prior to 2015, breastfeeding
breastfeeding for at least 12 months with maternal age, higher educational was recorded as “Breast,” “Bottle,” or “Both.” Since 2015, a “Yes” or “No” question on the birth certificate worksheet “Is the
infant being breastfed at discharge?” has been used. Data from and prior to 2015 for “Exclusive breastfeeding” and “Both
after birth or longer as mutually desired attainment, and higher income levels.10 breast and formula” have been combined into the “Any breastfeeding” category to align with current data collection practices.
by mother and child.3 Whether the pregnancy was intentional
or not also affects rate of breastfeeding. ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 76% of new mothers in Rhode Island indicated that they
Breastfeeding decreases infant
In Rhode Island between 2016-2017, intended to breastfeed when discharged from the hospital, 23% intended to formula
mortality and morbidity. Infant benefits
10% of babies from intended feed.14 Nearly nine out of ten (87%) new mothers in Rhode Island who were surveyed
include optimal nutrition and reduced
pregnancies were not breastfed at all, about three months after giving birth between 2012-2015 reported ever having breastfed.
risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,
compared with 15% of babies from Forty-six percent reported continued breastfeeding at the time of the survey.15
infectious disease, and chronic
conditions such as childhood obesity, unintended pregnancies.11
type 1 and 2 diabetes, and otitis media. Healthy People 2020 sets target
breastfeeding rates of 82% of infants ever Breastfeeding Initiation and at Eight Weeks, Rhode Island, 2014
Breastfeeding benefits mothers by
creating a strong bond with infants and having been breastfed and 34% at one Initiation Breastfeeding at 8 weeks
decreasing risk for postpartum year of age.12 Among babies born in the 100%
depression, type 2 diabetes, and U.S. in 2015, 83% were ever breastfed, 87%
93%
80% 85% 86%
hypertension. Breastfeeding provides 58% were breastfed at six months, and
60% 65%
significant social and economic benefits, 36% were breastfed at 12 months. In 63%
58% 59%
including reduced cost to the family, 2015, Rhode Island reported rates of 81% 40%
reduced health care costs, and reduced of infants ever having been breastfed, 20%
employee absenteeism.4,5,6 50% at six months, and 31% at one year

0%
Breastfeeding can be effectively of age; all decreases since 2013 and lower Non-Hispanic White Non-Hispanic Black Hispanic Non-Hispanic Other
promoted by hospital and other birth than the national averages.13

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring
System (PRAMS), 2014.

Breastfeeding
Table 22. Breastfeeding at Time of Birth, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
NUMBER OF NUMBER ANY PERCENT ANY
CITY/TOWN BIRTHS SCREENED BREASTFEEDING BREASTFEEDING
Barrington 527 483 92%
Bristol 664 521 78% Sources of Data for Table/Methodology
Rhode Island Supports Burrillville 601 458 76% Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Central Falls 1,572 1,080 69% Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
for Breastfeeding Database, 2013-2017.
Charlestown 221 181 82%
◆ All 50 states have passed legislation Coventry 1,438 1,140 79% Breastfeeding is defined as “breastfeeding as intended
feeding method at hospital discharge.” “Percent
that provides mothers with the explicit Cranston 3,860 2,990 77%
With Any Breastfeeding” includes infants fed breast
right to breastfeed in public places.16 Cumberland 1,582 1,293 82% milk in combination with formula and those
East Greenwich 589 512 87% exclusively breastfed.
Since 2015, Rhode Island law has
East Providence 2,265 1,699 75%
prohibited job discrimination based on *Note: The data collection process at the Rhode Island
Exeter 233 195 84% Department of Health was changed in 2015. Prior to
pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical Foster 167 145 87% 2015, breastfeeding was recorded as “Breast,”
conditions and requires employers to Glocester 302 236 78% “Bottle,” or “Both.” Since 2015, a “Yes” or “No”
question on the birth certificate worksheet “Is the
make reasonable accommodations for Hopkinton 251 213 85% infant being breastfed at discharge?” has been used.
workers for conditions related to Jamestown 111 108 97% Data from and prior to 2015 for “Exclusive
breastfeeding” and “Both breast and formula” have
pregnancy and childbirth, including Johnston 1,309 970 74%
been combined into the “Any breastfeeding” category
breastfeeding.17 Lincoln 951 749 79%
to align with current data collection practices.
Little Compton 55 46 84%
The number of births screened may differ from the total
Middletown 760 638 84%
◆ In 2014, Rhode Island became the first number of births reported elsewhere in the
Narragansett 297 256 86% Factbook as not all documented births received a
state in the U.S. to establish licensure for New Shoreham 54 45 83% screening. Births to Rhode Island women that
International Board Certified Lactation Newport 1,154 920 80% occurred outside Rhode Island are not included.
Consultants (IBCLCs). State-certified and North Kingstown 1,084 926 85% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
trained lactation consultants provide North Providence 1,598 1,196 75% Woonsocket.
comprehensive lactation support and North Smithfield 394 320 81% References
counseling for pregnant and postpartum Pawtucket 4,610 3,330 72% 1,3
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Policy
Portsmouth 526 454 86% statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human
women. In January 2019, Rhode Island milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), 827-841.
Providence 12,090 8,517 70%
had 57 licensed IBCLCs.18,19
Richmond 311 266 86% 2,18
Breastfeeding: 2015-2020 Rhode Island strategic plan.
Scituate 407 336 83% (2015). Providence, RI: Rhode Island Department
◆ Rhode Island is one of six states, in Smithfield 643 530 82% of Health.
addition to Washington, D.C., that have South Kingstown 889 778 88% 4
Kavanaugh, K. & Lessen, R. (2015). Position of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Promoting and
enacted paid family leave programs, Tiverton 356 294 83%
supporting breastfeeding. Journal of the American
which can support breastfeeding Warren 415 317 76%
Dietetic Association, 115, 444-449.
Warwick 3,757 2,926 78%
initiation and duration.20 U.S. mothers 5
Breastfeeding. (2016). Washington, DC: Child Trends.
West Greenwich 221 179 81%
who have 12 or more weeks of paid
West Warwick 1,680 1,173 70% 6,21
The Center for Law and Social Policy. (2016). Public
maternity leave are nearly three times Westerly 730 605 83% policies to support breastfeeding: Paid family leave and
more likely to initiate breastfeeding and workplace lactation accommodations. Retrieved
Woonsocket 2,663 1,771 67% January 7, 2019, from www.clasp.org
twice as likely to breastfeed for six or Four Core Cities 20,935 14,698 70%
more months, compared to mothers with Remainder Of State 30,402 24,098 79%
no paid leave.21 Rhode Island 51,337 38,796 76%

Children with Lead Poisoning
DEFINITION Children can also be exposed to lead
Blood Lead Level Screening (≥5 μg/dL), Rhode Island,

Children with lead poisoning is the poising through corrosion of lead Children Entering Kindergarten with History of Elevated*
percentage of three-year-old children service lines where a house or building’s
water pipe connects to the public water Four Core Cities, and Remainder of State, 2002-2020
level (EBLL, ≥5 μg/dL) at any time
with a confirmed elevated blood lead
main.8 Four Core Cities Rhode Island Remainder of State
prior to December 31, 2018.1,2 These There is no safe lead level in children. 100%
data are for children eligible to enter In an effort to better alert health officials
and families to the dangers of any lead 80%
kindergarten in the fall of 2020 (i.e., 67%
children born between September 1, exposure in children, in 2012 the CDC 60%
52%
2014 and August 31, 2015). lowered the threshold for which a child 41%
level from 10 μg/dL to 5 μg/dL. This

is deemed to have an elevated blood lead 40%
SIGNIFICANCE 20%
9%
Lead poisoning is a preventable new lower reference value allows parents 6%
5%
and health officials to take corrective 0%
childhood disease. Infants, toddlers, 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
and preschool-age children are most actions sooner.9,10,11
Children entering kindergarten between 2002 and 2020. *Elevated blood lead level of ≥5 μg/dL.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program,
susceptible to the toxic effects of lead Although the percentage of children
because they absorb lead more readily with elevated blood lead levels is
declining nationally and in Rhode ◆ The number of children with elevated blood lead levels has been steadily declining in
than adults and have inherent
Island, low-income children are at all areas of Rhode Island over the past two decades. Compared to the remainder of the
vulnerability due to developing central
higher risk of lead exposure.12,13 In state, the core cities have nearly twice the rate of children with elevated blood levels.16
nervous systems.3 Lead exposure, even at
very low levels, can cause irreversible Rhode Island, children living in the
damage, including slowed growth and four core cities are at increased risk for
Lead Exposure and Academic Performance
development, learning disabilities, lead exposure because the housing stock
behavioral problems, and neurological tends to be older.14 ◆ Exposure to lead has been shown to negatively impact academic performance in early
damage. Though rare, severe poisoning In 2018, 635 (3%) of the 23,031 childhood.17 Rhode Island children with a history of lead exposure, even at low levels,
can result in seizures, comas, and even Rhode Island children under age six have been shown to have decreased reading readiness at kindergarten entry and
elevated blood lead levels of ≥5 μg/dL.

death.4,5 The societal costs of childhood who were screened had confirmed diminished reading and math proficiency in the third grade. The most significant
lead poisoning include the loss of future declines in academic performance occurred among children with the highest blood lead
earnings due to decreased intelligence, Children living in the four core cities levels living in the four core cities. Children with lead exposure are also at increased
and increased medical, special (4%) were four times as likely as risked for absenteeism, grade repetition, and special education services.18,19
education, and juvenile justice costs.6,7 children in the remainder of the state
lead levels ≥5 μg/dL.15

Children can be exposed to lead in the (1%) to have confirmed elevated blood ◆ A 2016 Department of Health initiative tested schools for lead in drinking water. The
places they spend the most time. results and recommendations for action are available by school on the Department of
Homes, schools, and child care settings Health website.20,21
can be contaminated with lead from
paint or paint dust if built before 1978.

Children with Lead Poisoning
Table 23. Lead Poisoning in Children Entering Kindergarten
in the Fall of 2020, Rhode Island
CONFIRMED WITH BLOOD LEAD LEVEL ≥5 µg/dL
NUMBER TESTED
CITY/TOWN FOR LEAD POISONING NUMBER PERCENT
Barrington 181 4 * Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 145 11 7.6% ^
Significantly Lead Poisoned Rhode Island Department of Health, Healthy Homes
Burrillville 155 2 *
and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Children Under Age Six Central Falls 307 28 9.1%
Charlestown 36 2 * Data reported in this year’s Factbook is not comparable
◆ Starting in 2015, a child is considered to to editions prior to 2012, due to a change in
Coventry 309 7 * definition and data improvements within the
be “significantly lead poisoned” if she or he
has a single venous blood test result of ≥15
Cranston 768 52 6.8% Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning
μg/dL. The number of children under age

Cumberland 337 8 * Prevention Program.
East Greenwich 158 5 * Data for children entering kindergarten in the fall of
six who were significantly lead poisoned East Providence 448 31 6.9% 2020 reflect the number of Rhode Island children
Exeter 56 2 * eligible to enter school in the fall of 2020 (i.e., born
has decreased by 81% over the past 13 between 9/1/14 and 8/31/15).
years, from 349 in 2005 to 68 in 2018.22 Foster 38 2 *
Glocester 57 2 * Children confirmed positive for lead poisoning (blood
lead level ≥5 g/dL) are counted if they screened
Hopkinton 55 4 *
◆ Starting in 2015, an environmental positive with a venous test and/or had a confirmed
Jamestown 28 0 0.0% capillary test at any time in their lives prior to the
a single venous test is ≥15 μg/dL (versus

inspection of a child’s home is offered when Johnston 286 8 * end of December 2018. The Rhode Island Healthy
≥20 μg/dL previously). The Rhode Island

Lincoln 217 7 * Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program recommends that children under age six
Little Compton 25 5 * with a capillary blood lead level of ≥5 g/dL receive a
Department of Health sends certified lead Middletown 201 8 * confirmatory venous test.
inspectors to determine whether lead Narragansett 61 3 *
The denominator for percent confirmed is the number of
New Shoreham 7 2 * children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2020
hazards are present and works with owners
Newport 285 15 5.3% ^ who were tested for lead poisoning. Data include
to make the property lead-safe. In 2018, both venous and confirmed capillary tests.
North Kingstown 244 11 4.5% ^
116 environmental inspections were North Providence 308 11 3.6% ^ Of the 727 children entering kindergarten in 2020 who
offered, of which 67 were performed, 18 North Smithfield 78 4 * had an initial blood lead screen of ≥5 g/dL, six did
were refused, 18 were pending, and 13 the not receive a confirmatory second test. Their lead
Pawtucket 872 51 5.8%
poisoning status is unknown.
child had moved.23 Portsmouth 130 2 1.5%
Unknown: Children were Rhode Island residents, but
Providence 2,600 265 10.2%
Richmond 48 4 *
Scituate 101 1 * Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Lead Poisoning Screening for Woonsocket.
Smithfield 122 0 0.0%
Children Age Three See Methodology Section for more information.
South Kingstown 179 7 *
◆ All Rhode Island children must have at Tiverton 127 7 * References
least two blood lead screening tests by age Warren 107 11 10.3 ^ 1,10
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.).
Warwick 741 30 4.0%
three and annual screening through age six. Blood lead levels in children. Retrieved February 20,
West Greenwich 47 0 0.0% 2019, from www.cdc.gov
Lead screening is a mandated covered
West Warwick 302 20 6.6%
health insurance benefit in Rhode Island.
2,25
Rhode Island Department of Health. (2018).
Westerly 177 4 * Childhood lead poisoning prevention program referral
By the end of 2018, 79% of Rhode Island Woonsocket 589 26 4.4% intervention process. Retrieved February 22, 2019,
three-year-olds had received at least one Unknown Residence 2 NA NA from www.health.ri.gov
blood test, 51% had received at least two Four Core Cities 4,368 370 8.5% (continued on page 180)
blood tests, and 21% were never tested.24,25,26 Remainder of State 6,564 292 4.4%
Rhode Island 10,934 662 6.1%

Children with Asthma
3
DEFINITION Compared with adults, children

Children with asthma is the rate of have higher rates of primary care and Asthma* Emergency Department and Hospitalization Rates,
emergency department visits where emergency department visits for asthma, by Age and Race/Ethnicity, Rhode Island Children, 2013-2017
asthma was the primary diagnosis per similar hospitalization rates, and lower Black White Hispanic** All Races
1,000 children under age 18. Data are death rates.10 Asthma remains the third
(# per 1,000 children)

30 30
reported by place of child’s residence at leading cause of hospitalization for
25 25
the time of the emergency department children under age 15 and one of the 20
20.5
20
16.5
visit. leading causes of school absenteeism.11 15
14.3
15
9.7 10.8
Proper asthma management requires 10
5.9 5.8
10
3.5 3.5
SIGNIFICANCE continued assessment and monitoring, 5 5 1.4 2.7 1.9 2.3
0.6 1.5 0.9
0 0
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease patient education, environmental Ages 0-4 Age 5-17 Ages 0-4 Ages 5-17
that causes treatable episodes of coughing, control, and appropriate medication. Emergency Department Visit Rates Hospitalization Rates
wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest Health care providers should work with
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Hospital Discharge Database, 2013-2017; U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
tightness, which can be life threatening. the child and family to create an asthma *Rates are for primary diagnosis of asthma. **Hispanic children can be of any race.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by action plan, which provides instruction

on how to avoid asthma triggers and ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, Black children, Hispanic children, and
respiratory infections, air pollutants, children ages five to twelve were the most likely to visit the emergency department or be
cigarette smoke, allergens, and exposure how to use medications properly. An
asthma action plan can improve health hospitalized as a result of asthma. Children of all ages were more likely to visit the
to cold air or sudden temperature change. emergency department than to be hospitalized for asthma.18
While the exact cause is unknown, outcomes and reduce costly asthma
various genetic, environmental, birth, hospitalizations if adhered to and
supported by enhanced care and ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, boys under age 18 had higher asthma
and health factors have been linked to emergency department visits (8.7 per 1,000 boys) and hospitalization (1.4 per 1,000
an increased risk for asthma.1,2,3 community-based interventions.12,13,14,15,16
Rhode Island middle and high boys) rates than girls under age 18 (5.8 and 1.0 per 1,000 girls respectively).19
Nationally, asthma is one of the most
common chronic conditions among school staff provide information and
referrals about asthma. In 2016, 73% of ◆ Among all children who had an emergency department visit for a primary diagnosis of
children.4 After peaking at 9.6% in asthma in Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, 68% had RIte Care/Medicaid coverage,
2009, asthma prevalence among U.S. middle and high schools reported
providing health care referrals for 26% had private health insurance, 4% were self-pay (which could mean they were
children fell to 8.4% in 2017.5,6 The uninsured or that their insurance did not cover the cost of care), and 2% were
highest rates of asthma are among students diagnosed with or suspected of
having asthma, 53% percent of schools unknown/other. Among hospital admissions during that time, 57% had RIte
males, children of Two or more races, Care/Medicaid coverage, 38% had private health insurance, 4% were self-pay, and 1%
and children living in poverty.7 Racial reported providing asthma education to
students, 31% percent reported using were unknown/other.20
and ethnic differences in asthma
prevalence are believed to be correlated an assessment tool to evaluate school
with poverty, exposure to indoor and policies, activities, and programs related
outdoor air pollution, stress, acute to asthma, and 18% provided families
exposure to violence, access to with information on asthma.17
healthcare, and genetic factors.8,9

Children with Asthma
Table 24. Asthma Emergency Department Visits
for Children Under Age 18, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
# OF CHILD RATE OF CHILD
EMERGENCY DEPT. EMERGENCY DEPT.
ESTIMATED # VISITS WITH VISITS WITH PRIMARY
OF CHILDREN PRIMARY ASTHMA ASTHMA DIAGNOSIS, Source of Data for Table/Methodology
CITY/TOWN UNDER AGE 18 DIAGNOSIS PER 1,000 CHILDREN
Child Hospitalization Barrington 4,597 105 4.6 Rhode Island Department of Health, Hospital Discharge
Database, 2013-2017.
Rates for Asthma Bristol 3,623 54 3.0
Burrillville 3,576 49 2.7 The Rhode Island Department of Health defines
◆ In 2015, Rhode Island parents reported Central Falls 5,644 346 12.3 emergency department visits with primary asthma
higher rates of current asthma prevalence diagnosis as those resulting in a home discharge or
Charlestown 1,506 19 2.5^
another facility, but not admitted to the hospital as
of their children (9.8%) than the national Coventry 7,770 176 4.5 an inpatient. As such, data are not comparable to
average (8.5%). Rhode Island has the Cranston 16,414 402 4.9 Factbooks prior to 2017.
Cumberland 7,535 97 2.6
ninth highest self-reported child asthma The denominator used to compute the 2013-2017 rate of
East Greenwich 3,436 40 2.3 emergency department visits is the number of children
prevalence among ranked states.21 East Providence 9,177 240 5.2 according to the 2010 U.S. Census, multiplied by five.
Exeter 1,334 23 3.4^
^ The data are statistically unstable and rates or
◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and Foster 986 6 * percentages should be interpreted with caution.
2017, there were 1,295 hospitalizations Glocester 2,098 24 2.3^
* The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
Hopkinton 1,845 23 2.5^
with primary asthma diagnosis of reported and should not be calculated.
Jamestown 1,043 12 2.3^
children under age 18, a rate of 1.2 per Johnston 5,480 140 5.1 Unknown: Children were Rhode Island residents, but
1,000 children. The rate of primary Lincoln 4,751 76 3.2
asthma hospitalizations was more than Little Compton 654 7 * Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
twice as high in the four core cities (1.8 Middletown 3,652 115 6.3 Woonsocket.
per 1,000 children) than in the remainder Narragansett 2,269 41 3.6 References
New Shoreham 163 0 0.0
of the state (0.8 per 1,000 children).22 1,4
Asthma. (2016). Washington, DC: Child Trends.
Newport 4,083 205 10.0
North Kingstown 6,322 89 2.8 2
The burden of asthma in Rhode Island. (2014).
◆ Primary asthma hospitalization rates North Providence 5,514 210 7.6 Providence, RI: Rhode Island Department of
Health, Asthma Control Program.
for children were highest in Providence North Smithfield 2,456 37 3.0
(2.1 per 1,000 children), Central Falls Pawtucket 16,575 774 9.3 3,8
Ekerholm, S., Pearlman, D. N., Robinson, D., Sutton,
Portsmouth 3,996 55 2.8 N., & Goldman, D. (2012). Measuring up: A health
(1.8), Pawtucket (1.7), Middletown (1.5), surveillance update on Rhode Island children with
Providence 41,634 2,779 13.3
Barrington (1.5), East Providence (1.4), asthma. Providence, RI: Rhode Island Department
Richmond 1,849 20 2.2^ of Health, Division of Community, Family Health
and Newport (1.3) between 2013 and Scituate 2,272 20 1.8^ and Equity, Asthma Control Program.
2017.23 Smithfield 3,625 36 2.0 5,7
National Health Interview Survey. (2017). Table C-1a.
South Kingstown 5,416 87 3.2 Age-adjusted percentages (with standard errors) of ever
Tiverton 2,998 18 1.2 having asthma and still having asthma for children
Warren 1,940 54 5.6 under age 18 years, by selected characteristics: United
States, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2019, from
Warwick 15,825 367 4.6
www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis
West Greenwich 1,477 27 3.7^
West Warwick 5,746 209 7.3
6
National surveillance of asthma: United States,
Westerly 4,787 117 4.9
2001-2010. Vital and Health Statistics, 3(35), 1-57.
Woonsocket 9,888 539 10.9
Four Core Cities 73,741 4,438 12.0 (continued on page 181)
Remainder State 150,215 3,205 4.3
Rhode Island 223,956 7,643 6.8

Housing and Health
DEFINITION Poor quality housing is also a strong

Housing and health is the percentage predictor of emotional and behavioral Children Living in Older Housing*, 2013-2017,
of children under age 18 who live in problems in low-income children and Rhode Island and the United States
low-income families that reside in older youth as well as academic achievement. Low-Income Children All Children
housing, defined as housing built before Adolescents living in poorer quality 100%
1980. Low-income families are those homes have lower reading and math 80%
82%
with incomes less than 200% of the proficiency than their peers.7 60% 72%
federal poverty level. The quality and stability of children’s 40%

58%
50%
homes can have long-term effects on 20%
SIGNIFICANCE children. Lack of adequate and affordable
0%
Homes that are dry, clean, pest free, housing puts safe, healthy, well Rhode Island United States
safe, contaminant free, well-ventilated, maintained homes out of reach for many Source: Population Reference Bureau analysis of 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use
Microsample (PUMS) data. *Older housing is defined as built before 1980. The ACS reports housing year built by
well-maintained, and thermally-controlled families. Families may be forced to move decade, so this is the best available approximation for housing built before 1978 when interior lead paint was banned.
can provide a healthy environment for frequently in search of better, more Factbooks prior to 2016 are not comparable due to the discontinuation of 3 year ACS data.
children and residents.1 Safe, affordable, affordable housing, or to raise their

◆ Between 2013 and 2017, Rhode Island had the highest percentage of low-income
and stable housing maintains the health children in overcrowded and unsafe
children (82%) and the second highest percentage of children of all incomes (72%) living
and well-being of families and children, environments that can interfere with
in older housing in the U.S., after New York.11
supporting mental and emotional health their growth, development, health, and
as well as physical safety.2 Healthy housing academic performance. Overcrowded
◆ Lead Poisoning: Children living in homes built before 1978 are at risk for lead
also protects families from weather, housing is associated with mental health
poisoning. Even at low levels, lead exposure can negatively affect a child’s health,
concerns, stress, sleep problems, injury,
had a confirmed blood lead level of ≥5 μg/dL.13
environmental hazards, and injury and development, and brain.12 In 2018, 635 (3%) of Rhode Island children under age six
provides a safe place for children to eat, and exposure to disease, while multiple
sleep, play, and grow.3 moves are associated with behavioral and
Unhealthy housing can cause or mental health concerns, academic
◆ Asthma: Asthma is a common chronic condition in children and is a leading cause of
intensify many health conditions. difficulties, and substance use.8
school absences and hospitalization for children under age 15 in the U.S.14 Between 2013
Studies have connected poor quality Adopting a comprehensive “healthy
and 2017, there were 4,029 emergency department visits of Rhode Island children ages
construction, utility deficiencies, water homes” approach that addresses multiple
six and under (9.9 per 1,000) for which asthma was the primary diagnosis.15
intrusion, lead paint, radon, and pests housing deficiencies simultaneously can
to respiratory illnesses, asthma, help prevent housing-related injuries and
◆ Unintentional Injuries: Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal unintentional injuries
unintentional injuries, lead poisoning, illnesses, reduce health costs, and
among children in the U.S.16 In 2017, housing-related falls resulted in 1,370 emergency
and cancer. Children under age 14, low- improve children’s quality of life. Because
room visits by Rhode Island children age six and under.17
income children, and children of color the causes of many health conditions
under age five are at increased risk for related to the home environment are
◆ Weatherization Assistance Program: The program helps income eligible households
fall injuries due to unsafe sleep and interconnected, it can be cost-effective to
reduce heating bills by providing whole-house energy efficiency and safety services. In
home environments, including aging address multiple hazards
2018, 1,743 Rhode Island children under age 18 benefited from 1,694 completed
and deteriorating housing.4,5,6 simultaneously.9,10
weatherization projects administered by seven Community Action Program agencies.18,19

Housing and Health
Table 25. Housing and Health, Rhode Island
# OF CHILDREN CHILDRENCHILDREN
CHILDREN WITH PRIMARY PRIMARY HOUSING WEATHER-
AGES 6 WITHLEAD
LEADPOISONING
WITH LEAD PRIMARY
ASTHMA ASTHMAASTHMA
ED VISITS RELATED IZATION % HOUSING Source of Data for Table/Methodology
AND UNDER POISONING2018 POISONING ED VISITS2013-2017
ED VISITS FALLS PROJECTS STOCK
CITY/TOWN 2010 # TESTED % # RATE PER 1,000 2017 2018 PRE-1980 Source of Data for Table/Methodology Children Age Six
Barrington 1,213 1 463 * 55 9.1 21 7 84% and Under: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
Bristol 1,316 6 342 * 35 5.3 18 24 67% Table PCT12.
Burrillville 1,186 3 244 * 21 3.5^ 14 23 65% Children with Lead Poisoning: Rhode Island
Central Falls 2,374 31 751 4.1% 189 15.9 48 17 88% Department of Health, Healthy Homes and
Charlestown 493 0 75 0.0% 10 * 7 23 51% Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program,
2018. The numerator is the number of Rhode
Island children with a confirmed blood lead level ≥5
Coventry 2,508 6 585 * 105 8.4 39 42 65%
Cranston 5,814 34 1,628 2.1% 195 6.7 98 212 78% g/dL in calendar year 2018. The denominator is the
Cumberland 2,603 6 701 * 33 2.5 36 22 63% number of children who were tested in calendar year
East Greenwich 930 2 257 * 19 4.1^ 4 7 67% 2018. Data are for children under age six.
East Providence 3,545 23 1,143 2.0% 129 7.3 60 118 85% Children with Asthma: Rhode Island Department of
Exeter 390 0 66 0.0% 8 * 2 9 45% Health, Hospital Discharge Database, 2013-2017.
Foster 315 1 55 * 4 * 6 7 66% The Rhode Island Department of Health defines
emergency department (ED) visits for children with
Glocester 633 2 105 * 8 * 5 19 65%
a primary asthma diagnosis as those resulting in a
Hopkinton 618 5 125 * 11 * 7 12 63% home discharge or another facility, but not admitted
Jamestown 287 0 45 0.0% 8 * 3 4 58% to the hospital as an inpatient. For details, see
Johnston 1,930 2 466 * 58 6.0 33 71 64% Children with Asthma indicator. Data are for
Lincoln 1,490 5 400 * 35 4.7 20 11 72% children age six and under.
Little Compton 188 1 31 * 3 * 3 5 70% Housing Related Falls: Rhode Island Department of
Middletown 1,331 3 302 * 58 8.7 30 15 67% Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, 2017.
Narragansett 739 1 76 * 18 4.9^ 13 17 57% Data are for children age six and under who are
residents of Rhode Island.
New Shoreham 57 0 22 0.0%^ 0 0.0 0 0 56%
Newport 1,792 24 418 5.7% 120 13.4 37 12 82% Weatherization Projects: Rhode Island Department of
North Kingstown 1,965 5 430 * 46 4.7 25 20 64% Human Services, Weatherization Assistance Program
data, 2018. Weatherization projects are defined as
North Providence 2,040 11 626 1.8%^ 121 11.9 44 62 72%
those receiving a final inspection by end of calendar
North Smithfield 752 4 175 * 11 * 10 11 67% year 2018.
Pawtucket 6,835 58 1,920 3.0% 413 12.1 136 141 88%
Housing Stock Pre-1980: Population Reference Bureau
Portsmouth 1,206 0 274 0.0% 28 4.6 16 14 62%
analysis of 2013-2017 American Community Survey
Providence 16,934 316 6,361 5.0% 1,543 18.2 350 385 84% (ACS) Public Use Microsample (PUMS) data. Table
Richmond 635 1 82 * 12 3.8^ 7 17 47% B25034. Older housing is defined as built before
Scituate 608 3 169 * 7 * 7 27 68% 1980. The ACS reports housing year built by
decade, so this is the best available approximation
Smithfield 1,076 1 292 * 18 3.3^ 15 26 62%
for housing built before 1978 when interior lead
South Kingstown 1,707 1 336 * 39 4.6 16 25 57% paint was banned.
Tiverton 1,006 5 337 * 5 * 8 42 61%
* The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
Warren 727 6 214 * 28 7.7 7 20 78%
reported and should not be calculated.
Warwick 5,561 13 1,393 0.9%^ 176 6.3 91 105 80%
West Greenwich 446 0 84 0.0% 9 * 0 6 31% ^ The data are statistically unstable and rates or
percentages should be interpreted with caution.
West Warwick 2,351 8 604 * 113 9.6 39 33 74%
Westerly 1,735 3 287 * 55 6.3 18 46 62% Effective October 1, 2015, the International
Woonsocket 4,212 44 1,147 3.8% 283 13.4 77 37 89% Classification of Disease (ICD) codes changed from
the 9th classification to the 10th classification,
Four Core Cities 30,355 449 10,179 4.4% 2,428 16.0 611 580 86%
which may impact comparability across the years for
Remainder of State 51,193 186 12,852 1.4% 1,601 6.3 759 1,114 70% Housing Related Falls.
Rhode Island 81,548 635 23,031 2.8% 4,029 9.9 1,370 1,694 74%
(Sources continued with References on page 181)

Childhood Overweight and Obesity
DEFINITION Prior to 2018, Rhode Island did not

Childhood overweight and obesity is have adequate clinical childhood BMI Rhode Island Childhood Overweight and Obesity by Age, 2016
the percentage of children whose body data. A recent study of 41,394 de- Obesity Overweight
mass index (BMI) meets the definition identified records with clinical and 50%
for overweight or obese. Children with related billing code data from 2016 40%
17% 16%
a BMI at or above the 95th percentile found that 15% of Rhode Island 30% 15%
for gender and age are considered to be children ages two to 17 are overweight 20% 12% 23% 22%
and 20% are obese.8 19%
obese, and children with a BMI 10% 13%
between the 85th and 95th percentiles The increased prevalence of childhood 0%
obesity is the result of complex Ages 2 to 4 Ages 5 to 9 Ages 10 to 14 Ages 15 to 17
are considered to be overweight or at
risk for obesity.1 interactions among many factors, Source: Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute analysis of BMI clinical and billing records of children ages two to
17 in Rhode Island from KIDSNET, Current Care, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood
including excess calorie consumption, Health Plan of Rhode Island, and United Healthcare collected by the Department of Health, 2016.
SIGNIFICANCE genes, metabolism, behavior,
environment, and culture.9 Low ◆ Fifteen percent of Rhode Island children age two to 17 are overweight and 20% are obese.12
Children and adolescents who are
consumption of healthy foods, high
overweight or obese are at immediate
consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages ◆ Older children are more likely to be overweight or obese. Twenty-three percent of
and/or long-term risk of many health
and energy dense foods, low levels of children ages 10 to 14 and 22% of children ages 15 to 17 are obese.13
problems, including type 2 diabetes,
physical activity, and high levels of screen
cardiovascular disease, asthma, joint
time are all associated with obesity.10 ◆ Twenty-six
0 percent of children covered by public insurance are obese compared to 14%
problems, sleep apnea, and other acute
Prevention and intervention for at-risk, of children with private health insurance.14
and chronic health problems. Over
overweight, and obese children should
time, these conditions may contribute
occur early and at all ages.11 Reducing
to a shorter lifespan. They may also Rhode Island Childhood Overweight and Obesity by Race/Ethnicity, 2016
overweight and obesity will require a
experience social and psychological
comprehensive, multi-system approach. Obesity Overweight
problems, including depression,
50%
bullying, and social marginalization. 17%
Overweight and Obesity 40%
Obese children and youth are also more Among Children Age 10-17 16%
30%
likely to repeat a grade, be absent from (Combined Overweight and Obesity) 28% 13% 12%
20%
school, and have reduced academic 2017 21%
10% 15% 15%
performance than their peers.2,3,4 RI 31%
0%
Nationally, there is a continued US 31% Hispanic Black* White* Other or Multiple Races*
upward trend in obesity.5 In 2015-2016 National Rank* 31st
Source: Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute analysis of BMI clinical and billing records of children ages two to
in the U.S., the prevalence of obesity in New England Rank** 5th 17 in Rhode Island from KIDSNET, Current Care, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood
*1st is best; 50th is worst Health Plan of Rhode Island, and United Healthcare collected by the Department of Health, 2016. *Non-Hispanic.
children ages two to 19 was 19% with a
significant increase in severe obesity for **1st is best; 6th is worst
◆ Hispanic children have the highest rates of overweight and obesity at 17% overweight
children ages two to five years.6,7 Source: Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent
Health, 2017 National Survey of Children's Health,
and 28% obese.15
childhealthdata.org

Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Table 26. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity
in Rhode Island Children Ages 2 to 17, 2016
% % % OVERWEIGHT AND
CITY/TOWN OVERWEIGHT OBESE OBESE COMBINED
Barrington 13% 7% 20%
Nutrition and Physical Activity Bristol 18% 15% 33% Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute analysis of
BMI clinical and billing records of children ages 2 to 17
Burrillville 16% 16% 32%
◆ Nutrition and physical activity are in Rhode Island from KIDSNET, Current Care, Blue
Central Falls 19% 29% 48% Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood
important components of supporting a Charlestown 17% 19% 36% Health Plan of Rhode Island, and United Healthcare
healthy weight. Many children and Coventry 12% 15% 27% collected by the Department of Health, 2016.
adolescents consume diets with too many Cranston 14% 19% 33% ^ The data are statistically unstable and rates or
calories and not enough nutrients.16,17 In Cumberland 15% 16% 31% percentages should be interpreted with caution.
East Greenwich 13% 9% 22%
2017, 88% of Rhode Island high school * The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
East Providence 15% 21% 36% reported and should not be calculated.
students reported eating less than three Exeter 10% 12% 22%
servings of vegetables a day, the Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Foster 15% 13% 28% Woonsocket.
recommended amount. Eleven percent of Glocester 14% 11% 25%
References
Rhode Island high school students reported Hopkinton 14% 14% 28%
Jamestown * 17%^ NA.
1
drinking soda at least once a day.18 About child and teen BMI. Retrieved January 23,
Johnston 16% 19% 35%
2019, from www.cdc.gov
Lincoln 16% 17% 33%
◆ Regular physical activity, including Little Compton 24%^ 32%^ NA.
2
school-based physical education and Middletown 12% 25% 37%
Childhood obesity causes and consequences. Retrieved
January 23, 2019, from www.cdc.gov
recess, has been shown to have physical, Narragansett 16% 19% 35%
New Shoreham * * NA.
3,22
Glickman, D., Parker, L., Sim, L., Del Valle Cook,
social, emotional, cognitive, academic,
H., & Miller, E. A. (2012). Accelerating progress in
Newport 15% 21% 36%
and health benefits.19,20 In 2017, 54% of obesity prevention: Solving the weight of the nation.
North Kingstown 9% 12% 21% Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine of the
Rhode Island middle school students North Providence 17% 18% 35% National Academies.
and 59% of high school students North Smithfield 16% 13% 29% 4
Halfon, N., Larson, K., & Slusser, W. (2013).
reported less than five days of physical Pawtucket 17% 26% 43% Associations between obesity and comorbid mental
activity in a week.21 Portsmouth 10%^ 23% NA. health, developmental, and physical health conditions
Providence 17% 26% 43% in a nationally representative sample of US children
Richmond 13% 16% 29% aged 10 to 17. Academic Pediatrics, 13(1), 6-13.
◆ Policy strategies to reduce obesity
Scituate 14% 12% 26% 5,7
Skinner, A.C., Ravanbakht, S.N., Skelton, J.A., et al.
include improving access to nutritional Smithfield 12% 12% 24% (2018) Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in US
and affordable foods and beverages, South Kingstown 18% 16% 34% children, 1999-2016. Pediatrics. 141(3):e20173459.
ensuring healthy food in schools, Tiverton 13% 20% 34% 6
Hales, C.M., Carroll, M.D., Fryar, C.D., & Ogden,
increasing options for physical activity Warren 18% 17% 35% C.L. (2017). Prevalence of obesity among adults and
Warwick 15% 15% 30% youth: United States, 2015-2016. Retrieved January
before, during, and after school as well as 23, 2019, from www.cdc.gov/nchs
West Greenwich 12% 16% 28%
in early learning programs, and West Warwick 14% 20% 34% 8,12,13,14,15
Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute
improving access to safe and walkable Westerly 12% 16% 28% analysis of BMI clinical and billing records of
children ages two to 17 in Rhode Island from
neighborhoods and recreational areas.22 Woonsocket 14% 25% 39%
KIDSNET, Current Care, Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Four Core Cities 17% 26% 43% of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Health Plan of
Remainder of State 14% 16% 30% Rhode Island, and United Healthcare collected by
Rhode Island 15% 20% 35% the Department of Health, 2016.

Births to Teens
DEFINITION Despite downward national trends of

Births to teens is the number of births teen births, including among all racial Teen Birth Rates, Rhode Island,
to teen girls ages 15 to 19 per 1,000 and ethnic groups, disparities in teen Five-Year Average Comparisons: 2003-2007, 2013-2017
teen girls. births persist. In 2017 in the U.S., the 2003-2007 2013-2017
rate of teen birth for Hispanic teens (28.9
girls age 15-19 years)

60
(# births per 1,000

SIGNIFICANCE births per 1,000) and to non-Hispanic 50
50.8
Black teens (27.56 per 1,000), were both 40
Teen pregnancy and parenting 30
threaten the development of teen parents more than twice the rate of non-Hispanic 30.4
20 26.4
as well as their children. Children of white teens (13.2 per 1,000).7 10 15.8 14.4
After peaking in 1991, the U.S. teen 8.0
teen parents have higher rates of infant 0
Four Core Cities Remainder of State Rhode Island
mortality, premature birth, and low birth rate steadily declined, reaching a
historic low in 2017. Despite these Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, 2003-2017.
birth weight. Children of teens have
lower test scores, academic outcomes, declines, the U.S. teen birth rate remains ◆ In 2017, the birth rate for U.S. teens (18.8 births per 1,000 teen girls) and Rhode
and are more likely to have a teen birth higher than other developed countries.8,9,10 Island teens (11.4 births per 1,000 teen girls) were the lowest ever recorded.16
themselves compared with children of Rhode Island’s teen birth rate mirrors
older mothers.1 There are strong national trends, peaking in 1993 at a ◆ The statewide five-year average teen birth rate declined 53% between 2003-2007 and
intergenerational links between maternal rate of 47.6 per 1,000, and reaching a 2013-2017, from 30.4 births per 1,000 teen girls to 14.4. The teen birth rate in the four
education among teen mothers, and historic low in 2017 at a rate of 11.4 core cities declined by 54% during that time but remains more than three times higher
educational attainment, income, and per 1,000.11,12 In 2018 in Rhode Island, than the rest of the state.17
well-being in the next generation.2 4% (395) of all babies were born to teen
Teen mothers are less likely to mothers.13 Nationally and in Rhode ◆ Despite declines among all racial and ethnic groups, disparities still exist in teen birth
graduate from high school or go to Island, fewer teens are having sex and rates.18 In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, the teen birth rates for Hispanic (35.2
college.3 Teen girls in foster care are those that are sexually active are more per 1,000), Native American (27.1 per 1,000), and Black (16.4 per 1,000) teens were
more than twice as likely as their peers likely to use contraception.14,15 higher than the rates of their White (7.9 per 1,000) and Asian (4.0 per 1,000) peers.19
to become pregnant by age 19.4
Teen Birth Rates
Nationally, one in six births to teens (rate per 1,000 girls ages 15-19) Repeat Births to Teens, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
are repeat births (two or more children 1991 2017 TOTAL NUMBER NUMBER OF PERCENT
born before the mother is 20 years old). RI 44.7 11.4 AGE OF BIRTHS REPEAT BIRTHS REPEAT BIRTHS
Repeat teen births are more likely to be US 61.8 18.8 15-17 664 34 5%
preterm or low birthweight than first National Rank* 6th 18-19 1,995 350 18%
teen births.5 Teens mothers who have New England Rank** 5th TOTAL 15-19 2,659 384 14%
repeat births are more likely to *1st is best; 50th is worst Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, 2013-2017.
experience additional negative **1st is best; 6th is worst
outcomes, including increased health Source: For 1991: Ventura, S. J., et al. (2014). National and ◆ Nationally, 17% of all births to teens ages 15-19 in 2016 were repeat births.20 To continue
issues, lower educational attainment,
state patterns of teen births in the United States, 1940- to reduce repeat teen births, pregnant and parenting teens should be connected to patient-
2013. NVSR, 63(4), 1-33. For 2017: Martin, J. A.,
and less economic independence.6 Hamilton, B. E., Osterman, M. J. K., Driscoll, A. K.,
centered primary care that address a variety of needs and integrate a range of tailored
& Drake, P. (2018). Births: Final data for 2017. services for young mothers and families.21
National Vital Statistics Reports, 67(8), 1-49.

Births to Teens
Table 27. Births to Teens, Ages 15-19, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
# OF BIRTHS # OF BIRTHS # OF BIRTHS BIRTH RATE PER
TO GIRLS TO GIRLS TO GIRLS 1,000 GIRLS
CITY/TOWN AGES 15-17 AGES 18-19 AGES 15-19 AGES 15-19
Barrington 1 3 4 * Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Teen Birth Rates by Location Bristol 4 13 17 2.8^ Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health
Burrillville 7 18 25 9.2 Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health
◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and Central Falls 53 139 192 47.4 Database, 2013-2017.
2017, the rate of births to teens ages 15- Charlestown 3 17 20 17.3^ * The data are statistically unreliable and rates are not
19 in the core cities (26.4 per 1,000) was Coventry 6 29 35 6.5 reported and should not be calculated.
Cranston 27 87 114 9.0
more than three times higher than the ^ The data are statistically unstable and rates or
Cumberland 7 19 26 5.2 percentages should be interpreted with caution.
remainder of the state (8.0 per 1,000).22 East Greenwich 0 7 7 *
The denominators for girls ages 15 to 19 are from the
East Providence 22 54 76 18.1
Census 2010 Summary File 1, which are then
◆ Fifteen percent of teen births in the Exeter 4 9 13 15.9^ multiplied by five.
core cities were repeat births, while 14% Foster 2 3 5 *
In the 2012 Factbook, the denominators for the
Glocester 0 9 9 *
of teen births in the rest of the state were city/town table were updated with population data
Hopkinton 1 7 8 * from Census 2010. Factbooks prior to 2012 used
repeat births.23 Jamestown 0 1 1 * population data from Census 2000. Changes in
Johnston 5 34 39 10.6 rates are affected by the updated population data.
◆ Healthcare providers play a key role in Lincoln 3 24 27 11.4 Factbooks published before 2007 reported only births to
reducing teen births, by integrating Little Compton 0 0 0 0 girls ages 15 to 17. The definition of teen
Middletown 7 11 18 12.9^ childbearing was expanded to include teens ages 15-
comprehensive reproductive health 19 to align with reports from the U.S. Centers for
Narragansett 2 2 4 *
counseling to all women and men of Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center
New Shoreham 0 1 1 * for Health Statistics.
reproductive age, to help reduce Newport 16 38 54 8.9
unintended pregnancies.24 North Kingstown 9 23 32 7.2 Births to teens ages 14 and younger are collected by the
Rhode Island Department of Health but are not
North Providence 16 49 65 17.2 reported in the Factbook.
◆ In 2017, 19% of Rhode Island high North Smithfield 3 5 8 *
Pawtucket 62 197 259 26.6 Unknown births include three births with missing
school students who reported ever having maternal residence data.
Portsmouth 4 7 11 *
sexual intercourse used no method (or Providence 268 715 983 22.1 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
were not sure) to prevent pregnancy, and Richmond 1 9 10 * Woonsocket.
40% percent did not use a condom, the Scituate 1 7 8 * References
last time they had sexual intercourse.25 Smithfield 1 4 5 * 1,14
Teen births: Indicator of child and youth well-being.
South Kingstown 2 18 20 1.3^ (2016). Washington, DC: Child Trends.
Tiverton 4 10 14 13.3^
◆ Among 15 to 19-year-olds in Rhode 2,10,20
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Warren 2 18 20 18.4^
Island between 2008 and 2017, the rates Office of Adolescent Health. (2016). Trends in teen
Warwick 30 90 120 12.6 pregnancy and childbearing. Retrieved March 1,
of chlamydia have increased by 36% West Greenwich 1 8 9 * 2019, from www.hhs.gov
(1,388 to 1,880 per 100,000) and the West Warwick 24 79 103 34.2 3
rates of gonorrhea have increased by Westerly 7 26 33 10.7 About teen pregnancy. Retrieved March 1, 2019,
Woonsocket 59 199 258 44.6 from cdc.gov
147% (89 to 219 per 100,000).26
Unknown 0 6 6 4
Brooks, K. (2019). Teen pregnancy and foster care.
Four Core Cities 442 1,250 1,692 26.4 Washington, DC: National Center for Health
Remainder of State 222 739 961 8.0 Research.
Rhode Island 664 1,995 2,659 14.4

Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Use
DEFINITION behavior, poor school achievement, peer

Alcohol, drug, and tobacco use is the and parental substance abuse, chaotic Tobacco Use Among Rhode Island Youth
percentage of middle school and high home environment, and poverty.
◆ In 2017, 26% of Rhode Island high school students reported currently smoking
school students who report using Protective factors lessen the risk of drug
cigarettes or cigars or using smokeless tobacco or e-cigarettes (i.e. e-cigars, e-pipes,
alcohol, tobacco products (including use, and include a strong parent-child
vaping pipes/pens, e-hookahs/pens). Current use is defined as use on at least one day
e-cigarettes), and illicit substances. bond, healthy school environment,
during the 30 days before the survey.12
academic competence, and attachment
SIGNIFICANCE to their communities.6,7 For over three
◆ E-Cigarettes: E-cigarettes are harmful to youth. They contain, among other chemicals,
decades, Hispanic and Black high
The use and/or abuse of substances nicotine which is highly addictive and can harm brain development. Some e-cigarette
school seniors in the U.S. have generally
such as alcohol, tobacco, and other pods have as much or more nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.13
had lower rates of substance use than
substances by youth impact the health
their White peers, but recently these
and safety of themselves, their families, ◆ E-Cigarettes: Nationally in 2018, current e-cigarette use among high school students
differences have narrowed due to an
their schools, and their communities.1,2 reached 21%, higher than use of traditional tobacco cigarettes or any other tobacco
increased use of marijuana.8,9
Rhode Island ranks among the states product.14 In Rhode Island in 2017, 20% of high school students reported current use of
Prevention and reduction in teen
with the highest percentages of e-cigarettes and 40% reported ever using e-cigarettes.15 Effective January 1, 2018, the
substance abuse can be achieved by
adolescents reporting use of alcohol and General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in schools.16
enacting policies that support prevention,
many types of illicit drugs.3
screening, early intervention, treatment,
Key risk periods for alcohol, tobacco, ◆ Cigarettes: Cigarette use has reached record low levels among U.S. middle and high
and recovery. Policy examples include
and other drug abuse occur during major school students.17 In 2017, 6% of Rhode Island high school students reported currently
preventing underage substance use and
life transitions, including the shifts to smoking cigarettes. Fifty-nine percent of Rhode Island high school students who reported
sales to minors, improving school climate
middle school and high school, when current cigarette use in 2017 also reported trying to quit smoking in the past year.18
and academic achievement, enacting
young people experience new academic,
sentencing reform, and adequate funding
social, and emotional challenges. ◆ Hookah, cigars, and smokeless tobacco: The prevalence of youth hookah, cigar, and
for multi-sector youth development,
Adolescents are especially vulnerable to smokeless tobacco use has declined nationally and in Rhode Island.19 In 2017, 5% of
treatment, and recovery services.10
developing substance abuse disorders Rhode Island high school students reported currently smoking tobacco in a hookah, 7%
In Rhode Island in 2013-2014, 3%
because their brains are still developing; reported currently smoking cigars, and 5% reported current use of smokeless tobacco.20
of youth ages 12-17 needed but did not
the prefrontal cortex, responsible for
receive specialty treatment for their
decision-making and risk-assessment, is
alcohol use problem, which is the 15th Tobacco to 21
not mature until the mid-20s.4,5
highest rate among all states. Four
Pathways for becoming a substance ◆ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine, and the
percent of Rhode Island youth ages 12-
user involve the relationship between American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that raising the minimum legal sale age for
17, needed but did not receive any
risk and protective factors, which vary tobacco products to 21 may prevent or delay initiation of tobacco use by
specialty treatment for their illicit drug
in their effect on different people. Risk adolescents.21,22,23 Nationally, 88% of adult cigarette users who smoke daily report starting
use. Rhode Island has the sixth highest
factors are associated with increased by age 18.24 Rhode Island’s minimum sale age is 18 years. As of January 2018, seven
percentage among all states on this
drug use and include early aggressive states have set the age to 21 (HI, CA, NJ, OR, ME, MA, VA).25,26
measure.11

Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Use
Current Substance Use, Rhode Island High School Students Family and Community Exposure
by Select Subgroups, 2017
◆ Having parents or friends who use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, as well as living
PRESCRIPTION
ALCOHOL E-CIGARETTE CIGARETTE MARIJUANA DRUG in communities where there is drug use, are risk factors for teen substance use.34 In
USE* USE* USE* USE* MISUSE**
Rhode Island in 2017, 35% of middle school students and 33% of high school students
Female 26% 17% 5% 23% 3%
reported living with someone who smokes cigarettes. One in six (17%) Rhode Island
Male 20% 22% 7% 23% 4%
high school students under age 18 who used an e-cigarette during the past 30 days
Black, Non-Hispanic 19% 12% 1% 27% 4%
reported buying it in a store, despite laws prohibiting sales to minors. One in seven
White, Non-Hispanic 25% 23% 7% 22% 3%
(14%) high school students who had ever taken a prescription drug without a doctor’s
All other races, Non-Hispanic NA 16% 1% 19% 2%
prescription reported taking it from a friend or relative without their knowledge.35
Multiple races, Non-Hispanic 29% 20% 6% 38% 1%
Hispanic 20% 16% 6% 23% 4%
9th Grade 16% 17% 6% 15% 4% Exposure to Substances at Birth
10th Grade 20% 21% 5% 20% 5%
◆ Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) refers to the objective and subjective signs and
11th Grade 26% 22% 4% 26% 3%
symptoms attributed to the cessation of prenatal exposure of substances. Neonatal opioid
12th Grade 33% 21% 9% 33% 2%
withdrawal syndrome, more specifically, refers to the withdrawal symptoms related to
All Students 23% 20% 6% 23% 4%
opioid exposure. Not all substance exposed newborns are diagnosed with NAS.36
Source: 2017 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and
Analysis. *Current use is defined as students who answered yes to using respective substances in the 30 days prior to
the survey. **Prescription drug misuse is defined as those without a doctor’s prescription. NA is not available due to ◆ In Rhode Island in 2017, 113 newborns were diagnosed with NAS, at a rate of 106 per
small sample size. 10,000 births; almost as high as the highest rate in 2015 at 114 per 10,000 births, and
◆ Among Rhode Island high school students in 2017, 23% reported current alcohol double the rate of 37.2 in 2006.37
consumption, 23% reported current marijuana use, 20% reported current use of e-
cigarettes, 11% reported current binge drinking, 6% reported current cigarette use, 5% ◆ Eighty-three percent of babies born with NAS in 2017 were born to white mothers,
reported currently using over the counter drugs to get high, and 4% reported currently 94% were born to mothers who were covered by Medicaid, and 52% lived in the four
misusing prescription drugs.27 core cities.38
◆ In 2017, a majority of Rhode Island high school students reported that they have ◆ NAS rates will not decrease until Opiate Use Disorder rates decreases in the general
never smoked a cigarette (81%) or used an e-cigarette product (60%).28 population. Adequate treatment options and services for those struggling with Opiate
Use Disorder are needed before and during pregnancy, at birth, and throughout
◆ Cigarette excise taxes are a potential funding stream for state tobacco control programs.29 parenting for the whole family.39
Between SFY 2002-2018, Rhode Island cigarette tax revenue increased from $79.4 million References
to $143.1 million and state tobacco control funding decreased from $3 million to 1,4,6
Facing addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s 2
Substance-free youth. (2015). Washington, DC: Child
$388,000. Only .27% of the cigarette tax in SFY 2018 went toward tobacco control report on alcohol, drugs, and health. (2016). Trends.
and smoking cessation programs.30,31,32,33 Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. (continued on page 182)

Safety

Child Deaths
DEFINITION were due to intentional injuries (six

Child deaths is the number of deaths suicides and two homicides).6,7 Child Death Rate per 100,000 Children Ages One to 14,
from all causes among children ages one Children are particularly vulnerable Rhode Island, 2006-2016
to 14, per 100,000 children. The data to injury deaths due to their size, 25
children ages 1-14)

are reported by place of residence, not development, inexperience, and natural 20
(per 100,000
curiosity.8 Unintentional injuries are the 13
place of death. 15
16
second highest cause of death for 10
SIGNIFICANCE children ages one to 14 in Rhode Island 5
The child death rate is a reflection of and the leading cause in the U.S.9,10 0
2006 2007* 2008 2009 2010 2011* 2012 2013* 2014 2015* 2016
access to health care, children’s mental Nationally, the leading causes of
and physical health, the dangers to child injury deaths are motor vehicle Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC WONDER, wonder.cdc.gov
crashes and drowning.11 Child injury *Caution should be used with small numbers in numerators and denominators.
which children are exposed in the
community, access to and use of safety deaths can be reduced by educating ◆ In 2016, Rhode Island’s child death rate for children ages one to 14 was 13 per 100,000
devices and practices (such as bicycle families about injury prevention children, which was a small increase from 2015. Rhode Island’s New England rank
helmets and smoke alarms), and the strategies and the importance of using improved from fourth in 2015 to third in 2016, and its U.S. rank remained the same at
level of adult supervision children safety products (such as seat belts and fourth lowest.13
receive.1,2 fencing around pools), enforcing laws
The U.S. child death rate has that promote safety (such as speed
limits and the mandatory use of child Child Deaths Due to Injury, by Cause, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
declined steadily since 1980, but
disparities still exist by age, gender, and passenger restraints), and through
6 Motor Vehicle Crash
race and ethnicity. Children ages one to continued environmental and product 6 6
5 Suffocation
four are more likely to die than children design improvements (such as safely
4 Drowning
ages five to 14, and the child death rate engineered toys and safety surfacing on
1 Fall
is higher for boys than girls. The child playgrounds).12 1 Firearm 1
1
death rate is also higher for Black 1 Fire/burn
1 5
Child Death Rate 6 Other
children than for children of all other (per 100,000 Children Ages 1-14) 4
racial and ethnic groups.3,4 2006 2016 n=24
In Rhode Island between 2013 and RI 16 13 Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, 2013-2017.
2017, there were 81 deaths of children US 19 17
ages one to 14 (a rate of 10.04 per National Rank* 4th ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, 24 Rhode Island children ages one to 14 died as a result of
100,000 children).5 Of these children, New England Rank** 3rd injury. Motor vehicle crashes, suffocation, and drowning were the leading causes of these
31 (38%) lived in the four core cities *1st is best; 50th is worst child deaths in Rhode Island during this time period.14
and 50 (62%) lived in the remainder of **1st is best; 6th is worst
References
the state. Of the 81 deaths, 57 (70%) Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
CDC WONDER, wonder.cdc.gov
1
2018 KIDS COUNT data book. (2018). Baltimore, 4
were due to disease, 16 (20%) were due MD: The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
to unintentional injuries, and 8 (10%) 2,3,10
Infant, child, and teen mortality. (2016). Washington, (continued on page 182)
DC: Child Trends.
90 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Safety

Teen Deaths
DEFINITION intentional injuries (18 suicides and

Teen deaths is the number of deaths eight homicides), 21 (22%) were due to Injury Deaths by Cause, Teens Ages 15 to 19, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
from all causes among teens ages 15 to disease, and 11 (1%) were due to 25
19, per 100,000 teens. The data are overdose.10 20 21
reported by place of residence, not place According to the 2017 Rhode Island 15
15
of death. Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 11% of 10
14
Rhode Island high school students 5 8 7
SIGNIFICANCE reported attempting suicide one or 3 5
0
Adolescents’ health and safety can be more times in the 12 months before the Motor Vehicle Suffocation Poisoning Firearm Drowning Fall Other
threatened by a variety of risk behaviors, survey was administered, which was the n=73
including alcohol, drug abuse, and same as in 2015.11 Of the 18 youth ages Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, Maternal and Child Health Database,
2013-2017. This chart and the first bullet below report deaths of teens residing in Rhode Island. Data reported in the
violence.1 Teens’ mental health, 15 to 19 who died from suicide second, third, and fourth bullets below reflect teen motor vehicle deaths that occurred in Rhode Island, regardless of
including mood disorders and between 2013 and 2017, 16 were male residence. Effective October 1, 2015, the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes changed from the 9th
classification to the 10th classification, which may impact comparability across the years.
depression, further impacts their safety.2 and two were female.12 Nationally,
Nationally in 2016, 75% of teen deaths depression and suicide among ◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 58% of the 73 teen deaths caused by injury
were accidents, homicides, and suicides, adolescents have increased in recent were unintentional. Twenty-nine percent of all injury deaths involved motor vehicles.15
all of which are preventable.3,4 years, with more females reporting
Factors that protect against teen symptoms of depression and ◆ Among the 26 teens ages 15 to 19 killed in Rhode Island motor vehicle crashes
deaths include parent and family committing suicide nationally than between 2013 and 2017, 12 were driving, eight were passengers in vehicles driven by
involvement, access to mental health males.13 Mental health problems, others, four were pedestrians, and two were bicyclists.16
services, state regulated teen driving depression, attempting suicide,
programs, as well as violence and substance abuse, experiencing partner ◆ Two (17%) of the teen drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in Rhode Island
substance abuse prevention programs. violence, and having a family member between 2013 and 2017 had been drinking, and two teen fatalities occurred with adult
Individual and group therapeutic or friend attempt suicide are associated drivers who had been drinking.17
programs in family, school, and with an increased risk of suicide or
attempted suicide among youth.14 ◆ Ten (59%) of teen drivers and passengers killed in automobile accidents in Rhode
community settings can support
Island between 2013 and 2017 were not wearing a seatbelt.18
positive behavior changes and increase
mental health awareness.5,6,7 Teen Death Rate
(per 100,000 Children Ages 15-19)
◆ In 2017, 37% of Rhode Island high school students reported texting or e-mailing
Between 2013 and 2017, there were
2006 2016 while driving on at least one day in the month prior to taking the Rhode Island Youth
94 deaths of teens ages 15 to 19 in
RI 34 22 Risk Behavior Survey. Fourteen percent reported riding in a vehicle driven by someone
Rhode Island, a rate of 25.5 per
US 63 51 who had been drinking in the prior month, and 7% reported that they never or rarely
100,000 teens. Of these teens, 36
National Rank* 1st wear a seatbelt while riding in a car driven by someone else.19
(38%) lived in the four core cities and New England Rank** 1st
58 (62%) lived in the remainder of the References
*1st is best; 50th is worst
state.8,9 Of these 94 teen deaths, 36 **1st is best; 6th is worst
1,5
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2
Teen homicide, suicide, and firearm deaths. (2015).
(38%) were due to unintentional (2019). Healthy People 2020: Adolescent health. Washington, DC: Child Trends.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Retrieved February 21, 2019, from
injuries, 26 (28%) were due to CDC WONDER, wonder.cdc.gov www.healthypeople.gov (continued on page 182)
Safety / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 91

Youth Violence
DEFINITION and improving economic conditions

Youth violence is the number of arrests and safety in communities.4 Bully Status, by Gender and Grade Level, Rhode Island, 2017
of youth under age 18 in Rhode Island Youth at risk for committing violent MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
MALE FEMALES MALES FEMALE
for assault and weapons offenses and the acts often live in high-poverty
Bullied on School Property 27% 40% 15% 19%
percentage of high school students who neighborhoods. They are more likely to
Bullied Electronically 13% 31% 11% 17%
report experiencing violence at school. have histories of substance use,
Been in a Physical Fight 21% 10% 13% 8%
These two measures of youth violence association with delinquent peers,
are used to account for violence that academic failure, poor family Source: Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2017, Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis.
leads to arrest as well as some of the functioning, and be victims of child

◆ Violence in schools affects individual victims and disrupts the functioning of entire
violence experienced by youth that may maltreatment.5,6,7 Youth who are victims
schools and communities.13 In Rhode Island in 2017, 7% of high school students (6%
not come to the attention of the police. of violence are at increased risk for
of males and 7% of females) reported not going to school due to safety concerns.14
physical and mental health problems,
SIGNIFICANCE academic difficulties, smoking, high-risk
◆ Victims of bullying are at risk of emotional, behavioral, and mental health problems.
Youth violence refers to a variety sexual behavior, and suicide.8
Both victims and perpetrators of bullying are more likely to contemplate or attempt
of harmful behaviors that youth can Nationally in 2017, 24% of students
suicide.15
experience as victims, witnesses, or in grades nine through 12 reported being
offenders and that can cause emotional in a physical fight during the previous
◆ Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online or by digital communication through
harm, physical injury, or death. year, 19% reported being bullied on
text messages, instant messengers, social media, and/or other digital applications.16 In
Violence can impact the well-being of school property during the previous year,
2017 in Rhode Island, 21% of middle school students (31% of females and 13% of
individuals, families, schools, and and 16% reported carrying a weapon
males) and 14% of high school students (17% of females and 11% of males) reported
communities and can generate high during the previous month.9
being electronically bullied.17
social and economic costs.1,2 The number of youth arrested for
Effective youth violence prevention violent crimes in the U.S. reached a 33-
aims to stop youth violence from year low in 2012, with youth making up Youth Witnessing Violence and Youth Gun Violence
happening in the first place and 12% of all serious violent crime arrests.
The Rhode Island juvenile arrest rate for ◆ Witnessing violence can cause emotional, physical, and mental harm, even for children
requires an understanding of the factors who are not the direct victims of violence. Early, chronic exposure to violence can
that influence violence.3 Efforts to serious violent crimes in 2012 was 128
per 100,000 youth ages 10 to 17, damage a child’s brain development and condition them to react with fear and anxiety to
prevent youth violence should begin in a range of circumstances.18
early childhood and address a wide compared to the U.S. rate of 187 per
range of individual, family, and 100,000 youth ages 10 to 17.10 In 2017
in Rhode Island, there were 535 juvenile ◆ Guns are the leading cause of fatal violence to teens and are used in 88% of teen
community factors. Effective violence homicides and 41% of teen suicides in the U.S.19 In Rhode Island between 2013 and
prevention strategies include arrests for assault offenses and 106
juvenile arrests for weapons offenses.11 In 2017, there were 105 emergency department visits, 40 hospitalizations, and eight deaths
strengthening youth capacity to choose of children and youth ages 15 to 19 attributed to firearms.20
nonviolence, promoting supportive 2018, violent crimes made up 5% (234)
relationships between youth and adults, of the 4,403 juvenile offenses referred to
Rhode Island Family Court.12

Table 28. Youth Violence, Rhode Island Youth Violence
COMMUNITY CONTEXT VIOLENCE IN HIGH SCHOOLS, 2017 JUVENILE ARRESTS FOR VIOLENCE, 2018
VIOLENT CRIME TOTAL % OF STUDENTS % OF STUDENTS TOTAL #
OFFENSES POPULATION WHO WORRY WHO REPORT # FOR # FOR FOR ASSAULT
(ALL AGES) AGES 11-17 ABOUT VIOLENCE PHYSICAL FIGHTS ASSAULT WEAPONS AND WEAPONS
CITY/TOWN 2017 2010 IN SCHOOL IN SCHOOL OFFENSES OFFENSES OFFENSES
Barrington 10 2,186 9% 4% 4 1 5 Sources of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 15 1,545 26% 45% 3 0 3 Total violent crime offense data are from U.S.
Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of
Burrillville 16 1,526 24% 7% 2 0 2
Investigation. (2017). Crime in the United States
Central Falls 97 2,089 29% 49% 12 4 16 2017: Rhode Island offenses known to law
Charlestown 9 659 10% 12% 0 0 0 enforcement. Retrieved March 12, 2019, from
Coventry 35 3,509 20% 39% 10 1 11 ucr.fbi.gov
Cranston 111 6,984 20% 43% 8 1 9 Total population ages 11–17 data are from U.S. Census
Cumberland 15 3,271 8% 15% 5 1 6 Bureau, Census 2010.
East Greenwich 6 1,671 2% 1% 0 0 0 Data on high school students experiencing violence at
East Providence 69 3,730 22% 54% 23 3 26 school are from the 2017-2018 administration of
Exeter NA 673 16% 2% NA NA NA SurveyWorks!, Rhode Island Department of
Education. Percentages reflect students answering
Foster 7 467 11% 2% 1 0 1 frequently or almost always to the question of “how
Glocester 3 1,000 11% 2% 1 0 1 often do you worry about violence at your school”
Hopkinton 4 826 10% 12% 2 0 2 and “how often do students get into physical fights
in your school.” SurveyWorks! data for communities
Jamestown 8 528 14% 21% 0 0 0
that belong to regional districts reflect the district’s
Johnston 45 2,376 13% 31% 8 2 10 overall survey results. Students from Little Compton
Lincoln 28 2,189 7% 7% 11 2 13 attend high school in Portsmouth, and students
Little Compton 0 284 27% 21% 0 0 0 from Jamestown can choose to attend high school
in North Kingstown or Narragansett. Rhode Island
Middletown 16 1,504 11% 16% 7 1 8
total and remainder of state include charter schools,
Narragansett 10 1,052 8% 6% 3 1 4 state operated schools, and UCAP.
New Shoreham 0 64 8% 3% 0 0 0
Juvenile arrests for assault and weapons offenses data are
Newport 60 1,484 26% 31% 17 3 20 from Mongeau, T. & Tocco, G. (2018). 2017
North Kingstown 18 2,917 14% 14% 15 2 17 juvenile detention data. Providence, RI: Rhode
North Providence 43 2,303 14% 29% 14 2 16 Island Department of Public Safety, Grant
Administration Office. A complete list of assault
North Smithfield 8 1,132 5% 1% 2 0 2
and weapons offenses can be found in the
Pawtucket 311 6,268 17% 25% 77 15 92 Methodology Section of this Factbook.
Portsmouth 11 1,881 27% 21% 6 0 6
NA indicates that the data are not available. Exeter arrest
Providence 960 16,024 19% 15% 184 46 230 numbers are included in the State Police totals.
Richmond 3 759 10% 12% 5 1 6
Scituate 5 1,143 12% 2% 1 0 1 Woonsocket.
Smithfield 10 1,729 7% 3% 8 0 8
References for Youth Violence
South Kingstown 14 2,498 9% 5% 9 0 9
Tiverton 21 1,318 6% 10% 2 1 3
1,6
Understanding youth violence: Fact sheet. Retrieved
Warren 15 777 26% 45% 3 0 3 March 6, 2019, from www.cdc.gov
Warwick 97 6,781 24% 34% 24 2 26
2,4,5
David-Ferdon, C. & Simon, T. R. (2014). Preventing
West Greenwich 2 678 16% 2% 0 0 0
youth violence: Opportunities for action. Atlanta, GA:
West Warwick 66 2,139 12% 7% 11 2 13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Westerly 17 2,003 36% 56% 15 0 15 3
Woonsocket 221 3,649 23% 42% 41 15 56 The social-ecological model: A framework for
State Police/Other NA NA NA NA 1 0 1 prevention. Retrieved March 8, 2019, from
Four Core Cities 1,589 28,030 20% 23% 314 80 394 www.cdc.gov
Remainder of State 797 65,586 15% 22% 221 26 247 (continued on page 183)
Rhode Island 2,386 93,616 16% 22% 535 106 641

Gun Violence
DEFINITION Firearms are the third leading cause

Gun violence is the number of firearm- of death in the U.S. overall among Gun-Related Emergency Department (ED) Visits, Hospitalizations,
related deaths and hospitalizations to children ages one to 17.5 Of the 3,443 and Deaths Among Children and Youth, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
Rhode Island children and youth under U.S. children and youth under age 20 AGE # OF ED VISITS # OF HOSPITALIZATIONS # OF DEATHS
age 20. The data are reported by place of killed by firearms during 2017, 85% 1 to 14 57 7 1
(2,912) were ages 15 to 19.6 In the 15 to 17 49 14 4
residence, not place of death, injury, or
U.S., 2016 marked the highest number 18 to 19 56 23 4
hospitalization.
of child and teen gun related deaths TOTAL 162 44 9
SIGNIFICANCE since 2006. Although Black children Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Data and Analysis, 2013-2017.
Children and youth can experience made up only 14% of all children and Note: Effective October 1, 2015, the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes changed from
teens in the nation in 2016, 43% of all the 9th classification to the 10th classification, which may impact comparability across the years.
gun violence as victims of firearm
assaults, self-inflicted firearm injuries, or gun deaths were among Black children ◆ Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, nine (11%) of the 81 injury deaths of children
accidental shootings.1 Gun violence also and teens.7 Nationally, in 2016, males and youth under age 20 were the result of firearms, up from eight deaths between 2012 and
can impact children and youth when ages 15 to 19 are six times more likely 2016. Of these, four were among youth ages 18 to 19, four were among youth ages 15 to 17,
someone they know is the victim or to die from a firearm-related incident and one was a child age 14 or younger. Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, there were
perpetrator of a shooting. Exposure to than females of the same age. Among three youth under age 20 who committed suicide using a firearm.13
violence at home, in schools, and in the teens 15-19 years old in the U.S., the
community can lead to lasting rate of firearm deaths for Black males ◆ In Rhode Island between 2013 and 2017, there were 162 emergency department visits and
psychological and emotional damage (61 per 100,000) was more than four 44 hospitalizations of children and youth for gun-related injuries, down from 170 and 47
including post-traumatic stress disorder, times the rate of both Hispanic males respectively, between 2012 and 2016.14
substance abuse, depression, anxiety, (15 per 100,000) and White males (13
and suicidal ideation as well as cognitive per 100,000) in 2016.8,9
and attention difficulties, and Preventing access to guns is an Weapon Carrying Among Rhode Island
involvement in the child welfare and important measure in preventing Public Middle and High School Students, 2017
juvenile justice systems.2,3 firearm-related injuries and death in
FEMALES MALES TOTAL
In the U.S. during 2017, 56% children and youth. The presence
High School students who carried a weapon
(1,927) of the 3,443 firearm deaths of and availability of a gun is strongly on school property at least once in the past 30 days 3% 7% 5%
children and youth under age 20 were associated with adolescent suicide risk.
Middle School students who ever carried a weapon 11% 33% 22%
the result of homicide, 38% (1,296) were Possessing a gun also increases a person’s
the result of suicide, 3% (115) were the risk for being shot unintentionally and Source: 2017 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for health Data and Analysis.
result of unintentional injuries, 2% (72) in an assault or suicide. Keeping guns ◆ Nationally and in Rhode Island, male students report higher rates of weapon carrying
was the result of shootings with an unloaded and locked, as well as storing on school property and gun carrying than females.15,16
undetermined intent, and 1% (33) was and locking ammunition separately,
the result of a legal intervention (e.g., law reduces the risk of gun-related injury References
enforcement shooting).4 and death by suicide or homicide.10,11,12 1

Xu, J., Murphy, S. L., Xu, J., Kochanek, K. D., Bastian, (continued on page 183)
B., & Arias, E. (2018). Deaths: Final data for 2016.
National Vital Statistics Reports, 67(5).

Homeless and Runaway Youth
DEFINITION homeless youth population, some of

Homeless and runaway youth is the whom report being forced out of their Homeless Youth in Rhode Island
number of youth in Rhode Island who homes by parents who disapprove of
◆ In 2018, Rhode Island conducted the second annual Youth Point in Time Count to
accessed emergency shelter services their sexual orientation or gender
assess the number and characteristics of Rhode Islanders ages 14 to 24 with experiences
without their families or who were identity. LGBTQ homeless youth
of current, former, or potential housing instability or homelessness. The 2018 Youth
absent without leave (AWOL) from experience greater levels of violence and
Point in Time Count identified 173 young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing current,
state care placements (including youth physical and sexual exploitation while
former, or potential housing instability, 67 of whom were currently homeless.
in child welfare and juvenile justice on the streets and in shelters than their
Information was also collected on age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, sexual
community placements). heterosexual peers.5,6
orientation, unsafe conditions, pregnancy and parenting, and barriers to services.14
It can be difficult for homeless youth
SIGNIFICANCE to obtain needed food, clothing, and
◆ During the 2017-2018 school year, Rhode Island public school personnel identified
There are three primary causes of shelter. To meet these basic needs, many
25 unaccompanied homeless youth.15
homelessness among youth – family turn to prostitution, theft, and/or
conflict, residential instability resulting selling drugs which risks exploitation,
◆ In 2018, 256 single youth ages 18 to 24 (69 ages 18 to 20 and 187 ages 21 to 24)
from foster care and institutional arrest, assault, and/or contracting
received emergency shelter services though the adult emergency shelter system in Rhode
placements, and economic problems. sexually transmitted infections.7,8
Island, compared to 188 18 to 24-year-olds in 2017.16,17
Many youth run away due to abuse, Homelessness often has a negative
strained family relationships, substance impact on education, employment, and
◆ In 2017, the National Runaway Safeline handled 64 crisis phone calls and online crisis
abuse by a family member, and/or health outcomes for youth. Homeless
chats regarding youth ages 21 and under who were homeless, runaways, or at risk of
parental neglect. While there are estimated youth are more likely than their peers to
homelessness in Rhode Island, down from 75 in 2016. Nationally, 73% of callers to the
to be more than four million homeless be chronically absent, face disciplinary
Safeline were youth and the remainder were friends, family, and other adults.18
youth in the U.S., there is no standardized actions, be held back, and drop out.9
definition and standard methodology for They experience higher rates of physical
◆ On December 31, 2018, there were 35 youth in the care of the Rhode Island
measuring homeless youth.1,2 and mental health problems, substance
Department of Children, Youth and Families between the ages of 13 and 20 who were
Youth may become homeless when abuse, chronic physical conditions, and
classified as AWOL, 15 females and 20 males. These youth were AWOL from either foster
they run away from or are discharged death than youth with stable
care or juvenile justice placements.19
from the foster care system. Youth with housing.10,11 Homeless youth often have
foster care histories often become trouble accessing health services because
◆ There were an additional 100 youth ages 13 to 17 who received emergency shelter services
homeless at an earlier age and remain they may lack health insurance,
with their families in Rhode Island in 2018.20 These youth are vulnerable to being separated
homeless longer than their peers. Youth information about their coverage,
from their families due to child welfare policies that result in child removal, or shelter policies
who “age out” of foster care without and/or parental consent for treatment.12
that do not allow males and females to stay together or otherwise accommodate families.21
permanent families are more likely to They may also face difficulties attending
experience homelessness.3,4 school due to a lack of required References
Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, enrollment records, as well as lack of 1,7,9
Ingram, E. S., Bridgeland, J. M., Reed, B., & Atwell, 2,4
Fernandes-Alcantara, A. L. (2018). Runaway and
bisexual, transgender, or questioning transportation to school.13 M. (2016). Hidden in plain sight: Homeless students homeless youth: Demographics and programs.
in America’s public schools. Washington, DC: Civic Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service.
(LGBTQ) are overrepresented in the Enterprises & Hart Research Associates.

Youth Referred to Family Court
DEFINITION In 2018 in Rhode Island, 20% of

Youth referred to Family Court is juvenile offenses referred to Family Juvenile Wayward/Delinquent Offenses Referred to
the percentage of youth ages 10 to 17 Court were committed by youth from Rhode Island Family Court, 2010- 2018
referred to Rhode Island Family Court Providence, 22% were committed by Four Core Cities Remainder of State
for wayward or delinquent offenses. youth from the other three core cities, 10,000
and 57% were committed by youth 7,493
8,000
SIGNIFICANCE living in the remainder of the state.6 6,658
4,282 5,780 4,382
6,000 3,803 5,356
Risk factors for juvenile delinquency Using validated assessment tools 3,505
4,964 4,904 4,885 4,964
4,403
3,287
2,701 2,799 2,790 2,838
and involvement in the juvenile justice to determine the risk of re-arrest, 4,000 2,513
prioritizing and addressing the behavior 3,211 2,855
system include association with other 2,000 2,275 2,263 2,105 2,095 2,126 2,069 1,890
delinquent youth, cognitive and learning needs of each individual 0
impairments, academic and learning youth, and focusing efforts on youth 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
difficulties, poor parental supervision most likely to reoffend can help prevent ◆ The number of juvenile offenses fell by 41% since 2010, from 7,493 to a low of 4,403
and attachment, child maltreatment, recidivism.7,8 Sixty-five percent of youth in 2018. The number of children and youth referred to Family Court for wayward and
and community disorganization, referred to the Rhode Island Family delinquent offenses declined 40% between 2010 and 2018, from 4,288 to 2,565.
poverty, and crime.1 Court in 2018 were referred for the
The Rhode Island Family Court has first time, 16% had been referred once ◆ In 2018, 66% of offenses referred to the Family Court involved males and 34% females.
jurisdiction over children and youth before, and 19% had been referred at Forty-one percent of offenses involved White youth, 25% Black youth, 15% Hispanic youth,
under age 18 referred for wayward and least twice before.9 1% Asian youth, and 18% of offenses involved youth of Some other race or an unknown race.
delinquent offenses. When a police Research shows that incarceration
officer or school department refers a of youth is not cost-effective and leads ◆ In 2018, 10% of offenses referred to Family Court involved youth ages 12 or younger,
youth to Family Court, a petition is to worse public safety outcomes and 43% youth ages 13 to 15, 46% youth ages 16 to 17, and 1% of unknown age.
submitted, accompanied by an incident higher recidivism rates than the use
report, detailing the alleged violation of of community-based alternatives to
law.2 During 2018 in Rhode Island, incarceration.10 Community-based BY TYPE OF OFFENSE
2,565 youth (2% of Rhode Island youth programs that improve a youth’s skills,
30% Status Offenses* 6%
*Status offenses are age-related acts
between the ages of 10 and 17) were relationships, and insight are more 1% 4% that would not be punishable if
18% Property Crimes 3%
referred to Family Court, down from effective at preventing recidivism than 23% Disorderly Conduct 5%
30% the offender were an adult, such as
those that emphasize discipline and 10% Simple Assault
truancy and disobedient conduct.
2,704 youth during 2017. The number
threat of consequences. Effective 5% Violent Crimes 10% **Other includes offenses such as
of offenses referred during 2018 (4,403) conspiracy, crank/obscene phone
interventions include individual, group, 1% Motor Vehicle Offenses
decreased from 2017, when 5,356 3% Weapons Offenses
calls, computer crimes and
offenses were referred. Of the juvenile and family counseling, mentoring 23% 18% possession of a manipulative
4% Alcohol and Drug Offenses
programs, academic and vocational device for automobiles, etc.
offenses in 2018, 234 (5%) involved 6% Other**
Probation violations, contempt
violent offenses (55% of which occurred training, case management services,
n=4,403 of court, and other violations of
in the four core cities).3,4,5 and restorative justice practices.11 court orders are not included in
Source: Rhode Island Family Court, 2010-2018 Juvenile Offense Reports. the offenses above.
Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Youth Referred to Family Court
Alternatives to Incarceration for Juvenile Offenders in Rhode Island Juveniles Tried as Adults
◆ Juvenile courts have a wide range of options for handling juvenile offenders, including ◆ Youth tried and punished in the adult court system are more likely to re-offend and to
restitution, community service, revocation of driving privileges, counseling, substance commit future crimes than youth who commit similar crimes but who are in juvenile
abuse treatment, and probation.12 In 2018 in Rhode Island, 43% of all cases referred to systems. Adolescents in the adult criminal justice system are at risk for sexual and
Family Court were diverted instead of proceeding to a formal court hearing, down from physical victimization, and disruptions in their development, including identity
45% in 2017.13 formation, learning, and relationship skills.19
◆ The Rhode Island Family Court administers several alternatives to traditional court ◆ Behavioral research shows that most youth offenders will stop breaking the law as part
hearings, including the Truancy Court and the Juvenile Drug Court. In 2018, 1,729 of normal development and that adolescents are less able than adults to weigh risks and
juveniles were referred to the Truancy Court by schools, up from 1,264 in 2017. In 2018, consequences and to resist peer pressure. Research also shows that judgment and
72 juveniles who committed drug offenses or had highlighted drug issues were diverted decision-making skills are not fully developed during adolescence due to biological
to the Juvenile Drug Court pre-adjudication, down from 110 in 2017.14 Juveniles referred immaturity of the brain.20,21
to the Drug Court undergo a six- to twelve-month program that includes intensive court
supervision, drug treatment, and educational and employment services.15 ◆ When a juvenile has committed a heinous and/or premeditated felony offense or has a
history of felony offenses, the Rhode Island Attorney General may request that the
◆ In 2017, there were 34 Juvenile Hearing Boards in Rhode Island. Three communities did Family Court Judge conduct a waiver hearing so that the juvenile may be tried as an
not have Juvenile Hearing Boards (Little Compton, Richmond, and South Kingstown), one adult in Superior Court.22
had no activity (New Shoreham), one had been inactive for two years (North Kingstown),
and two were in the process of preparing to receive referrals (Central Falls and Providence). ◆ In 2018, the Attorney General's Office filed 21 (all of which were discretionary) motions
Comprised of volunteer community members, these Boards permit the diversion of juveniles to waive jurisdiction to try juveniles as adults. Of 21 discretionary waiver motions, one
accused of status offenses or misdemeanors. Sanction options in this process include, but are waived voluntarily and six remain pending before the Family Court at the end of 2018.23
not limited to, community service, restitution, and counseling. Rhode Island Juvenile Hearing
Boards reported hearing 362 cases in 2017 (the most recent year for which data are available).16 ◆ A juvenile in Rhode Island also may be “certified,” allowing the Family Court to
sentence the juvenile beyond age 19 if there is otherwise an insufficient period of time in
which to accomplish rehabilitation. There were four certification motions filed in 2018
LGBT Youth in the Juvenile Justice System (all of which resulted in certification). While the child is a minor, the sentence is served
◆ Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth experience family at the Training School. The youth can be transferred to an adult facility upon reaching
rejection, conflicts at home, and bullying and harassment in school due to their gender age 19, if the Court deems it appropriate.24,25
identity or sexual orientation. These factors increase LGBT youth’s risk of family court
References
involvement for status offenses (like running away), survival behavior (like engaging in
commercial sexual activity), and safety-related truancy. LGBT youth are more likely to be
1
Development Services Group, Inc. (2015). Risk factors 2
Rhode Island Family Court. (n.d.). About the Family
for delinquency-Literature review. Washington, DC: Court. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from
subjected to profiling, detained for low-level offenses, and victims of assault while in Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. www.courts.ri.gov
custody. Instituting protective policies and training for adults working in the juvenile Retrieved March 11, 2019, from www.ojjdp.gov
justice system about the social, familial, and developmental challenges faced by LGBT
youth could help keep them safe and support positive outcomes while they are in the
community, in detention, or in correctional settings.17,18
Youth at the Training School
DEFINITION Juvenile justice systems have a range

Youth at the Training School is the of options for monitoring and Youth in the Care and Custody of the Rhode Island Training School,
number of youth age 18 or under who rehabilitating youth in addition to Calendar Years 2008-2018
were in the care or custody of the incarceration, including probation, 1,250
Rhode Island Training School at any restorative justice programs, and 1,000
1,037
time during the calendar year, including evidence-based treatment programs 750 894
youth in community placements while such as Functional Family Therapy, and 500
in the care or custody of the Training Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster 250

283
School. Care. Alternatives to incarceration have 0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
been shown to be effective in
SIGNIFICANCE preventing recidivism and more cost
◆ Between 2009 and 2018, the annual total number of youth in the care and custody of
The juvenile justice system is effective than incarceration. The most
the Training School at any point during the year declined from 894 to 283. Some of this
responsible for ensuring community successful programs involve family in
decline is due to the cap that was placed on the population at the Training School in July
safety by promoting the positive treatment and promote healthy
2008 of 148 boys and 12 girls on any given day. The population further declined by 68%
development of youth in its care while development at the individual, family,
between 2009 and 2018.
recognizing that children have different school, and peer levels.4,5,6
developmental needs than adults.1 The Rhode Island Department of
During adolescence, the brain’s Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Discharges From the Rhode Island Training School,
executive functions (including the operates the Rhode Island Training by Length of Time in Custody, Calendar Year 2018
ability to regulate emotions, control School, the state’s secure facility for
impulses, and weigh benefits and risk) adjudicated youth and youth in Less than 2 weeks 56%
have not fully developed. Judgment and detention awaiting trial. A total of 283
2 weeks to 5 months 24%
decision-making skills continue to grow youth (80% male and 20% female) were
into the mid-twenties.2 Compared to in the care or custody of the Training 6 months to 11 months 12%
adults, adolescents often show poor self School at some point during 2018,
control, are easily influenced by peers, down from 383 during 2017. Between 1 year to 2 years 8%
and less likely to think through the 2017 and 2018, the number of females
at the Training School decreased by 17% More than 2 years <1%
consequences of their actions. Most
youth involved in delinquency in and the number of males decreased by 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
adolescence will cease engaging in 28%. On December 31, 2018, there

n=344
lawbreaking behavior when they were 95 youth in the care or custody of
become adults as part of the normal the Training School, 51 of whom were Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, RICHIST, 2008-2018. Total discharges (344) are
physically at the Training School.7 higher than the total number of youth who passed through the Training School (283) due to some youth being
maturation process.3 discharged from the Training School more than once in 2018.

Youth at the Training School by Age Probation for Rhode Island Youth
◆ During 2018, there were no children age 11 or under, four children age 12, 36 youth ◆ The purpose of Juvenile Probation is to provide supervision and monitoring to youth
ages 13-14, 136 youth ages 15-16, and 128 youth ages 17-18 held at the Training School. who are under court jurisdiction to ensure that they comply with court orders.18 The
The average age for youth at the Training School was 16 years.8 Juvenile Probation division at DCYF serves youth placed in a residential treatment
program (temporary community placement) as well as those living at home and in foster
◆ Rhode Island is one of 12 states that has no statutory minimum age for holding care. Youth on probation have access to an array of services to help support them in the
children in secure confinement and no minimum age of delinquency jurisdiction.9,10 community and reduce the likelihood that they will reoffend.19
◆ On January 2, 2019, there were 494 youth on the DCYF probation caseload (418
Promoting Rehabilitation and Preventing Recidivism males and 76 females). Four percent of youth on probation were ages 12-13, 20% were
ages 14-15, 55% were ages 16-17, and 20% were age 18 or older.20
◆ Nationally and in Rhode Island, youth crime, including violent crime, has fallen
sharply since 1995.11 In 2010, the rate at which states hold youth in secure confinement
◆ More than half (59%) of youth on probation on January 2, 2019 were White, 24%
reached a 35-year low, with almost every state reducing the number and percentage of
were Black, 1% were American Indian, <1% were Asian, 7% were multiracial, and 9%
youth held in secure facilities.12
were of undetermined race. Thirty-two percent of youth identified as Hispanic, who may
be of any race.21
◆ The Rhode Island Training School is an important resource for the rehabilitation of
youth who commit serious offenses and who pose a danger to the community. However,
a growing body of research shows that incarceration of youth does not reduce and can Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
even increase criminal behavior, as well as increase recidivism among youth with less
serious offense histories. Research also suggests that increasing the length of time a youth ◆ The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
is held in secure confinement has no impact on future offending and that sentencing works in jurisdictions across the U.S. to strengthen juvenile justice systems by promoting
youth to long stays in correctional facilities is an ineffective rehabilitation strategy.13,14 policies and practices to reduce inappropriate and unnecessary use of secure detention,
reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and improve public safety. JDAI promotes the vision
◆ Jurisdictions throughout the country have used objective admissions screening tools to that youth involved in the juvenile justice system are best served using proven, family-
limit the use of secure detention to serious offenders. The Rhode Island General focused interventions, and creating opportunities for positive youth development. For
Assembly passed a law in 2008 that mandates the use of a screening tool (called a Risk youth who are not a threat to public safety, JDAI promotes the use of high-quality
Assessment Instrument, RAI) for Rhode Island youth being considered for secure community-based programs that provide supervision, accountability, and therapeutic
detention. The RAI has been piloted but has not yet been fully implemented.15,16 services while avoiding the negative outcomes associated with incarceration.
◆ Of the 283 youth who were in the care or custody of the Training School at some ◆ Since 2009, Rhode Island juvenile justice stakeholders have partnered with the Annie
point during 2018, 17% (48) were admitted at least twice in 2018, and 5% (13) were E. Casey Foundation to become a statewide JDAI site. The Rhode Island initiative has
admitted to the Training School three or more times.17 used JDAI’s strategies to focus on reducing unnecessary and inappropriate use of secure
confinement and enhancing community-based alternatives to detention.22

Disproportionate Minority Contact in Juvenile Justice Systems Risk Factors for Rhode Island Youth at the Training School
◆ Minority youth, especially Black youth, are disproportionately represented at every History of Child Abuse and Neglect
stage of the juvenile justice system. Youth of color are more likely to be arrested, formally ◆ In 2018, 8% (22) of the 283 youth in the care or custody of the Training School had
charged in court, placed in secure detention, and receive harsher treatment than White at some point in their childhood been victims of documented child abuse or neglect.26
youth.23 The federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) requires
states to collect data disaggregated by race and implement strategies to reduce ◆ Children who experience child abuse or neglect are at an increased risk for developing
disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system.24 behavior problems and becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.27
Disproportionate Minority Contact in Rhode Island
Behavioral Health Needs
% OF TOTAL CHILD % OF YOUTH IN THE CARE AND CUSTODY OF
POPULATION, 2010 RHODE ISLAND TRAINING SCHOOL, 2018 ◆ In 2018, 148 youth (112 males and 36 females) received mental health services at the
White 64% 56% Training School for psychiatric diagnoses other than conduct disorders and substance abuse
Hispanic 21% 36% disorders. During 2018, 82 residents (60 males and 22 females) received substance abuse
Black 6% 28%
treatment services. Of these, 56 (all males) received residential substance abuse treatment.28
Asian 3% 1%
Multi-Racial 5% 8%
Educational Attainment
American Indian <1% 2%
Unknown NA 5% ◆ While the average age of youth at the Training School in 2018 was 16 years, students'
TOTAL 223,956 283 math skills were on average at the fifth-grade level and their reading levels were on
average at the fifth-grade level at entry to the Training School.
◆ Youth of color are disproportionately more likely than White youth to be in the care
and custody of the Training School. During 2018, Black youth made up 28% of youth at ◆ Of the 205 youth in ninth through twelfth grades who received educational services at
the Training School, while making up 6% of the child population. the Training School during the 2018 academic year, 42% (87) received special education
Sources: Child Population data by race are from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census. Youth at the Training School data services based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
are from the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Percentages may not sum to 100%
due to rounding.
◆ During 2018, 10 youth graduated from high school while serving a sentence at the
Training School (7 earned a GED, and three graduated with a high school diploma). An
Girls in the Juvenile Justice System additional 33 youth received post-secondary education services at the Training School
◆ Girls make up a growing share of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Girls during the 2018 academic year.29
in the juvenile justice system enter with different personal and offense histories and
needs than their male peers. Girls are more likely than boys to be detained for non- Teen Pregnancy and Parenting
serious offenses and many have experienced traumatic events, including physical and ◆ Nationally, 20% of youth in custody report having a child or expecting a child. The
sexual abuse. Effective programs for girls in the juvenile justice system use a percentage of youth in custody who report they already have children (15% of teen males
developmental approach that addresses the social contexts that influence girls’ behavior, and 9% teen females) is much higher than the general teen population (2% and 6%
including family, peers, and community.25 respectively).30

Table 29. Youth in the Care or Custody of
the Rhode Island Island Training School, 2018
TOTAL POPULATION # OF ADJUDICATED TOTAL # OF YOUTH
CITY/TOWN AGES 13-18 YOUTH AT THE RITS AT THE RITS
Barrington 1,802 0 0 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 1,780 0 2 Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and
Youth in Detention
Burrillville 1,319 3 3 Families, Rhode Island Children’s Information
in Rhode Island System (RICHIST), 2018; and the U.S. Census
Central Falls 1,859 9 17 Bureau, Census 2010.
◆ In Rhode Island, the term “detention” Charlestown 554 0 1
Coventry 3,010 6 12 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
is used to describe the temporary custody Woonsocket.
Cranston 6,184 5 16
of a juvenile, who is accused of a wayward
Cumberland 2,746 4 3 Youth included in the adjudicated column may or may
or delinquent offense, at the Training East Greenwich 1,362 2 1 not have been in detention at the Training School
School pending the adjudication of his or prior to adjudication.
East Providence 3,243 2 10
her case. The only two legal reasons for Exeter 642 0 0 Total number of youth includes adjudicated and detained
youth who were in the care or custody of the Rhode
pre-trial detention include cases where a Foster 430 0 0
Island Training School during calendar year 2018
youth poses a threat to public safety or is Glocester 878 0 1 (including youth from out of state, those with
Hopkinton 693 0 2 unknown addresses, and those in temporary
at risk for not attending his or her next
Jamestown 436 0 0 community placements). Youth with out-of-state and
court hearing.31,32 Johnston 2,025 3 5 unknown addresses are not included in the Rhode
Island, four core cities, or remainder of state totals.
Lincoln 1,851 2 3
◆ Some youth are detained for short Little Compton 228 0 0 There is no statutory lower age limit for sentencing,
Middletown 1,229 0 1 however adjudicated children under age 13 typically
periods of time and released at their first do not serve sentences at the Training School.
Narragansett 948 0 2
court appearance (usually the following
New Shoreham 50 0 0 An “out-of-state” designation is given to youth whose
business day). Of the 344 discharges from Newport 1,604 3 6 parent(s) have an address on file that is outside of
the Training School during 2018, 24% North Kingstown 2,407 4 7
Rhode Island or to youth who live in other states but
have committed crimes in Rhode Island and have
resulted in stays of two days or less, 31% North Providence 2,027 1 1 been sentenced to serve time at the Training School.
resulted in stays of three days to two North Smithfield 970 1 0 They are not included in the Rhode Island total.
weeks, and 45% resulted in stays of more Pawtucket 5,514 21 39
References
Portsmouth 1,596 0 0
than two weeks.33 National Research Council. (2013). Reforming
1,3,5,14,23
Providence 16,515 59 98 juvenile justice: A developmental approach. Committee

Richmond 637 0 1 on Assessing Juvenile Justice Reform. Bonnie, R.J.,
Scituate 963 0 0 Johnson, R.J., Chemers, B.M., Schuck, J. A., Eds.
Smithfield 1,856 0 0 Committee on Law and Justice, Division of
Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.
South Kingstown 3,540 1 3
Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Tiverton 1,115 0 1
Warren 675 0 1
2
Gottesman, D. & Schwarz, S. W. (2011). Juvenile
justice in the U.S.: Facts for policymakers. New York,
Warwick 5,883 3 8
NY: Columbia University, National Center for
West Greenwich 568 0 0 Children in Poverty.
West Warwick 1,891 0 7
4
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange. (n.d.). What are
Westerly 1,705 3 4
community-based alternatives? Retrieved February 22,
Woonsocket 3,112 11 17 2019, from www.jjie.org
Out-of-State NA 6 11
6,13
No place for kids: The case for reducing juvenile
Four Core Cities 27,000 100 171
incarceration. (2011). Baltimore, MD: The Annie E.
Remainder of State 58,847 37 90 Casey Foundation.
Rhode Island 85,847 143 272

Children of Incarcerated Parents
DEFINITION (1,568) were fathers and 7% (125) were

Children of incarcerated parents is the mothers.7 Nationally, nearly half (48%) Parents at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI),
of incarcerated parents lived with their September 30, 2018
number of children with parents serving
sentences at the Rhode Island Department children one month prior to INMATES # REPORTING % REPORTING # OF CHILDREN
SURVEYED* CHILDREN CHILDREN REPORTED
of Corrections per 1,000 children under incarceration.8
Awaiting Trial 664 432 65% 990
age 18. The data are reported by the Children of incarcerated parents are
Serving a Sentence 2,104 1,261 60% 3,087
place of the parent’s last residence before more likely than other children to be
TOTAL 2,768 1,693 61% 4,077
entering prison and do not include involved with the child welfare system.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Corrections, September 30, 2018. *Does not include inmates who were missing
Rhode Island children who have parents In the U.S., 40% of children in foster responses to the question on number of children, inmates on home confinement, or those from another state’s jurisdiction.
incarcerated at other locations. care had experienced parental
incarceration at some point in their ◆ Of the 2,768 inmates awaiting trial or serving a sentence at the ACI on September 30,
SIGNIFICANCE lives.9 These children often represent 2018 who answered the question on number of children, 1,693 inmates reported having
complex cases for child welfare agencies, 4,077 children. Forty percent of sentenced mothers and 16% of sentenced fathers had
More than five million children in the
involving balancing parental rights with sentences that were six months or less.15
U.S. have had a parent incarcerated in
jail or state or federal prison at some the safety and well-being of the child.10
Programs and policies targeted at the ◆ Of the 83 sentenced mothers on September 30, 2018, 55% were serving a sentence for
point in their lives.1 Parental
unique needs of incarcerated pregnant a nonviolent offense, 30% for a violent offense, 7% for a drug-related offense, 6% for
incarceration can contribute to children’s
women and mothers can improve breaking and entering, and 1% for a sex-related offense. Of the 1,178 sentenced fathers,
insecure attachment to their parent,
outcomes for them and their families. 50% were serving sentences for a violent offense, 19% for a nonviolent offense,13% for a
which can lead to poor developmental
Keeping siblings together, providing sex-related offense,12% for a drug-related offense, and 6% for breaking and entering.16
outcomes. Children of incarcerated
parents experience high rates of physical family counseling and access to mental
health care, mentoring, peer support ◆ Thirty-seven percent of incarcerated parents awaiting trial or serving a sentence on
and mental health problems (including
services, and prison transition supports September 30, 2018 had less than a high school diploma, 47% had a high school
asthma, obesity, and depression) and
can alleviate the worst effects of parents’ diploma or a GED, and 15% had at least some college education.17
educational challenges (including grade
retention, placement in special imprisonment on children and improve
the family reunification process.11,12 ◆ A supportive family, safe and secure housing, assistance obtaining employment,
education, and suspension). Parental
The criminal justice system medical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment are critical to parents'
incarceration increases children’s risk for
disproportionately affects people of color, successful transition to the community after incarceration and to support the well-being
learning disabilities, ADHD, conduct
and in the U.S. 24% of Black children of their children.18,19
problems, developmental delays, and
speech problems.2,3,4,5 and 11% of Hispanic children will
experience parental incarceration ◆ Families with parents with a criminal record can experience significant challenges even
Nationally, most children of
compared to 4% of White children.13 Of if the parent has never been incarcerated. A parent’s criminal record is often a barrier to
incarcerated parents live with their other
the 1,693 parents incarcerated in Rhode housing eligibility, employment opportunities, and access to public benefits. For
parent, a grandparent, or other relatives.6
Island on September 30, 2018 (including immigrants, a conviction can lead to deportation.20
Of the 1,693 parents incarcerated in
Rhode Island on September 30, 2018 those awaiting trial), 44% were White,
(including those awaiting trial), 93% 27% were Black, 25% were Hispanic,
and 4% were of another race.14

Children of Incarcerated Parents
Table 30. Children of Incarcerated Parents, Rhode Island, September 30, 2018
# OF INCARCERATED # OF CHILDREN 2010 TOTAL POPULATION RATE PER
CITY/TOWN PARENTS REPORTED* UNDER AGE 18 1,000 CHILDREN
Barrington 2 3 4,597 0.7 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 4 9 3,623 2.5 Rhode Island Department of Corrections, September 30,

2018. Offenders who were on Home Confinement
Burrillville 10 24 3,576 6.7 and the awaiting trial population are excluded from
Central Falls 46 113 5,644 20.0 this table.
Charlestown 2 2 1,506 1.3
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
Coventry 22 44 7,770 5.7
Cranston 73 142 16,414 8.7 Since the 2007 Factbook, data are reported as of September
30, with the exception of the 2015 Factbook, in which
Cumberland 11 38 7,535 5.0 data were reported as of October 10, 2014.
East Greenwich 5 16 3,436 4.7
*Data on the number of children are self-reported by the
East Providence 21 45 9,177 4.9
incarcerated parents and may include some children
Exeter 5 12 1,334 9.0 over age 18. Nationally and in Rhode Island, much
Foster 2 7 986 7.1 of the existing research has relied upon self-reporting
Glocester 2 4 2,098 1.9 by incarcerated parents or caregivers.
Hopkinton 5 8 1,845 4.3 **Data on Out-of-State Residence includes inmates who

Jamestown 2 4 1,043 3.8 are under jurisdiction in Rhode Island, but report an
out-of-state address. Inmates who were from another
Johnston 14 32 5,480 5.8
state’s jurisdiction, but serving time in Rhode Island,
Lincoln 6 12 4,751 2.5 are not included in the Rhode Island, four core
Little Compton 0 0 654 0.0 cities, or remainder of state rates, nor are those with
Middletown 6 10 3,652 2.7 an unknown residence.
Narragansett 6 12 2,269 5.3 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
New Shoreham 0 0 163 0.0 Woonsocket.
Newport 20 52 4,083 12.7 References
North Kingstown 13 41 6,322 6.5 1,4,9
Laub, J. H. & Haskins, R. (2018). Helping children
North Providence 24 51 5,514 9.2 with parents in prison and children in foster care.
North Smithfield 4 6 2,456 2.4 Retrieved January 11, 2019, from
https://futureofchildren.princeton.edu/
Pawtucket 116 269 16,575 16.2
Portsmouth 5 14 3,996 3.5
2
Shlafer, R. J., Gerrity, E., Ruhland, E., & Wheeler, M.
(2013). Children with incarcerated parents -
Providence 403 932 41,634 22.4
Considering children’s outcomes in the context of family
Richmond 3 7 1,849 3.8 experiences. Retrieved December 22, 2015, from
Scituate 1 2 2,272 0.9 www.cyfc.umn.edu
Smithfield 6 8 3,625 2.2 3,13
Turney, K. & Goodsell, R. (2018). Parental
South Kingstown 11 21 5,416 3.9 incarceration and children’s wellbeing. Retrieved
Tiverton 7 18 2,998 6.0 January 11, 2019, from www.futureofchildren.org
Warren 8 17 1,940 8.8 5
Turney, K. (2014). Stress proliferation across
Warwick 54 106 15,825 6.7 generations? Examining the relationship between
parental incarceration and childhood health. Journal
West Greenwich 1 1 1,477 0.7
of Health and Social Behavior, 55(3), 302-319.
West Warwick 48 307 5,746 53.4
Westerly 18 33 4,787 6.9
6,8,10
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2015). Child
welfare practice with families affected by parental
Woonsocket 95 217 9,888 21.9 incarceration. Retrieved January 11, 2019, from
Unknown Residence 111 275 NA NA www.childwelfare.gov
Out-of-State Residence** 69 173 NA NA 7,14,15,16,17
Rhode Island Department of Corrections,
Four Core Cities 660 1,531 73,741 20.8 September 30, 2018.
Remainder of State 421 1,108 150,215 7.4 (continued on page 184)
Rhode Island 1,081 2,639 223,956 11.8

Children Witnessing Domestic Violence
DEFINITION domestic homicide.6,7

Children witnessing domestic violence Exposure to domestic violence is Domestic Violence Incidents Resulting in Arrest,
is the percentage of reported domestic distressing to children and can lead to Rhode Island, 2012-2016
violence incidents resulting in an arrest mental health problems, including post- Incidents Without Children Present Incidents With Children Present
in which children under age 18 were traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety,
7,000
present in the home. The data are based in childhood and later in life. Children
6,000 5,533 5,553 5,673
on police reports of domestic violence. who witness domestic violence are more 5,028
5,265
1,513
5,000 1,717 1,549
Domestic violence is the use of physical likely to experience physical, emotional, 2,018
1,856
force, or threat of force, against a current health, and learning challenges 4,000
4,004
4,160
3,816
or former partner in an intimate throughout their childhood and 3,000 3,409
3,010
relationship, resulting in fear and adulthood. They are more likely to have 2,000
emotional and/or physical suffering. concentration and memory problems, 1,000
and to have difficulty with school
0
SIGNIFICANCE performance than children who have not 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
An estimated 10 million U.S. children witnessed domestic violence.8,9,10

Source: Rhode Island Supreme Court Domestic Violence Training and Monitoring Unit, 2012-2016. Includes domestic
are exposed to domestic violence each While many children who have violence reports resulting in an arrest by local police and Rhode Island State Police.
year. Rates of partner violence are higher witnessed domestic violence show
◆ In Rhode Island in 2016, there were 5,673 domestic violence incidents that resulted in
among couples with children than those resilience, exposure to violence may
arrests, up 2% from 5,553 incidents in 2015. Children were reported present in 27%
without children.1,2 In Rhode Island in impair a child’s capacity for partnering
(1,513) of incidents in 2016.14 Rhode Island police officers document children’s exposure
2016 (the most recent year for which and parenting later in life. There is a
to violence on reporting forms by noting the number and ages of minor children living
complete data are available), police strong association between witnessing
in the home, how many were present during the incident, how many saw the incident
reports indicate that children were domestic violence as a child and
and how many heard it.15
present at 27% of domestic violence becoming a perpetrator of domestic
incidents resulting in arrests.3 violence as an adult.11,12
◆ In Rhode Island in 2016, police reported that children saw the domestic violence
Children can be exposed to domestic Children are also sometimes injured
incident in 1,125 arrests and children heard the incident in 1,254 arrests. These incidents
violence in a number of ways. They may or killed in domestic violence especially
were not mutually exclusive, and more than one child may have witnessed each
witness it directly (by seeing and/or when their parent is planning to leave an
incident.16
hearing violent incidents), have their lives abusive relationship. This includes
disrupted by moving or being separated biological children as well as step- and
◆ Rhode Island’s statewide network of five domestic violence shelters and advocacy
from a parent, and/or may be used by the adopted children who live in the
programs provides emergency and support services to victims of domestic violence,
abusive parent to manipulate or gain household because they are the children
dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.17 During 2018, the network provided
control over the victim. Children who are of the victimized partner.13 It is,
services to 8,514 individuals, including 556 children (down from 8,758 and 604,
exposed to domestic violence are also therefore, important to put supports in
respectively, in 2017). In 2018, 151 children and 235 adults spent a total of 21,376
more likely to be victims of child abuse place to ensure the safety of all children
nights in domestic violence shelters. During 2018, 71 children and 62 adults lived in
and neglect than those who are not.4,5 living in households experiencing
domestic violence transitional housing (longer-term private apartments for victims of
Children may also lose a parent to domestic violence.
domestic violence) for a total of 29,679 nights.18

Children Witnessing Domestic Violence
Table 31. Children Present During Domestic Violence Incidents
Resulting in Arrests, Rhode Island, 2016
TOTAL # TOTAL # OF INCIDENTS % WITH CHILDREN
CITY/TOWN OF REPORTS WITH CHILDREN PRESENT PRESENT
Barrington 25 9 36%
Bristol 92 21 23%
Support for Children Witnessing The number of domestic violence incident reports in
Burrillville 51 12 24% which an arrest was made and the number of
Domestic Violence Central Falls 195 50 26% incidents in which children were present are based
Charlestown 30 8 27% on the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault/Child
◆ With the help of caring adults, children Molestation Reporting Forms sent by Rhode Island
Coventry 174 51 29%
who have witnessed domestic violence can Cranston 372 105 28%
law enforcement to the Rhode Island Supreme Court
Domestic Violence Training and Monitoring Unit
develop resilience and thrive. Effective Cumberland 101 24 24% between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.
therapeutic interventions often focus on East Greenwich 43 11 26% The data are only the incidents during which an arrest
supporting parents, and can include East Providence 258 59 23% was made in which children were present, and do
increasing parenting skills, assisting Exeter* NA NA NA not represent the total number of children who
experienced domestic violence in their homes. More
parents in addressing mental health Foster 24 9 38%
than one child may have been present at an incident.
Glocester 19 3 16%
issues, and supporting parents’ efforts to *Reports of domestic violence in Exeter are included in
Hopkinton 49 15 31%
live in safe environments. Other strategies the Rhode Island State Police numbers. Rhode
Jamestown 8 2 25% Island State Police numbers are included in the
include connecting children to adult Johnston 108 28 26% Rhode Island state totals.
mentors, identifying and nurturing areas Lincoln 65 25 38%
of strength, and encouraging children to Little Compton 5 2 40% Woonsocket.
contribute to their families or Middletown 101 28 28%
References
communities in a positive way.19 Narragansett 65 18 28% 1
Gilbert, A. L., Bauer, N. S., Carroll, A. E., & Downs,
New Shoreham 3 1 33% S. M. (2013). Child exposure to parental violence
Newport 195 34 17% and psychological distress associated with delayed
North Kingstown 87 30 34% milestones. Pediatrics, 132(6), e1577-e1583.
Domestic Homicide and Guns
North Providence 164 38 23% 2
Berger, A., Wildsmith, E., Manlove, J., & Steward-
◆ When firearms are present in a North Smithfield 50 11 22% Streng, N. (2012). Relationship violence among young
domestic violence situation, women are Pawtucket 861 267 31% adult couples. Washington, DC: Child Trends.
five times more likely to die.20 Between Portsmouth 122 21 17% 3,14,16
Rhode Island Supreme Court Domestic Violence
Providence 878 258 29% Training and Monitoring Unit. Based on data from
2006-2015, forty-two percent of Rhode Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault/Child
Richmond 23 6 26%
Island women killed by intimate partners Molestation Reporting Forms, 2012-2016.
Scituate 12 4 33%
were shot to death.21 4
Stop Violence Against Women. (2010). Effects of
domestic violence on children. Retrieved March 8,
South Kingstown 89 28 31% 2019, from www.stopvaw.org
◆ In 2018, "red flag" legislation passed Tiverton 69 16 23%
5
Hamby, S., Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., & Ormrod, R.
that authorizes the Supreme Court to Warren 68 17 25%
(2010). The overlap of witnessing partner violence
issue “extreme risk protection orders” Warwick 252 57 23% with child maltreatment and other victimizations in
requiring the surrender of all firearms West Greenwich 22 5 23% a nationally representative survey of youth. Child
Abuse and Neglect, 34(2010), 734-741.
from persons determined to be capable of West Warwick 248 69 28%
Westerly 145 38 26% 6,8
Wathen, C. N. & MacMillan, H. L. (2013).
causing personal injury.22 Children’s exposure to intimate partner violence:
Woonsocket 461 106 23%
Impacts and interventions. Pediatrics & Child
Rhode Island State Police 89 15 17%
Health, 18(8), 419-422.
Four Core Cities 2,395 681 28%
Remainder of State 3,189 817 26%
Rhode Island 5,673 1,513 27%

Child Abuse and Neglect
DEFINITION equally critical and more cost-effective.

Child abuse and neglect is the total In Rhode Island, if an investigation Child Abuse and Neglect, Rhode Island, 2018
unduplicated number of victims of does not reveal maltreatment but family By Age of Victim* By Type of Neglect/Abuse**
child abuse and neglect per 1,000 stressors and risk factors are identified,
11% (372) Under Age 1 80% (3,186) Neglect
children. Child abuse includes physical, Child Protective Services (CPS) refers 21% (742) Ages 1 to 3 13% (501) Physical Abuse
sexual, and emotional abuse. Child families to community-based support 11% (395) Ages 4 to 5 5% (185) Sexual Abuse
neglect includes emotional, educational, services to reduce the risk of future 33% (1,148) Ages 6 to 11 1% (42) Medical Neglect
physical, and medical neglect, as well as involvement with the Department of 16% (550) Ages 12 to 15 <1% (14) Emotional Abuse
8% (297) Ages 16 and Older 2% (64) Other
a failure to provide for basic needs. Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
<1% (1) Unknown <1%
When maltreatment has occurred, a 1% 2%
<1% 9%
SIGNIFICANCE determination may be made that it is 5%
Children need love, affection, and safe for the children to remain at home 8% 11%
13%
nurturing from their parents or when families are willing to work with
16%
caregivers for healthy physical and community providers. In both of these 21%
emotional development. Experiencing cases, DCYF makes referrals to regional

child abuse or neglect can have lifelong Family Care Community Partnerships
(FCCP) agencies. They work with the 80%
consequences for a child’s health, well- 11%
33% n=3,505*
family to identify appropriate services n=3,992**
being, and relationships with others.
Parents or caregivers are at increased risk and resources, including natural
supports (persons and resources that By Relationship of Perpetrator to Victims*** Notes on Pie Charts
for maltreating children in their care if
they are overwhelmed by multiple risk families can access independent from 93% (3,506) Parents *These data reflect an unduplicated count of
formal services).4 4% (140) Relatives/Household Members
child victims. The number of victims is higher
factors such as poverty, divorce, than the number of indicated investigations.
substance abuse, and/or mental health In 2018 in Rhode Island, there were 1% (51) Foster Parents
One indicated investigation can involve more
2,430 indicated investigations of child <1% (13) Child Care Providers
problems.1 The immediate effects of than one child victim.
<1% (7) Residential Facility Staff
child abuse and neglect include isolation, abuse and neglect involving 3,505 **This number is greater than the
2% (65) Other or Unknown
fear, injury, and even death. Children children. The rate of child abuse and unduplicated count of child victims because
neglect per 1,000 children under age 18 1% children often experience more than one
who have been maltreated are at 4% <1% maltreatment event and/or more than one type
increased risk for delinquency, substance was almost two times higher in the four <1%
2% of abuse. Within each type of abuse, the
abuse, mental health problems, teen core cities (21.5 victims per 1,000 number of child victims is unduplicated.
pregnancy, impaired cognition, and low children) than in the remainder of the
***Perpetrators can abuse more than one child
academic achievement.2,3 state (11.2 victims per 1,000 children). and can abuse a child more than once. This
Responding to reports of child abuse About half (49%) of the victims of number is a duplicated count of perpetrators
93%
child abuse and neglect in 2018 were based on the number of abuse and neglect
and neglect and ensuring child safety incidents. Under Rhode Island law, Child
are important functions of child young children under age six and n=3,782*** Protective Services can only investigate alleged
protection systems. Maintaining the almost one-third (32%) were ages three perpetrators who are legally defined as
and younger.5 Source: Rhode Island DCYF, Rhode Island Children’s caretakers to the victim(s), except in situations
capacity to focus on prevention is Information System (RICHIST), 2018. Percentages of child sexual abuse by another child.
may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

DCYF Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline Calls Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and
for Reports of Abuse and/or Neglect, Investigations,* Deaths Due to Child Abuse and/or Neglect, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
and Indicated Investigations, Rhode Island, 2008-2018 YEAR # OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS* # OF HOSPITALIZATIONS* # OF DEATHS**
TOTAL # % AND # OF REPORTS # OF 2013 133 34 3

UNDUPLICATED CHILD WITH COMPLETED INDICATED
YEAR MALTREATMENT REPORTS INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATIONS 2014 102 44 1
2015 92 28 0
2008 12,204 51% (6,214) 1,913
2016 79 8 1
2009 12,189 52% (6,362) 2,075
2017 107 18 2
2010 13,069 53% (6,956) 2,392
TOTAL 515 132 7
2011 13,382 49% (6,520) 2,225
2012 13,540 50% (6,784) 2,266 Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, 2013-2017.
2013 13,905 50% (6,975) 2,294 Note: Effective October 1, 2015, the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes changed from the 9th
classification to the 10th classification, which may impact comparability across the years.
2014 14,735 51% (7,573) 2,413
2015 14,402 45% (6,470) 2,227
*The number of Emergency Department visits and the number of hospitalizations include both
suspected and confirmed assessments of child abuse and neglect.
2016 14,942 40% (5,935) 2,074
2017 15,945 42% (6,628) 2,404 **Due to a change in data source, data for child deaths due to child abuse and/or neglect are only
2018 21,837 38% (8,296) 2,430
comparable with Factbooks since 2013.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, RICHIST, 2008-2018. ◆ Between 2013 and 2017, there were 515 emergency department visits, 132
*One investigation can be generated by multiple hotline calls. Investigations can result in a finding hospitalizations, and 7 deaths of Rhode Island children under age 18 due to child abuse
of indicated, unfounded, or unable to complete (as when essential party cannot be found). and/or neglect.10 Nationally, 75% of child maltreatment deaths involved neglect and 42%
involved physical abuse (because a victim may have suffered more than one type of
◆ From 2017 to 2018 in Rhode Island, the number of unduplicated child maltreatment maltreatment, these categories are not mutually exclusive).11
reports increased by 37%, and the number of completed investigations increased by 25%.
The number of indicated investigations stayed about the same. In 2018, 29% (2,430) of
the 8,296 completed investigations of child maltreatment were indicated, cases in which Child Abuse and Neglect in Rhode Island Communities
there is a “preponderance of evidence that a child has been abused and/or neglected”.6,7 ◆ Many parents at risk of child abuse and neglect lack essential parenting skills and are
struggling with a combination of social and economic issues. These families can benefit
◆ Of the 21,837 maltreatment reports in 2018, 52% (11,300) were classified as from programs that enhance social supports, parental resilience, and knowledge of
“information/ referrals” (formerly “early warnings”).8 Information/referrals are reports parenting and child development.12 In addition, providing access to child care, early
made to the CPS Hotline concerning the well-being of a child that do not meet the childhood learning programs, and evidence-based home visiting programs (such as the
criteria for an investigation. Criteria for investigation include that the victim is a minor, Nurse-Family Partnership) to families with multiple risk factors can prevent the
the alleged perpetrator is responsible for the child’s welfare, there is reasonable cause to occurrence and recurrence of child abuse and neglect.13,14
believe that abuse or neglect exists, and there is a specific incident or pattern of incidents
suggesting that harm can be identified. In February of 2019, the Department began ◆ In 2018, Rhode Island had 14.6 child victims of abuse and neglect per 1,000 children,
implementation of the Family Functioning Assessment model to conduct the Family the same rate as in 2017. Woonsocket (35.7 victims per 1,000 children) had the highest
Assessment Response (FAR) by CPS Caseworkers. When essential criteria for investigation rate of child victims of abuse and neglect in the state. Other cities and towns with rates
are not present, the (FAR) may lead to a referral to the development of a safety plan with higher than 20 victims per 1,000 children were Central Falls (23.4), Newport (22.8),
the family, including voluntary referral and delivery of other services in the community.9 North Providence (22.7), Pawtucket (24.7), and West Warwick (23.1).15

Indicated Allegations of Child Neglect, Child Sexual Abuse, by Gender and Age of Victim, Rhode Island, 2018
by Nature of Neglect, Rhode Island, 2018 Girls Boys
40% (2,114) Lack of Supervision 5% (9) Age 5 and Under 22% (8) Age 5 and Under
24% (1,255) Exposure to Domestic Violence 29% (49) Ages 6 to 11 64% (23) Ages 6 to 11
2%
1% 11%
6% (293) Excessive/Inappropriate Discipline 44% (75) Ages 12 to 15 14% (5) Ages 12 to 15
3% 5% (248) Neglect Resulting in Physical Injuries 22% (38) Ages 16 and Older 0% (0) Ages 16 and Older
4%
40% 4% (217) Drug/Alcohol Abuse
4%
4% (207) Sexual Abuse 5%
5% 14%
22% 22%
6% 3% (150) Inadequate Food or Shelter
1% (54) Medical Neglect
29%
24% 2% (101) Specific Other Small Categories
11% (597) Unspecified “Other”
n=5,236*
44% 64%
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, RICHIST, 2018.
*The total refers to indicated allegations of neglect. Some children were victims of neglect more than n=171 n=36
once. Multiple allegations may be involved in each indicated investigation.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, RICHIST, 2018.
◆ Of the 5,236 indicated allegations (confirmed claims) of neglect to children under age
18 in Rhode Island in 2018, 40% involved lack of supervision. This highlights the ◆ In Rhode Island in 2018, there were 207 indicated allegations (confirmed claims) of
importance of access to high-quality, affordable child care, preschool, and after-school child sexual abuse. Some children were victims of sexual abuse more than once. The
programs.16 victim was a female in 83% (171) of the 207 indicated allegations of sexual abuse.
Thirty-four percent of the female victims were under age 12 while 86% of the male
◆ The second largest category of neglect (24%) is “exposure to domestic violence.” victims were under age 12.19
These are instances where the neglect is related to the child witnessing domestic violence
in the home.17 ◆ In the majority of sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is a relative or person known to
the victim, and sexual abuse by a stranger is less likely.20
◆ The “specific other small categories” include: educational neglect (34), tying/close
confinement (16), abandonment (14), emotional neglect (11), corporal punishment (8),
failure to thrive (8), emotional abuse (6), inappropriate restraint (3), and
poisoning/noxious substances (1).18

Table 32. Indicated Investigations of Child Abuse and Neglect, Rhode Island, 2018
# OF INDICATED INDICATED # OF CHILD
# OF INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATIONS VICTIMS ABUSE/NEGLECT
CHILDREN OF CHILD PER 1,000 OF CHILD VICTIMS PER
CITY/TOWN UNDER AGE 18 ABUSE/NEGLECT CHILDREN ABUSE/NEGLECT 1,000 CHILDREN
Barrington 4,597 7 1.5 7 1.5 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 3,623 32 8.8 39 10.8 Data are from the Rhode Island Department of
Burrillville 3,576 28 7.8 31 8.7 Children, Youth and Families, Rhode Island
Children’s Information System (RICHIST),
Central Falls 5,644 101 17.9 132 23.4 Calendar Year 2018.
Charlestown 1,506 22 14.6 29 19.3
Coventry 7,770 58 7.5 90 11.6 Victims of child abuse/neglect are unduplicated counts
of victims with substantiated allegations of child
Cranston 16,414 125 7.6 151 9.2 abuse and/or neglect. More than one victim can be
Cumberland 7,535 46 6.1 66 8.8 involved in an investigation.
East Greenwich 3,436 7 2.0 15 4.4
An indicated investigation is an investigated report of
East Providence 9,177 98 10.7 128 13.9 child abuse and/or neglect for which a
Exeter 1,334 7 5.2 6 4.5 preponderance of evidence exists that child abuse
Foster 986 5 5.1 11 11.2 and/or neglect occurred. An indicated investigation
Glocester 2,098 12 5.7 15 7.1 can involve more than one child and multiple
allegations. City/town reports of indicated
Hopkinton 1,845 15 8.1 23 12.5
investigations omit certain investigations, particularly
Jamestown 1,043 2 1.9 5 4.8 those where there are data entry errors affecting
Johnston 5,480 46 8.4 72 13.1 location. For this reason, the city/town table includes
Lincoln 4,751 37 7.8 42 8.8 fewer indicated investigations than the chart with
Little Compton 654 3 4.6 6 9.2 reports/investigations and indicated cases.
Middletown 3,652 33 9.0 55 15.1 Data cannot be compared to Factbooks prior to 2009.
Narragansett 2,269 21 9.3 16 7.1 The denominator is the number of children under
New Shoreham 163 0 0.0 0 0.0 age 18 according to the U.S. Census 2010 and the
numerator is an unduplicated count of child
Newport 4,083 65 15.9 93 22.8 victims. Previous Factbooks used children under age
North Kingstown 6,322 33 5.2 52 8.2 21 as the denominator and the indicated
North Providence 5,514 85 15.4 125 22.7 investigations as the numerator to calculate the rate
North Smithfield 2,456 8 3.3 14 5.7 of indicated investigations per 1,000 children.
Pawtucket 16,575 283 17.1 410 24.7 In 2018, Rhode Island increased the eligibility for
Portsmouth 3,996 31 7.8 32 8.0 voluntary extended DCYF services to under age 21.
Providence 41,634 521 12.5 687 16.5 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Richmond 1,849 6 3.2 13 7.0 Woonsocket.
Scituate 2,272 8 3.5 14 6.2
References
Smithfield 3,625 11 3.0 28 7.7
1,12,13
South Kingstown 5,416 29 5.4 45 8.3
Administration for Children and Families. (2018).
Tiverton 2,998 24 8.0 31 10.3 Keeping children safe and families strong in supportive
Warren 1,940 27 13.9 30 15.5 communities: 2018 prevention resource guide.
Warwick 15,825 123 7.8 168 10.6 Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
West Greenwich 1,477 9 6.1 12 8.1 2
Child Welfare Information Gateway. Long-term
West Warwick 5,746 109 19.0 133 23.1 consequences of child abuse and neglect. (2013).
Westerly 4,787 57 11.9 85 17.8 Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
Woonsocket 9,888 227 23.0 353 35.7
Four Core Cities 73,741 1,132 15.4 1,582 21.5 (continued on page 184)
Remainder of State 150,215 1,229 8.2 1,682 11.2
Rhode Island 223,956 2,361 10.5 3,264 14.6

Children in Out-of-Home Placement
DEFINITION educational, physical, and mental health

Children in out-of-home placement is needs.4 Children in out-of-home care Children in Out-of-Home Placement, Rhode Island, December 31, 2018
the number of children who have been suffer more frequent and more serious 2%1% 2%
2% 40% (872) Foster Care Home (relative)
removed from their families and are in medical, developmental, and mental
2% 34% (743) Foster Care Home (non-relative, private agency)
the care of the Rhode Island Department health problems than their peers.5,6 4%
8% (179) Residential Facility
6%
of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Long-term stays in care can cause 40%
6% (124) Group Home
while awaiting permanency. Out-of- emotional, behavioral, or educational 8% 4% (91) Independent Living/Supervised Apartment
home placements include foster care problems that can negatively impact
2% (40) Psychiatric or Medical Hospital/Substance Abuse Facility
homes, group homes, assessment and children’s long-term well-being and
2% (52) Rhode Island Training School for Youth
stabilization centers, residential facilities, success.7 Children in foster care are 34% 2% (38) Relatives Caring for Children*
and medical facilities. Permanency can more likely than their peers to change
1% (16) Assessment and Stabilization Center
be achieved through reunification with schools, be suspended, qualify for
n=2,199 2% (44) Other**
the family, adoption, or guardianship. special education, repeat a grade and
drop out of school.8 Appropriate *Relatives caring for children are classified as an out-of-home placement by DCYF, despite the fact
SIGNIFICANCE supports and services can help youth in that these relatives did not receive monetary payments from DCYF to care for the children and the
children were never removed and never needed to be removed from the relatives’ homes. In these cases,
Children need stability, permanency, care maximize their potential and the relative caring for the child initiated contact with DCYF to receive assistance from the agency.
and safety for healthy development. ensure that they are prepared for higher
education and work.9 **The placement category “Other” includes: runaway youth in DCYF care or those with
Removal from the home may be unauthorized absences (35), pre-adoptive homes (6), and minors with their mother in shelter/group
necessary for the child’s safety and well- Children of color are overrepresented home/residential facility (3).
being; however, critical connections and at all decision points in the child
a sense of permanency may be lost when welfare system, including reporting, ◆ As of December 31, 2018, there were 2,199 children under age 21 in the care of DCYF
a child is placed out-of-home.1 screening, investigation, assessment, who were in out-of-home placements.
Permanency planning efforts should recruiting and retaining resource
begin as soon as a child enters the child families, and permanency.10 Children of ◆ The total DCYF caseload on December 31, 2018 was 6,907, including 2,008 children
welfare system so that a permanent living color in child welfare systems experience living in their homes under DCYF supervision and 2,642 children living in adoption
situation can be secured as quickly as significantly worse outcomes, have more settings.
possible.2 The federal Fostering placement changes, receive fewer
Connections to Success and Increasing supports, stay in the child welfare ◆ The total DCYF caseload also includes 51 children in out-of-state placements/other
Adoptions Act (Fostering Connections Act) system longer, are less likely to be agency custody, one child receiving respite care services, three youth in Job Corps and
promotes permanency through supports reunited with their families or adopted, three children in other placements.
for relative guardianship and incentives have fewer contacts with caseworkers,
for adoption.3 less access to mental health and ◆ On December 31, 2018, 303 children were living in a residential facility or group
Rhode Island children in out-of- substance abuse services, and are placed home, an increase from 293 children on December 31, 2017. The percentage of children
home care often experience multiple in detention or correctional facilities at in out-of-home placement who were in a relative foster care home (40%) remained the
placements, lose contact with family higher rates than White children.11 same on December 31, 2018 as it was on December 31, 2017.
members, and may have overlooked Source: RI Department of Children, Youth and Families, Rhode Island Children’s Information System (RICHIST),
2017-2019. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Children in Out-of-Home Placement
Children and Youth in Out-of-Home Placement, Safety, Permanency, and Well-Being

by Type of Setting and Age, Rhode Island* Fostering Connections
In Foster Care Homes In Group Homes and Residential Facilities**
◆ The federal Fostering Connections Act promotes kinship care and family connections
10% (167) Under Age 1 0% (0) Under Age 1
by requiring states to notify relatives when a child is placed in foster care and providing
37% (595) Ages 1 to 5 <1% (1) Ages 1 to 5
funding for states offering kinship guardianship assistance payments.12 Rhode Island’s
34% (549) Ages 6 to 13 18% (53) Ages 6 to 13
guardianship assistance program defines kin broadly and includes any adult who has a
15% (243) Ages 14 to 17 63% (189) Ages 14 to 17
close and caring relationship with the child, including godparents, caretakers, close
4% (64) Ages 18 and Over 20% (59) Ages 18 and Over
<1%
family friends, neighbors, and clergy.13
4% 10% Family First Prevention Services Act

20% 18%
15% ◆ The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018 enables states to use funds
from the entitlement of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act that pays for child welfare,
for “time-limited” services aimed at preventing the use of foster care in cases of
37%
maltreatment. States can spend money on services to address mental health issues, in-
34%
home parent skill-based programs, and substance abuse treatment. Parents or relatives
63% caring for children who are at risk of entering foster care and youth in foster care who
n=1,618 n=302
are pregnant or parenting are eligible for services through FFPSA.14
In Medical Facilities*** In Assessment and Stabilization Centers****
Pivot to Prevention
13% (5) Under Age 1 0% (0) Under Age 1
◆ In April of 2018, DCYF launched Pivot to Prevention, the Department’s new operational
8% (3) Ages 1 to 5 0% (0) Ages 1 to 5
direction to focus on child safety as a public health issue. DCYF will work with state
35% (14) Ages 6 to 13 19% (3) Ages 6 to 13
partners to address poverty, substance abuse and serious mental health issues, and family
35% (14) Ages 14 to 17 75% (12) Ages 14 to 17
10% (4) Ages 18 and Over 6% (1) Ages 18 and Over
violence in the community, whether or not families become involved with the Department.15
Congregate Care
10% 13% 6%
19% ◆ Older youth are more likely to be placed in congregate care settings (e.g., group
8% homes, residential facilities) than young children. In Rhode Island during 2018, 302 of
the children and youth in out-of-home placement were in group homes or residential
35% facilities. Of those, 82% (248) were age 14 and older.16
75% Racial and Ethnic Disparities
35%
n=16
◆ In Rhode Island in FY 2017, Black, Multiracial, and Hispanic youth ages 10 to 17
n=40
were overrepresented in entering into an out-of-home placement compared to their
*Pie charts show data for a single point-in-time (Foster Care Homes-January 2, 2019; Group Homes and Residential Facilities, Rhode Island census population. Black Non-Hispanic children (45.2%) and Hispanic
Medical Facilities, and Assessment and Stabilization Centers - December 31, 2018.)
**Residential facilities data do not include psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, or the Rhode Island Training School.
children (39.7%) who experienced out-of-home placement were placed in congregate care
***Medical facilities data includes medical hospitals (26), psychiatric hospitals (39), and substance abuse treatment facilities (0). as their first placement more often compared to their White peers (27.8%).17
****Assessment and Stabilization Centers are described as an emergency placement.
(References are on page 185)
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, Rhode Island Children’s Information System
(RICHIST), January 2019. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Data do not match chart on previous
page due to different report dates.
Permanency for Children in DCYF Care
DEFINITION in another permanent family through

Permanency for children in DCYF adoption or guardianship.10 Federal law Children Achieving Permanency, by Discharge Reason,
care is the percentage of children in out- requires states to notify relatives when a Rhode Island, Entry Cohort FY 2017*
of-home care who transition to a child is placed in foster care, provides DISCHARGE REASON NUMBER PERCENTAGE MEDIAN DAYS IN PLACEMENT
permanent living arrangement through funding for states offering kinship Reunification with Parents 366 91% 179.5
reunification, adoption, or guardianship. guardianship assistance payments, Guardianship 20 5% 259
Data are for all children under age 18 provides incentive payments for Adoption – Direct Consent 9 2.2% 228
who entered out-of-home placement adoptions of older children and children Living with Relative(s) 6 1.5% 171
with the Rhode Island Department of with special needs, and requires that states Adoption 1 .3% 338
Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) inform families considering adopting a Total Number 402 100% 187
during a 12-month period. child in foster care about the availability Source: Permanency Report: Children in Foster Care FY16 - FY18. (n.d.) Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and
of the federal adoption tax credit.11,12 Families. *Data cannot be compared to Factbooks prior to 2018. The data are now reported by entry cohort and represent
children who achieved permanency within 12 months of entering out-of-home placement, excluding children who entered
SIGNIFICANCE Children and youth who live in care at age 18 or older. Permanency includes reunification, guardianship, living with relative, adoption, and reunification.
The uncertainty of multiple, families (kinship or non-kinship) while in ◆ Of the 1,156 Rhode Island children in entry cohort FY 2017, 35% (402) children in
prolonged, or unstable out-of-home the child welfare system are better out-of-home placement in Rhode Island exited foster care to permanency (reunification,
placements can negatively affect prepared to thrive in permanent homes, guardianship, living with other relatives, or adoption) within 12 months of entering out-
children’s emotional well-being, which whether through reunification, adoption, of-home placement. Children who were over age 12 when they were removed were more
has an impact on behavior, academic or guardianship.13 Youth who age out of likely to exit care without achieving permanency.17
achievement, and the formation of secure foster care experience high rates of
relationships.1,2 Particular attention must economic hardship (inability to pay rent, ◆ Among Rhode Island children in entry cohort FY 2017 who achieved permanency,
be paid to populations of children for utilities, etc.), low educational attainment, 38.3% entered congregate care as a first placement. Children who were over age 12 when
whom permanency may be more homelessness, unemployment, and poor they entered out-of-home placement were more likely to enter congregate care as a first
difficult to achieve, including older physical and mental health. They are placement.18
children, children of color, sibling more likely to enter the criminal justice
groups, and children with mental, system, become young parents, and enroll
emotional, or behavioral health needs.3,4,5 in public assistance programs.14 Reunification, Entry Cohort FY 2017
Planning for permanency requires a mix The federal Fostering Connections Act of
◆ Of children in entry cohort FY 2017, 91% of children under age 18 achieved
of family-centered and legal strategies 2008 and Strengthening Families Act of
permanency through reunification with their family of origin within 12 months of
designed to ensure that children and 2014 provide a wide range of incentives
entering out-of-home placement.19
youth have safe, stable, and lifelong and strategies for states to support
connections with caring adults.6,7,8 children and youth while in foster care
◆ Poverty, parental substance abuse, and mental health problems are leading
Reunification with parents is the most as well as permanency.15 The Family
contributors to neglect. Achieving timely and successful reunification requires access to
common permanency outcome for First Prevention Services Act, enacted
substance abuse and mental health treatment, as well as interventions designed to
children who have been in foster care.9 February 2018, will provide federal funds
improve the economic status of families.20
When reunification is not possible, child for prevention services for children at risk
welfare agencies focus on placing children of entering foster care and their families.16

Permanency for Children in DCYF Care
Subsidized Guardianship, Entry Cohort FY 2017 Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
◆ The federal Fostering Connections Act provides funding for states offering kinship ◆ Youth who exit foster care to adulthood never having gained permanency through
guardianship assistance payments. Rhode Island’s guardianship assistance program adoption, guardianship, or reunification are considered to have "aged out" of foster care.
defines kin broadly as any adult who has a close and caring relationship with the child, The Voluntary Extension of Care Act (VEC) passed in Rhode Island in 2018, provides
including godparents, caretakers, close family friends, neighbors, and clergy.21 The a legal entitlement to voluntary extended foster care services until age 21. Youth with
number of children who achieved permanency through guardianship in Rhode Island serious emotional disturbances, autism, or a functional developmental disability continue
decreased from 6.8% in entry cohort FY 2016 to 5% in entry cohort FY 2017.22 to have their cases managed by DCYF and remain legally entitled to services through age
21. DCYF began the implementation process for VEC program in July 2018. As a result,
data reporting the number of Rhode Island youth aging out of foster care is in transition
Adoptions of Children in DCYF Care, 2018 while the program is implemented and SFY 2018 data were not yet provided.29,30
◆ During Calendar Year 2018, 255 children in the care of DCYF were adopted in Rhode Rhode Island Youth Aging Out of Foster Care, SFY 2014-2017
Island, similar to the 261 children adopted in 2017. Of these children, 67% were White,
150
22% were multiracial, 11% were Black, and 1% were of Unknown race. Thirty-three
# who aged out

95 95
percent of children adopted in 2018 were Hispanic (belonging to any race category).23 100
114
50 77
◆ Of the 255 children adopted in 2018, 70% were under age six, 25% were ages six to
0
13, and 5% were age 14 or older.24 SFY 2014 SFY 2015 SFY 2016 SFY 2017
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, RICHIST 2014-2017.
Rhode Island Children Waiting to be Adopted, March 25, 2019 ◆ The number of Rhode Island youth who exited foster care never having gained permanency
through reunification, adoption, or guardianship increased from 95 during SFY 2015 to
◆ On March 25, 2019, there were 252 Rhode Island children in the care of DCYF who
114 during SFY 2016, and then decreased to 77 in SFY 2017.31
were waiting to be adopted. Of these, 39% of children were ages zero to five, 30% were
ages six to 10, 22% were ages 11 to 15, and 8% were ages 16 and over.25,26
◆ Beginning January 1, 2014, the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows youth who have
aged out of foster care to have Medicaid coverage until age 26, regardless of their income.
◆ Of all waiting children, 46% were White Non-Hispanic, 28% were Hispanic (any race),
This provides former foster youth the same access to health coverage as other young adults,
11% were Black Non-Hispanic, and 14% were Multiracial or other Non-Hispanic.27
who are allowed to remain on their parents’ commercial health coverage until age 26.32
◆ Of the 252 children waiting to be adopted, 19% (49) were children of parents whose
◆ States that extend foster care to age 21, an option encouraged in the Fostering Connections
parental rights had been legally terminated.28
Act, will more than offset the costs for the potential benefits in terms of increased
educational attainment, reduced reliance on public assistance, and increased earnings.33
References
1
Wedeles, J. (n.d.). Placement stability in child welfare. 2,3
Walsh, W. A. & Mattingly, M. J. (2011). Long-term
Retrieved March 14, 2019, from www.oacas.org foster care – Different needs, different outcomes.
Durham, NH: The Carsey Institute.

Education

Children Enrolled in Early Intervention
DEFINITION physical, communication, social-

Children enrolled in Early Intervention emotional, and adaptive). Current Developmental Screenings Completed,
is the number and percentage of eligibility criteria allow children with RIte Care Members Under Age 3, 2016-2018
children under age three who have an significant circumstances (e.g., 2016 2017 2018
active Individual Family Service Plan significant trauma/losses, history of 100%
through a Rhode Island Early abuse/neglect, family lacking basic 80%

Intervention provider. resources, parental substance abuse, 60%
60% 65% 64% 62% 61%
significant parental health/mental 40%
55%
46% 45%
SIGNIFICANCE health issues, and intellectual disability 20%
34%
During the first few years of life, of caretaker, among others) to qualify 0%
children develop the basic brain through informed clinical opinion if the % of Children % of Children % of Children
Under Age One Screened Between Age One and Between Age Two and
architecture that serves as a foundation circumstances impact child or family Age Two Screened Age Three Screened
for all future development and learning. functioning.3 Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Performance Years 2016-2018.
Early and effective intervention for Approximately 15% of U.S. children
ages three to 17 have developmental ◆ As of June 30, 2018, there were 2,219 infants and toddlers receiving Early
vulnerable young children yields
disabilities, with higher prevalence among Intervention (EI) services, 7% of the population under age three. Of these, 52% percent
improved long-term outcomes.1
children from low-income families and were eligible due to a measured significant developmental delay, 25% due to significant
In 1986, Congress established Early
among boys. The percentage of children circumstances impacting child or family functioning, 22% due to a single established
Intervention (EI) services for infants
recognized with developmental disabilities condition category (such as Down Syndrome), and 1% were undetermined. Of the 2,219
and toddlers under the Individuals with
has been increasing in recent years due children receiving EI services on June 30, 2018, 43% began receiving services before age
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part
to increased survival rates among one, 36% began at age one, and 21% began at age two.7
C of IDEA requires states to identify
and provide appropriate EI services to preterm infants and children with birth
defects/genetic disorders and improved ◆ In Calendar Year 2018 in Rhode Island, 4,389 children received EI services, up from
children under age three who are
awareness and diagnosis of many 4,140 in 2017. In 2018, 1,224 children were discharged from EI upon reaching age
developmentally delayed or have a
conditions.4 three. Of these, 62% were found eligible and 19% were found not eligible for preschool
diagnosed condition that is associated
The American Academy of Pediatrics special education. Thirteen percent were in the process of eligibility determination, and
with a developmental delay. States may
recommends that physicians use a 6% left the program for other reasons.8,9
also choose to serve children who are at
risk of experiencing a delay if early standardized developmental screening
tool during well-child visits in order to ◆ Because maltreated infants and toddlers are more likely to have a developmental delay,
intervention services are not provided.2
improve detection of developmental federal legislation requires states to have procedures in place to refer children under age
In Rhode Island, children are eligible
delays.5 Early childhood developmental three who were victims of child abuse or neglect to EI. States may choose to refer these
for EI if they have a diagnosed medical
screenings are required and covered for children for developmental screening to determine whether an EI referral is needed.10,11 In
disorder bearing relatively well-known
all children with RIte Care coverage 2018 in Rhode Island, there were 980 infants and toddlers under age three who were
expectancy for developmental delay
through the Early and Periodic involved in indicated cases of abuse or neglect. Of these, 229 (23%) were referred to EI
(single established condition) or if they
Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment for an eligibility assessment, 645 (66%) were referred to First Connections for screening,
have a developmental delay in one or
(EPSDT) mandate.6 43 (4%) were already enrolled in EI or had otherwise been screened, and 63 (6%) moved
more areas of development (cognitive,
out of state or were not referred. Of the 980 children, 171 (17%) had been found eligible
for EI as of February 2019.12,13
116 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Education
Children Enrolled in Early Intervention
Table 33. Infants and Toddlers Enrolled in Early Intervention (EI) by Eligibility Type, Rhode Island, 2018
CALENDAR YEAR JUNE 30, 2018 ENROLLMENT BY ELIGIBILITY
2018 ENROLLMENT
CIRCUM- DEVELOP- # OF % OF
% OF STANCES MENTAL CHILDREN CHILDREN
# OF # OF CHILDREN SINGLE MEASURED SIGNIFICANTLY DELAY UNDER UNDER
CHILDREN CHILDREN UNDER AGE 3 ESTAB- DEVELOP- IMPACTING NO SPECIFIC AGE 3 AGE 3 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
UNDER ENROLLED ENROLLED LISHED MENTAL CHILD/FAMILY INFOR- ENROLLED ENROLLED
CITY/TOWN AGE 3 IN EI IN EI CONDITION DELAY FUNCTION* MATION IN EI IN EI Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human
Services, Center for Child and Family Health, Early
Barrington 366 52 14% 10 12 7 0 29 8%
Intervention enrollment, Calendar Year 2018 and
Bristol 507 50 10% 9 11 9 0 29 6% June 30, 2018 enrollment (point-in-time).
Burrillville 460 79 17% 5 25 14 2 46 10%
The denominator is the number of children under age
Central Falls 1,028 135 13% 7 44 10 2 63 6%
three, according to Census 2010, Summary File 1.
Charlestown 186 17 9% 3 2 3 0 8 4%
Coventry 940 97 10% 14 21 17 0 52 6% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Cranston 2,318 295 13% 26 75 47 1 149 6%
Cumberland 970 160 16% 21 53 17 1 92 9% *See Early Intervention Policy Manual for list of
East Greenwich 299 44 15% 7 6 5 0 18 6% circumstances.
East Providence 1,560 152 10% 14 32 17 0 63 4% References
Exeter 166 14 8% 3 3 1 0 7 4% 1
Lurie-Hurvitz, E. (2009). Early experiences matter:
Foster 113 8 7% 2 4 1 0 7 6% Making the case for a comprehensive infant and toddler
Glocester 247 19 8% 3 5 4 0 12 5% policy agenda. Retrieved February 27, 2019, from
Hopkinton 258 34 13% 5 4 5 1 15 6% www.zerotothree.org
Jamestown 85 12 14% 1 2 3 0 6 7% 2
Jones, Lynn. (2009). Making hope a reality: Early
Johnston 816 122 15% 15 30 9 0 54 7% Intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
Lincoln 587 86 15% 5 30 10 0 45 8% Retrieved February 27, 2019, from
www.zerotothree.org
Little Compton 68 5 7% 0 0 3 0 3 4%
Middletown 502 66 13% 4 12 8 0 24 5% 3
Rhode Island Early Intervention certification standards
Narragansett 271 21 8% 2 1 5 0 8 3% policies and procedures: IV. Eligibility determination.
(2018). Cranston, RI: Rhode Island Executive Office
New Shoreham 21 0 0% 0 0 0 0 0 0%
of Health and Human Services.
Newport 820 79 10% 8 20 9 0 37 5%
North Kingstown 728 92 13% 13 20 19 1 53 7%
4
Boyle, C. A., et al. (2011). Trends in the prevalence of
developmental disabilities in U.S. children, 1997-
North Providence 851 122 14% 21 39 9 0 69 8%
2008. Pediatrics, 127(6), 1034-1042.
North Smithfield 290 49 17% 3 17 3 0 23 8%
Pawtucket 2,959 349 12% 47 93 29 1 170 6%
5
Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Bright Futures
Portsmouth 429 59 14% 7 15 8 1 31 7%
Steering Committee and Medical Home Initiatives
Providence 7,609 1,047 14% 126 282 106 8 522 7% for Children with Special Needs Project Advisory
Richmond 235 12 5% 1 2 1 0 4 2% Committee. (2006). Identifying infants and young
Scituate 193 37 19% 2 13 7 0 22 11% children with developmental disorders in the medical
Smithfield 402 63 16% 5 14 11 0 30 7% home: An algorithm for developmental surveillance
and screening. Pediatrics, 118(1), 405-420.
South Kingstown 640 73 11% 4 12 13 1 30 5%
Tiverton 398 57 14% 9 17 8 0 34 9% 6
Birth to 5: Watch me thrive! CMS efforts to ensure
Warren 296 39 13% 8 7 4 0 19 6% children receive developmental and behavioral
screening. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2019, from
Warwick 2,322 303 13% 33 65 46 2 146 6%
www.medicaid.gov
West Greenwich 178 20 11% 2 3 7 0 12 7%
West Warwick 1,044 102 10% 9 30 21 1 61 6%
7,8,13
Services, 2018.
Westerly 726 86 12% 12 14 14 0 40 6%
Woonsocket 1,900 332 17% 24 125 36 1 186 10% 9
Four Core Cities 13,496 1,863 14% 204 544 181 12 941 7% Services, 2017.
Remainder of State 20,292 2,526 12% 286 616 365 11 1,278 6% (continued on page 185)
Rhode Island 33,788 4,389 13% 490 1,160 546 23 2,219 7%
Education / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 117

Children Enrolled in Early Head Start
DEFINITION and education program and families

Children enrolled in Early Head Start receive at least two home visits per year. Estimated Percentage of Eligible Infants and Toddlers
Some provide a combination of home- Enrolled in Early Head Start, 2018
is the number and percentage of low-
income infants and toddlers enrolled in a based and center-based services.6
As of October 2018, of the 656 Four Core Cities 7%
Rhode Island Early Head Start program.
children and pregnant women enrolled
Remainder of State 13%
SIGNIFICANCE in Early Head Start, 393 (60%) were
enrolled in home-based services and 9%
Established in 1995, Early Head Start Rhode Island
263 (40%) were in center-based
is a comprehensive early childhood 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
programs.7 An Early Head Start-Child
program serving low-income children birth
Care Partnership grant awarded in 2015 Source: Rhode Island Kid Count calculations using Early Head Start program enrollment October 2018 as the numerator
to age three, pregnant women, and their and number of children under age three from Census 2010, Summary File 1 multiplied by the percentage of children
created 100 new center-based Early
families. Early Head Start programs serve under age six living in families with incomes below the federal poverty level according to the Population Reference
Head Start slots in Rhode Island Bureau’s (PRB) analysis of 2013-2017 American Community Survey data as the denominator.
children in families with incomes below
through partnerships with child care
the federal poverty level ($21,330 for a ◆ As of October 2018 in Rhode Island, there were 656 children and pregnant women
programs to increase the number of
family of three in 2019).1,2,3 The federally- enrolled in Early Head Start, 9% of the population in poverty and 5% of the population
infants and toddlers enrolled.8,9
funded Early Head Start program is in low-income families. There were 337 children and pregnant women from the four core
Early Head Start has been shown to
designed to address the comprehensive cities (7% of the population in poverty and 5% of the population in low-income
produce significant cognitive, language,
needs of low-income infants and toddlers families). In the remainder of the state, 319 children and pregnant women were enrolled
and social-emotional gains in participating
and pregnant women by providing high- in Early Head Start (13% of the population in poverty and 6% of the population in low-
children and more positive interactions
quality early education, nutrition and income families).13,14
with their parents. Early Head Start
mental health services, medical and dental
parents provide more emotional support
referrals, and fostering the development of ◆ As of October 2018, 2% of Early Head Start clients were pregnant women, 15% were
and more opportunities for language and
healthy family relationships.4 infants under age one, 31% were age one, 46% were toddlers age two, and 7% were age
learning to their children at home and are
Pregnant women enrolled in Early three.15
more likely to be involved in preschool.
Head Start are assessed for risks to a
Early Head Start parents are less likely to
successful pregnancy. Individualized plans ◆ Rhode Island Head Start programs serve significant numbers of children with high
experience depression and more likely
are developed to support prenatal health, needs including: 105 infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities (16%
to be self-sufficient (higher incomes).
promote healthy behaviors, and prepare of all children enrolled), 40 children who were in foster care, and nine children who were
Children who enroll in high-quality
for the baby’s arrival.5 After the baby is homeless.16 Early Head Start programs are required to prioritize enrollment for children
preschool after Early Head Start have
born, families participate by enrolling in with special needs and to screen all enrolled children to identify developmental delays
better outcomes at kindergarten entry.10,11
either a center-based or a home-based and disabilities.17
As of October 2018, 644 infants and
program. Home-based programs use
toddlers and 12 pregnant women were
weekly home visits to support child ◆ As of October 2018, 30% of the children enrolled in Early Head Start were also
receiving Early Head Start services in
development and twice-monthly group participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).18 Center-based Early Head
Rhode Island, and there were 160
meetings. Children in center-based Start programs do not cover the entire day for many working parents. CCAP is used to
eligible pregnant women or children on
models attend a center-based early care provide additional coverage for working parents.19
the waiting list.12

Children Enrolled in Early Head Start
Table 34. Children Ages Birth to Three and Pregnant Women
Enrolled in Early Head Start, Rhode Island, 2018
% LOW- ESTIMATED # ENROLLED # ENROLLED ESTIMATED % OF
ESTIMATED INCOME # LOW- IN IN LOW-INCOME INFANTS
# OF CHILDREN INCOME HOME-BASED CENTER-BASED # ENROLLED AND TODDLERS
CHILDREN IN CHILDREN EARLY EARLY IN EARLY ENROLLED IN
SCHOOL DISTRICT <AGE 3 DISTRICT <AGE 3 HEAD START HEAD START HEAD START EARLY HEAD START Rhode Island Early Head Start Programs, children
Barrington 618 4% 25 0 0 0 0% enrolled as of October 2018. Children enrolled are
listed by residence of child, not location of the
Bristol Warren 642 30% 193 5 3 8 4%
Head Start program.
Burrillville 441 30% 132 6 8 14 11%
Central Falls 579 91% 527 36 18 54 10% The estimated number of low-income children under age
three in each school district is based on October
Chariho 570 20% 114 3 2 5 4%
2018 kindergarten enrollment (3x kindergarten
Coventry 963 31% 299 8 8 16 5% enrollment) multiplied by the percentage of students
Cranston 2,220 43% 955 0 21 21 2% who qualified for free or reduced-price lunch (at or
Cumberland 939 19% 178 0 4 4 2% below 185% of the federal poverty level).
East Greenwich 468 5% 23 2 0 2 9% Due to changes in methodology, the percentage of
East Providence 1,068 48% 513 14 15 29 6% children enrolled in Early Head Start should not be
Exeter-West Greenwich 324 16% 52 1 0 1 2% compared with Factbooks prior to 2018.
Foster 102 24% 24 0 0 0 0% Charter Schools with kindergarten include: Achievement

Glocester 240 12% 29 0 0 0 0% First Rhode Island, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral
Academy, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee
Jamestown 162 8% 13 0 0 0 0%
Charter School, Highlander Charter School, Hope
Johnston 708 45% 319 8 7 15 5% Academy, International Charter School, Kingston
Lincoln 606 27% 164 0 4 4 2% Hill Academy, The Learning Community, RISE
Little Compton 48 12% 6 0 0 0 0% Prep Mayoral Academy, and South Side Elementary
Charter School.
Middletown 417 30% 125 2 9 11 9%
Narragansett 186 21% 39 0 2 2 5% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
New Shoreham 36 16% 6 0 0 0 0% Woonsocket.
Newport 462 66% 305 19 35 54 18% References

North Kingstown 783 22% 172 8 2 10 6% 1,6
Vogel, C. A., et al. (2015). Toddlers in Early Head
North Providence 642 38% 244 12 9 21 9% Start: A portrait of 2-year-olds, their families, and the
North Smithfield 348 16% 56 1 0 1 2% programs serving them. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,
Pawtucket 1,995 76% 1,516 40 35 75 5% Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Portsmouth 444 14% 62 2 0 2 3% Planning, Research, and Evaluation.
Providence 5,028 84% 4,224 178 15 193 5% 2
Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, §
Scituate 447 18% 80 0 1 1 1% 42 U.S.C. 9801, § 645 (2007).
Smithfield 471 14% 66 7 2 9 14%
3
South Kingstown 603 17% 103 5 2 7 7%
(2019). Annual update of the HHS poverty
Tiverton 351 24% 84 2 0 2 2% guidelines. Federal Register, 84(22), 1167-1168.
Warwick 1,920 29% 557 10 29 39 7% 4
Cosse, R. (2017). Early Head Start participants,
West Warwick 843 50% 422 18 17 35 8% programs, families, and staff in 2016. Washington,
Westerly 519 36% 187 6 0 6 3% DC: Center for Law and Social Policy.
Woonsocket 1,422 79% 1,123 0 15 15 1% 5
Charter Schools 2,382 67% 1,596 NA NA NA NA Administration for Children and Families, Early
RI School for the Deaf 15 66% 10 NA NA NA NA Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center. (n.d.).
Four Core Cities 9,024 82% 7,400 254 83 337 5% Services to pregnant women participating in Early
Head Start. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from
Remainder of State 18,591 29% 5,391 139 180 319 6%
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Rhode Island 30,012 47% 14,106 393 263 656 5%

Licensed Capacity of Early Learning Programs
DEFINITION (children ages three to five) are enrolled

Licensed capacity of early learning in a center. Children with disabilities Early Learning Program Capacity, Rhode Island, 2009-2019
programs is the number of child care and can have difficulty accessing child care Center Slots Under Age 3 Center Slots Age 3 to 5 Family Child Care Slots Age Birth to 12
early learning programs and slots licensed and early learning programs despite a
15,000
by the Rhode Island Department of federal law requiring that community- 12,500
12,009 12,217
Children, Youth and Families for children based child care and preschool settings 10,000
under age six. Licensed centers include include children with disabilities.2 7,500 5,605 5,790
child care programs, preschools, nursery Access to stable, affordable, quality 5,000
2,500 4,669
schools, and center-based Head Start and child care is a basic need for many 3,061
0
Early Head Start programs. working families and is critical for 2009 2010 2011 2012* 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Rhode Island’s economy. When parents
Source: Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, slots in licensed child care centers and family child care
SIGNIFICANCE have difficulty finding and keeping homes, 2009-2015. Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, number of licensed child care center
child care, they are more likely to be slots and number of licensed family child care homes and slots, from RI Early Care and Education Data System
High-quality child care and early (ECEDS), 2016-2019. *In the 2013 Factbook, data was collected as of January 2013, instead of December 2012.
learning programs for infants, toddlers, absent from work and to leave their
jobs.3 Between 2013 and 2017, 72% of ◆ In January 2019, there were 61 fewer slots for infants and toddlers (children under age
and preschoolers can have long-lasting
Rhode Island children under age six had three) and 169 fewer slots for preschoolers (children ages three to five) in licensed centers
positive effects on how children learn
all parents in the workforce, higher than than in 2018.7
and develop.1
Early and ongoing enrollment in the U.S. rate of 65%.4
The availability of high-quality child ◆ In January 2019, there were 138 fewer slots in licensed family child care homes than
child care and early learning programs is
care and early learning programs in the previous year. The number of family child care slots is down 34% since 2009.8
common in the United States. Across
the U.S., 42% of infants under the age depends on the stability of a skilled
teaching workforce. However, there are ◆ In Rhode Island, family child care providers (88%) are more likely than centers (74%)
of one and 73% of preschoolers
systemic workforce challenges including to accept children participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which
between ages three and five regularly
high turnover and low compensation covers all or part of the cost of child care for low-income working families.9
participate in a non-parental early care
and education arrangement. levels that do not reward education or
training of staff. Early care and ◆ In addition to licensed programs operated by community-based agencies and family
Participation in early care and education
education teachers are among the child care providers, there are 53 traditional public schools in Rhode Island, one public
varies by family income, with 63% of
lowest-paid U.S. workers, with almost charter school (Highlander), and one state-operated school (The RI School for the Deaf )
children ages birth to five living in
half relying on public income supports that have preschool classrooms.10
households with incomes above poverty
enrolled in child care or early learning to make ends meet (e.g., the Earned
programs, compared with 49% of those Income Tax Credit, Medicaid, TANF,
and SNAP).5 Quality Child Care for Infants and Toddlers
below poverty. Enrollment in center-
based programs increases as children get The availability of well-designed and ◆ Infants and toddlers benefit from low child-to-provider ratios and small group sizes
older, with 28% of infants under age maintained buildings that meet the needs where they can form nurturing, responsive, and continuous relationships with adults.11
one participating in a center-based of young children is also essential to the
program while 78% of preschoolers supply of quality early learning programs.6

Licensed Capacity of Early Learning Programs
Table 35. Capacity of Licensed Early Learning Programs, Rhode Island, January 2019
# OF CENTER # OF CENTER # OF LICENSED # OF LICENSED
# OF SLOTS FOR SLOTS FOR FAMILY FAMILY TOTAL LICENSED
LICENSED CHILDREN CHILDREN CHILD CARE CHILD CARE EARLY LEARNING
CITY/TOWN CENTERS <AGE 3 AGES 3-5 HOMES HOME SLOTS* PROGRAM SLOTS
Barrington 9 140 328 4 24 492 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 5 67 108 5 32 207 Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and

Burrillville 3 38 54 1 6 98 Families, number of licensed child care center slots
and programs for children under age six and number
Central Falls 3 96 166 16 101 363
of licensed family child care homes and slots, from
Charlestown 4 14 92 3 20 126 RI Early Care and Education Data System
Coventry 7 131 233 4 28 392 (ECEDS), January 2019.
Cranston 31 534 1,060 47 324 1,918 Licensed centers include child care programs, preschools,
Cumberland 7 112 332 7 57 501 nursery schools, and center-based Head Start and
East Greenwich 11 225 428 0 0 653 Early Head Start programs.
East Providence 15 170 459 2 14 643 *Family child care slots are for children ages birth to 12
Exeter 2 24 52 1 8 84 years old.
Foster 1 19 18 0 0 37 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Glocester 2 40 59 1 11 110 Woonsocket.
Hopkinton 3 12 60 2 14 86 References
Jamestown 1 30 34 1 8 72
1
Burchinal, M., Kainz, K., & Cai, Y. (2011). How well
Johnston 20 392 447 10 74 913
do our measures of quality predict child outcomes?:
Lincoln 6 148 275 5 30 453 A meta-analysis and coordinated analysis of data
Little Compton 1 0 20 0 0 20 from large-scale studies of early childhood settings.
In Zaslow, M., Martinez-Beck, I., Tout, K., & Halle,
Middletown 10 185 410 0 0 595
T. (Eds.), Quality measurement in early childhood
Narragansett 2 12 20 0 0 32 settings (pp. 11-31). Baltimore, MD: Paul H.
New Shoreham 1 12 26 0 0 38 Brookes Publishing.
Newport 4 64 183 1 8 255 2
Halle, T., Martinez-Beck, I., Forry, N. D., &
North Kingstown 7 103 316 3 17 436 McSwiggan, M. (2011). Setting the context for a
North Providence 9 122 238 7 49 409 discussion of quality measures: The demographic
landscape of early care and education. In Zaslow, M.,
North Smithfield 1 77 91 4 36 204
Martinez-Beck, I., Tout, K. & Halle, T. (Eds.),
Pawtucket 18 309 855 33 215 1,379 Quality measurement in early childhood settings (pp. 3-
Portsmouth 5 104 163 0 0 267 10). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Providence 46 714 1,921 272 1,777 4,412 3
Glynn, S. J., Farrell, J., & Wu, N. (2013). The
Richmond 0 0 0 2 20 20 importance of preschool and child care for working
Scituate 1 11 36 1 6 53 mothers. Retrieved February 10, 2017, from:
www.americanprogress.org
Smithfield 9 298 501 0 0 799
South Kingstown 12 235 402 6 40 677 4
Tiverton 3 24 124 1 8 156 2013-2017. Table DP03.
Warren 5 80 190 0 0 270 5

Phillips, D., Austin, L. J. E., & Whitebook, M. (2016).
Warwick 26 831 1,303 7 56 2,190 The early care and education workforce. The Future
of Children, 26(2),139-158.
West Warwick 5 169 318 3 20 507 6
Early childhood initiative: Early learning facilities policy
Westerly 8 88 296 2 12 396 framework. (2018). Washington, DC: Bipartisan
Policy Center.
Woonsocket 9 126 539 6 46 711
Four Core Cities 76 1,245 3,481 327 2,139 6,865 (continued on page 186)
Remainder of State 239 4,545 8,736 130 922 14,203
Rhode Island 315 5,790 12,217 457 3,061 21,068

Children Receiving Child Care Subsidies
DEFINITION yearly cost for a three-year-old at a

Children receiving child care subsidies is licensed center ($10,903).3,4 Child Care Subsidies, Rhode Island, 2001-2018
the number of children receiving child Subsidy rates for child care providers 15,000
care that is either fully or partially paid should meet or exceed the federal 12,500
14,333
12,682
for with a child care subsidy through the benchmark established to ensure low-
10,000
Rhode Island Department of Human income families have equal access to 10,391
Services’ Child Care Assistance Program high-quality child care that supports 7,500
7,471
(CCAP). Child care subsidies can be children’s development and learning. In 5,000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
used for care in a licensed child care 2018, Rhode Island joined 41 other
states in the U.S. by establishing a tiered Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, December 2001-December 2015, September 2016, December
center, a licensed family child care home, 2017-December 2018. Data for December 2016 was not available.
or by a license-exempt provider (family, child care rate system to provide access
friend, or neighbor). to higher quality care. As of July 2018, ◆ In December 2018, there were 10,391 child care subsidies in Rhode Island, up 4%
the rates paid for infants and toddlers in from December 2017, but down 28% from the 2003 peak. In December 2018 in Rhode
SIGNIFICANCE centers with a five-star quality rating Island, 77% of child care subsidies were for care in a licensed child care center, 22% were
Families rely on child care to enable meet the federal benchmark enabling for care by a licensed family child care home or group family child care home, and 1%
them to work and to provide the early equal access, but rates for preschool and were for care by a non-licensed relative, friend, or neighbor.12
education experiences needed to prepare school-age children in centers and for
their children for school. Yet the high children in family child care remain ◆ Rhode Island families with incomes at or below 180% federal poverty level (FPL) ($37,404
cost of child care puts quality care out below the benchmark.5,6,7,8 for a family of three in 2018) who work a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible to
of reach for many low-income families. Child care teachers make very low receive CCAP. Families may continue to receive a child care subsidy until their income reaches
State child care subsidy programs help wages yet are responsible for the safety, 225% FPL ($46,755 for a family of three in 2018). Families in Rhode Island Works (cash
low-income families access child care.1 health, and development of our youngest assistance) may also be eligible for CCAP to support education and employment activities.13
In Rhode Island, the average cost of children. In Rhode Island in 2017, the
full-time child care for an infant in a median wage for a child care teacher was ◆ In December 2018, 82% of all children receiving child care subsidies were in low-
child care center consumes 50% of the $11.82/hour. At least 11 states fund income working families not receiving cash assistance and 10% were in low-income
median single-parent income and is efforts to improve qualifications and families receiving cash assistance. Another 8% of child care subsidies were used for
more than the average tuition at public retention of child care teachers through children in the care of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.14
colleges. For families with two children targeted wage supplements.9,10
(an infant and a preschooler) center- As of December 2018, 10% of
children participating in the Rhode Average Annual Cost for Full-Time Child Care, Rhode Island, 2018
based child care costs exceed the average PROGRAM TYPE COST PER CHILD
mortgage payment.2 Using the federal Island Child Care Assistance Program
Child Care Center (infant care) $13,093
affordability guideline that families were enrolled in programs with high-
Child Care Center (preschool care) $10,903
should spend no more than 7% of their quality BrightStars ratings (four or five
Family Child Care Home (preschool care) $8,811
income on child care, a Rhode Island stars). Preschool-age children were more School-Age Center-Based Program (child age 6-12) $7,664
family would need to earn at least likely to be enrolled in a high-quality
$155,757 annually to afford the average program (12%) than infants and toddlers Source: Rhode Island KIDS COUNT analysis of average weekly rates from Silver, B. E. (2018). Statewide survey of
childcare rates in Rhode Island. Kingston, RI: University of Rhode Island.
(8%) or school-age children (9%).11

Table 36. Child Care Subsidies, Rhode Island, December 2018
SUBSIDY USE BY CHILD RESIDENCE SUBSIDY USE BY PROGRAM LOCATION
UNDER TOTAL CHILD FAMILY LICENSE TOTAL CHILD
CITY/TOWN AGE 3 AGES 3-5 AGES 6+ CARE SUBSIDIES CENTER CHILD CARE EXEMPT CARE SUBSIDIES
Barrington 6 10 13 29 45 0 0 45 Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol 10 23 20 53 44 0 0 44
Rhode Island Department of Human Services, December
Burrillville 18 23 27 68 56 0 0 56
2018. Data for 2016 should not be compared with
Central Falls 94 135 176 405 257 86 3 346 previous years since the month differs.
Charlestown 4 4 2 10 5 0 0 5
DCYF is the number of children in the care of the
Coventry 37 56 60 153 184 1 0 185
Department of Children, Youth and Families who
Cranston 127 211 230 568 729 185 2 916 are receiving child care subsidies.
Cumberland 20 36 75 131 139 4 1 144
Out-of-State is subsidies used by Rhode Island resident
East Greenwich 11 10 14 35 78 0 0 78
children who attend child care located outside of
East Providence 58 86 150 294 348 5 3 356 Rhode Island; they are included in the total count
Exeter 3 11 3 17 19 4 0 23 for Rhode Island.
Foster 0 4 2 6 8 0 0 8
Glocester 1 7 3 11 43 0 0 43 Woonsocket.
Hopkinton 0 6 1 7 7 5 0 12
NA=Not applicable
Jamestown 0 5 0 5 11 0 0 11
Johnston 35 69 58 162 361 47 3 411 Subsidy data by age of child are reported by the child’s
Lincoln 16 41 45 102 177 13 0 190 residence. Subsidy use by program type is reported
by location of the program. Total subsidies by
Little Compton 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0
program location exceeds subsidies by child residence
Middletown 7 24 32 63 86 0 0 86 because children may attend more than one
Narragansett 5 16 11 32 13 0 0 13 program.
New Shoreham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
The average annual cost for full-time child care was
Newport 38 55 99 192 164 0 0 164 determined by multiplying the average weekly tuition
North Kingstown 37 45 53 135 122 0 0 122 rate by 52 weeks (for infants and preschoolers). For
North Providence 44 70 80 194 163 19 0 182 school-age children, the annual cost was determined by
multiplying the average weekly tuition for before and
North Smithfield 9 8 11 28 43 1 0 44
after school care by 39 weeks and adding 13 weeks of
Pawtucket 263 392 507 1,162 1,008 128 7 1,143 average school vacation/summer camp tuition.
Portsmouth 4 6 0 10 2 0 0 2
References
Providence 879 1,197 1,606 3,682 1,837 1,760 46 3,643
Richmond 4 10 2 16 6 7 0 13 1,5
Schulman, K. (2018). Overdue for investment: State
Scituate 4 8 8 20 1 0 0 1 child care assistance policies 2018. Washington, DC:
National Women’s Law Center.
Smithfield 10 12 14 36 115 0 0 115
South Kingstown 22 33 22 77 126 2 0 128 2
The U.S. and the high cost of child care: A review of prices
Tiverton 4 16 5 25 21 8 0 29 and proposed solutions for a broken system. (2018).
Arlington, VA: Child Care Aware of America.
Warren 14 25 21 60 86 0 0 86
Warwick 95 161 140 396 670 1 4 675 3,6
West Greenwich 2 3 2 7 8 0 2 10 (2016). Child Care and Development Fund
Program: Final rule. Federal Register, 81(190),
West Warwick 90 118 135 343 280 0 0 280 67438-67595.
Westerly 21 32 33 86 94 2 3 99
Woonsocket 142 261 330 733 609 45 4 658
4
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT calculations based on
average weekly rates from Silver, B. E. (2018).
DCYF 295 333 176 804 NA NA NA NA Statewide survey of child care rates in Rhode Island.
Undetermined Address 2 1 8 11 Kingston, RI: University of Rhode Island, Charles T.
Out-Of-State NA NA NA NA 25 0 0 25 Schmidt, Jr. Labor Research Center.
Four Core Cities 1,378 1,985 2,619 5,982 3,711 2,019 60 5,790 (continued on page 186)
Remainder of State 758 1,244 1,372 3,374 4,254 304 18 4,576
Rhode Island 2,433 3,563 4,175 10,171 7,990 2,323 78 10,391

High-Quality Early Learning Programs
DEFINITION document and improve the quality of

High-quality early learning programs early learning and child care programs. Percentage of Early Learning Centers, Family Child Care Programs,
is the percentage of licensed early QRIS measure a variety of program and Public Schools with a High-Quality BrightStars
quality indicators (such as staff Rating (4 or 5 Stars), Rhode Island, 2015-2019
learning centers, family child care
homes, and public schools with qualifications, learning environment, 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
preschool classrooms that have a high- and staff-child interactions) and then 25%
quality rating of four or five stars from create a composite index rating. QRIS 20% 22%
20% 21% 20%
BrightStars, Rhode Island’s Quality ratings are shared with parents and they 15% 17% 17% 18% 17%
Rating and Improvement System for are often connected to financial 10% 13%
incentives and supports, such as 9%
child care and early learning programs. 5%
2%
1% 1% 1% 1%
enhanced reimbursement rates or 0%
Early Learning Centers Family Child Care Homes Public Schools with Preschool
SIGNIFICANCE quality bonuses for higher quality child
Decades of research show that high- care programs.7,8,9.10 Studies have shown Source: RI Association for the Education of Young Children and RI Early Care and Education Data System (ECEDS),
that, over time, state QRIS can improve January 2015-January 2019.
quality early care and education programs
can improve children’s cognitive and the quality of care available.11 ◆ As of January 2019, there were 642 early learning programs with a BrightStars quality
social-emotional development, enabling BrightStars is Rhode Island’s QRIS rating (78% of all early learning programs) – 78% of licensed child care centers, 80% of
them to perform better in school. and conducts program quality licensed family child care homes, and 55% of public schools with preschool classrooms.
Programs across the U.S. and in Rhode assessments for early care and education Sixty-five (21%) licensed early learning centers, five (1%) licensed family child care
Island vary markedly in quality and can centers, family child care homes, and homes, and 12 (22%) public schools had met the benchmarks for a high-quality rating of
range from rich learning experiences to public schools. Programs participating in four or
0 five stars.15
mediocre, custodial care.1,2,3,4 BrightStars receive a star rating and

High-quality early care and support to set and achieve quality ◆ Since 2015, the percentage of early learning centers with a high-quality rating has
education is characterized by smaller improvement goals. All programs serving grown from 17% to 21% and the percentage of public schools serving preschoolers that
numbers of children in a classroom or children participating in the Child Care have a high-quality rating has increased from 9% to 22%.16
group, fewer children per adult, skilled Assistance Program or the State Pre-K
staff, a language-rich environment with program are required to have a ◆ Early learning centers and public schools in the core cities are more likely to have a
stimulating curricula, warm, nurturing BrightStars rating. Star ratings are posted high-quality BrightStars rating than those in the remainder of the state (26% vs. 19% for
and dependable relationships between on a public website to inform family early learning centers and 25% vs. 20% for public schools). Family child care providers
staff and children, and a safe decision making when selecting a in the core cities are less likely to have a high-quality BrightStars rating than those in the
environment.5 The development and program.12,13 Research suggests that remainder of the state (1% vs. 2%).17
retention of highly qualified and parents have a strong preference for
appropriately compensated early quality, particularly teachers’ educational ◆ A 2016 evaluation of BrightStars found that the star levels effectively differentiate
childhood teachers is critical for achievement. However, they are extremely quality and five of the ten standards are linked to improved child outcomes, specifically
improving program quality.6 sensitive to the cost of tuition, and may improved social competence and math skills. The study also found that 70% of child care
Almost all states use Quality Rating enroll their children in lower quality center and preschool directors had a positive or extremely positive impression of
and Improvement Systems (QRIS) to programs because they cannot afford the BrightStars.18
cost of higher quality programs.14

Table 37. Licensed Child Care Centers and Preschools Participating in
the BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System, Rhode Island, January 2019
% WITH
LICENSED DCYF NO % IN HIGH-QUALITY
CITY/TOWN PROGRAMS PROBATION RATING 1 STAR 2 STARS 3 STARS 4 STARS 5 STARS BRIGHTSTARS RATING
CCAP Children Enrolled in High- Barrington 9 1 5 2 1 0 1 0 44% 11%

Quality Programs (4 or 5 Stars) Bristol 5 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 80% 20%
Burrillville 3 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 100% 33%
by Age, December 2018
Central Falls 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 100% 0%
Infants & Charlestown 4 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 100% 75%
8% (203)
Toddlers Coventry 7 0 0 3 1 2 1 0 100% 14%
12% (424)
Cranston 31 0 9 12 4 3 2 1 71% 10%
Preschoolers
Cumberland 7 0 2 2 1 0 2 0 71% 29%
9% (370) East Greenwich 11 0 4 2 3 0 2 0 64% 18%
School-Age
East Providence 15 0 5 3 4 0 3 0 67% 20%
0% 3% 6% 9% 12% 15%
Exeter 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 100% 50%
Source: Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Foster 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 100% 0%
Human Services, December 2018. Glocester 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 100% 50%
◆ Preschool-age children enrolled in the Hopkinton 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 100% 0%
Jamestown 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 100% 0%
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Johnston 20 0 3 6 8 0 3 0 85% 15%
are more likely to be enrolled in a high-
Lincoln 6 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 100% 33%
quality program (12%) than infants and Little Compton 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
toddlers (8%) or school-age children (9%).19 Middletown 10 1 5 1 0 2 2 0 50% 20%
Narragansett 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 50% 0%
New Shoreham 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
Newport 4 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 100% 25%
Teacher Median Hourly Wages,
North Kingstown 7 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 71% 29%
Rhode Island, 2017
North Providence 9 0 1 3 2 1 2 0 89% 22%
Child Care $11.82 North Smithfield 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 0%
Teacher
Pawtucket 18 2 2 7 5 1 2 1 89% 17%
Preschool $14.57
Teacher Portsmouth 5 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 20% 0%
Kindergarten
Teacher $38.45 Providence 46 2 11 6 11 5 9 4 76% 28%
Elementary Richmond 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Teacher $41.02
Scituate 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 100% 0%
$0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50
Smithfield 9 0 2 2 2 1 2 0 78% 22%
Source: Whitebook, M., McLean, C., Austin, L. J. E., & South Kingstown 12 0 3 2 3 1 2 1 75% 25%
Edwards, B. (2018). Early childhood workforce index Tiverton 3 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 100% 33%
2018. Berkeley, CA: Center for the Study of Child
Care Employment.
Warren 5 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 60% 20%
Warwick 26 0 2 6 12 4 1 1 92% 8%
◆ Early childhood teachers in Rhode West Greenwich 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 100% 0%
Island earn less than the overall state West Warwick 5 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 100% 20%
median wage ($19.45) and have Westerly 8 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 75% 50%
Woonsocket 9 0 0 2 0 3 2 2 100% 44%
significantly lower wages than
Four Core Cities 76 4 13 15 16 12 13 7 83% 26%
kindergarten and elementary school Remainder of State 239 5 55 62 58 19 39 6 77% 19%
teachers.20 Rhode Island 315 9 68 77 74 31 52 13 78% 21%

Table 38. Licensed Family Child Care Homes Participating in
% WITH
LICENSED DCYF NO % IN HIGH-QUALITY
CITY/TOWN PROGRAMS PROBATION RATING 1 STAR 2 STARS 3 STARS 4 STARS 5 STARS BRIGHTSTARS RATING
Licensed Family Child Care Barrington 4 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 75% 0%

Bristol 5 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 20% 0%
Programs by Language Spoken,
Burrillville 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 0%
Rhode Island 2014
Central Falls 16 1 2 11 3 0 0 0 88% 0%
38% English Only Charlestown 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 33% 0%
44% Spanish Only Coventry 4 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 50% 0%
Cranston 47 1 8 21 18 0 0 0 83% 0%
17% Bilingual in English and Spanish
Cumberland 7 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 14% 0%
East Greenwich 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
17% East Providence 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 50% 0%
Exeter 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100%
Foster 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
38%
Glocester 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
Hopkinton 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 100% 0%
Jamestown 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
44%
Johnston 10 0 2 5 3 0 0 0 80% 0%
Lincoln 5 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 20% 0%
Little Compton 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
n=188 Middletown 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Source: Oldham, E. & Hawes, S. (2014). Rhode Island Narragansett 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
early learning workforce study: Licensed centers and New Shoreham 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
family child care homes. Retrieved March 6, 2019, Newport 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
from http://exceed.ri.gov
North Kingstown 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 67% 0%
North Providence 7 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 86% 0%
◆ In 2014, 44% of family child care
North Smithfield 4 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 50% 25%
providers in Rhode Island reported
Pawtucket 33 0 2 16 14 1 0 0 94% 0%
speaking Spanish only, 38% English only, Portsmouth 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
and 17% were bilingual in English and Providence 272 0 35 150 84 0 3 0 87% 1%
Spanish. More than two-thirds worked Richmond 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
more than 40 hours per week and 84% Scituate 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 0%
Smithfield 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
reported earning less than $40,000
South Kingstown 6 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 50% 0%
annually.21 Tiverton 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 0%
Warren 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
◆ In Rhode Island, Hispanic children in Warwick 7 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 14% 0%
the CCAP program are more likely to be West Greenwich 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
enrolled in family child care (40%) than West Warwick 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
Westerly 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 50% 0%
non-Hispanic children (8%).22
Woonsocket 6 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 100% 0%
Four Core Cities 327 1 39 182 102 1 3 0 88% 1%
Remainder of State 130 2 52 54 22 0 2 0 60% 2%
Rhode Island 457 3 91 236 124 1 5 0 80% 1%

Table 39. Public Schools with Preschool Classrooms Participating in
SCHOOLS % WITH
WITH HIGH-
PRESCHOOL NO % IN QUALITY Source of Data for Table/Methodology
DISTRICT CLASSROOMS RATING 1 STAR 2 STARS 3 STARS 4 STARS 5 STARS BRIGHTSTARS RATING
Data on the number of licensed early learning
Barrington 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% programs and family child care homes are from
Bristol Warren 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% the Rhode Island Department of Children,
Burrillville 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Youth and Families, January 2019. Data on
public schools are from the Rhode Island
Central Falls 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 50% 50%
Department of Education, January 2019. Data
Chariho 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 100% 100% on BrightStars quality ratings are from the
Coventry 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100% Rhode Island Association for the Education of
Cranston 7 3 1 0 3 0 0 57% 0% Young Children, January 2019. Data matched
through the RI Early Care and Education Data
Cumberland 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% System (ECEDS).
East Greenwich 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 100% 0%
High-quality rating means a BrightStars rating of
East Providence 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 67% 33%
four or five stars.
Exeter-West Greenwich 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100%
NA=Not applicable.
Foster 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Glocester 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket,
Jamestown 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100% Providence, and Woonsocket.
Johnston 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 100% 0% References

Lincoln 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 100% 0% 1
Burchinal, M., Kainz, K., & Cai, Y. (2011). How
Little Compton 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA well do our measures of quality predict child
Middletown 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% outcomes? In Zaslow, M., Martinez-Beck, I.,
Tout, K., & Halle, T. (Eds.), Quality
Narragansett 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
measurement in early childhood settings. (pp. 11-
New Shoreham 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 31). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes
Newport 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 100% 0% Publishing Co.
North Kingstown 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100% 2
Vandell, D. L., Belsky, J., Burchinal, M.,
North Providence 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 100% 0% Steinberg, L., & Vandergrift, N. (2010). Do
North Smithfield 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% effects of early child care extend to age 15
years? Results from the NICHD study of early
Pawtucket 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 67% 33%
child care and youth development. Child
Portsmouth 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Development, 81(3), 737-756.
Providence 6 2 1 2 0 1 0 67% 17% 3,14
Gordon, J., Herbst, C. M., & Tekin, E. (2018).
Scituate 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Who’s minding the kids?: Experimental evidence
Smithfield 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100% on the demand for child care quality.
South Kingstown 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of
Economic Research.
Tiverton 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0%
Warwick 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 50% 0% 4,5
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard
West Warwick 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 100% 0% University. (2007). A science-based framework
for early childhood policy: Using evidence to
Westerly 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 100% 100% improve outcomes in learning, behavior, and
Woonsocket 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% health for vulnerable children. Cambridge, MA:
Charter Schools 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Harvard University.
RI School for the Deaf 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 100% 100% 6
Phillips, D., Austin, L. J. E., & Whitebook, M.
Four Core Cities 12 5 2 2 0 3 0 58% 25% (2016). The early care and education workforce.
Remainder of State 41 19 3 5 6 5 3 54% 20% The Future of Children, 26(2), 139-158.
Rhode Island 55 25 5 7 6 9 3 55% 22% (continued on page 186)

Children Enrolled in Head Start or State Pre-K
DEFINITION Head Start is a federally-funded

Children enrolled in Head Start or comprehensive early childhood program Percentage of Children Enrolled in Head Start or State Pre-K
for the lowest income preschool children the Year before Kindergarten, Rhode Island 2018-2019
State Pre-K is the percentage of low-
income children and all children and is available to children during the
enrolled in a Rhode Island Head Start two years before kindergarten. It is
designed to address a wide variety of All Children 24%
or State Pre-K preschool program the
year before kindergarten. Head Start is needs so that low-income children can
managed by the federal government and begin school on a more equal footing
State Pre-K is managed by the Rhode with their economically advantaged Low-Income Children 44%
Island Department of Education. Both peers. Head Start programs deliver early
can be operated by community-based education, medical and dental screenings 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
agencies or by public schools. and referrals, nutrition services, mental Source: Rhode Island KIDS COUNT calculations using October 2018 enrollment in Head Start and State Pre-K as
health services, family engagement numerator and October 2018 enrollment in public kindergarten as denominator with low-income population
estimated using the % of children receiving free or reduced-price lunch.
SIGNIFICANCE activities, and social service referrals for
the whole family.5,6 ◆ As of the 2018-2019 school year, there were 2,359 children enrolled in either Head
Children begin learning at birth and
State-funded Pre-K programs are Start or State Pre-K during the year before kindergarten, approximately 24% of all
brain development proceeds rapidly in
growing across the U.S. As of 2017, 43 children and 44% of low-income children. Fifty-four percent of these children were
early childhood. Learning disparities
states and the District of Columbia enrolled in Head Start and 46% were enrolled in State Pre-K.10,11
appear early and grow over time
operated State Pre-K programs, serving
without access to enriching early
33% of four-year-olds and 5% of three- ◆ Low-income children in the four core cities were more likely to be enrolled in Head Start
learning experiences. Participation in
year olds across the U.S. Rhode Island or State Pre-K (52%) than low-income children in the remainder of the state (42%).12,13
high-quality early learning programs
launched a State Pre-K program in 2009
from birth through kindergarten entry
serving four-year-olds in mixed-income ◆ Also, in 2018, there were 1,291 four-year-olds enrolled in a child care program with a
helps to ensure children enter school
classrooms, with classrooms located in subsidy through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) managed by the Rhode Island
with the skills needed to succeed.
communities with high poverty levels.7 Department of Human Services. Children in State Pre-K or Head Start may also participate
Without government funding, access to
The Rhode Island Prekindergarten in CCAP because Head Start and State Pre-K do not cover the entire work day or work year
high-quality preschool is limited to
Education Act establishes a state goal to for many families. In 2018, 20% of Head Start children were also enrolled in CCAP to cover
higher-income families.1,2,3
provide access to publicly-funded, high- hours and days when the Head Start program is not open but parents are at work.14,15
Decades of research have shown that
quality Pre-K that builds on the existing
high-quality preschool programs help
early childhood education infrastructure.8 ◆ In 2018 there were 1,062 four-year-olds with an Individualized Education Program
children gain skills and knowledge prior
Head Start and State Pre-K are an (IEP)0receiving early childhood special education services through a local school district.
to school entry and produce positive
important part of a strong state early These services are delivered in Head Start, State Pre-K, child care, or district operated
outcomes that last well into the school
learning system that starts at birth and special education classrooms, or through walk-in appointments (e.g. speech therapy).16
years including improved classroom and
continues through third grade,
interpersonal behavior, reduced need for
including high-quality child care and ◆ As of 2017, Rhode Island ranked 1st in the U.S. and DC (tied with Alabama and
special education services, and improved
nurturing and language-rich early Michigan) for meeting research-based Pre-K quality benchmarks, but 33rd in the U.S.
high school graduation rates.4
elementary classrooms.9 and DC for enrollment of four-year-olds.17

Children Enrolled in Head Start Head Start Slots by Funding Head Start Quality & Effectiveness
by Age Cohort, Rhode Island, 2018 Source, Rhode Island, 2018
◆ Across the U.S., Head Start centers are typically higher quality than many other early
36% (704) Two Years before Kindergarten 94% (1,891) Federally-Funded care and education programs available. Rhode Island Head Start programs score above
64% (1,279) One Year before Kindergarten 6% (130) State-Funded the national benchmark and are among the highest quality Head Start programs in the
U.S. based on classroom observations of teacher-child interactions.20
6%
36% ◆ Head Start improves children’s academic, cognitive, language, and social-emotional
skills. Children who attend Head Start also show improved health outcomes including
64%
reduced childhood obesity and improved immunization rates. Head Start children are
more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be
charged with criminal activity as an adult.21,22
94%
n=1,983 n=2,021
Children Enrolled in Head Start
Source: Rhode Island Head Start program data compiled by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, October 2018. by BrightStars Rating of Site, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
◆ In October 2018 in Rhode Island, there were 1,983 children enrolled in Head Start. 2017 2018
Most children (64%) were scheduled to enter kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year. 1,250
999 1,017
As of the 2018-2019 school year, there were 1,891 federally-funded Head Start slots in 1,000
750
Rhode Island and 130 state-funded Head Start slots.18 528
500 453
313
250 186
103 87 43
0 24 19
Estimated Percentage of Eligible Children 0
No Rating 1 Star 2 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars
Enrolled in Head Start by Age, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
Source: Rhode Island Head Start data compiled by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, October 2017-2018.
2017 2018
60% ◆ As of October 2018, 70% of children enrolled in Head Start were in a program that
50%
51% had achieved a high-quality BrightStars rating of four or five stars. In comparison, only
40% 44%
38% 40% 12% of preschoolers in the CCAP were enrolled in a program that had achieved a high-
30% 32%
20%
29% quality BrightStars rating.23,24
10%
0%
Age 3 Age 4 Ages 3 and 4
Head Start and Children with High Needs
Source: Rhode Island KIDS COUNT calculations. The numerator is Rhode Island Head Start program enrollment data,
October 2017 and 2018. The denominator is the estimated number of children ages three and four from Census ◆ Rhode Island Head Start programs serve significant numbers of children with high needs.
2010 multiplied by the % of children under age six living in families with incomes below the federal poverty line
(FPL) from the 2012-2016 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. As of 2018, 11% (224) of all children enrolled in Head Start had developmental delays or
disabilities and received special education services through their local school districts. Also,
◆ As of 2018, approximately 40% of Rhode Island preschool-age children living in poverty in 2018, 3% (53) of Head Start children were in foster care, and 3% (53) were homeless.25
were enrolled in Head Start (29% of the three-year-olds and 51% of the four-year-olds).19

Rhode Island State Pre-K Enrollment, 2010-2011 through 2018-2019 State Pre-K Quality and Effectiveness
1,250
995 1,080 1,080 ◆ In 2017 the Rhode Island State Pre-K program was recognized as one of only three
1,000 State Pre-K programs in the U.S. to meet all 10 recommended quality benchmarks,
750 including requiring teachers to have a bachelor’s degree with specialized training in early
594
500
306 childhood education and conducting annual classroom observations.31
250 234
126 108 144
0 ◆ An evaluation of the Rhode Island State Pre-K program found that it improves
2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- 2016- 2017- 2018-
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 children’s language and math skills and closes the achievement gap between low-income
Sources: National Institute for Early Education Research, The State of Preschool 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
children and their more affluent peers by three-quarters.32
Rhode Island Department of Education, State Pre-K programs 2015-2016 through 2018-2019.
◆ Rhode Island began offering State Pre-K for four-year-olds in the 2009-2010 school
Children Enrolled in State Pre-K
year through public schools, Head Start agencies, and child care programs.26
by BrightStars Rating of Site, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
◆ As of the 2018-2019 school year, there were 60 state Pre-K classrooms in Rhode Island 2017 2018
with a total of 1,080 children enrolled, which is approximately 11% of all children 1,000
750
estimated to enter kindergarten in 2019-2020. As of the 2018-2019 school year, 37% of
500 432 450
the classrooms were operated by Head Start agencies, 33% were operated by child care 360
270
250 162 198 144
programs, and 30% were operated by public schools.27 126
18 0 0 0
0
No Rating 1 Star 2 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars
◆ The Rhode Island State Pre-K program is funded through the Rhode Island Education Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018.
Funding Formula. In 2014, Rhode Island received a federal Preschool Development
Grant to accelerate expansion and to improve program monitoring, evaluation, and ◆ As of 2018, 75% of children enrolled in State Pre-K were in program sites with high-
technical assistance.28 quality BrightStars ratings (four or five stars). In comparison, only 12% of preschoolers
in CCAP were enrolled in programs with high-quality BrightStars ratings.33,34
State Pre-K Enrollment and Family Income

State Pre-K and Children with High Needs
◆ Children are selected to participate in State Pre-K through a lottery, with children
from low-income families prioritized for enrollment based on the proportion of low- ◆ Rhode Island State Pre-K classrooms serve significant numbers of children with high
income children in the local school district.29 needs. As of 2018, 12% (126) of children in State Pre-K had developmental delays or
disabilities, 2% (26) were in foster care, and 1% (10) were homeless.35
◆ As of the 2018-2019 school year, 71% (768) of the children enrolled in State Pre-K
were low-income and 29% (312) were higher-income.30 ◆ As of 2018, 37% of the children enrolled in State Pre-K in Rhode Island were
Hispanic and 25% spoke Spanish as a home language.36

Table 40. Children Age Four Enrolled in Head Start or State Pre-K, Rhode Island, 2018
% LOW- ESTIMATED # CHILDREN # LOW- # HIGHER- # CHILDREN ESTIMATED % OF ESTIMATED % OF
ESTIMATED INCOME # AGE 4 IN INCOME INCOME AGE 4 IN ALL CHILDREN LOW-INCOME
# OF CHILDREN LOW-INCOME HEAD START CHILDREN CHILDREN HEAD START AGE 4 IN CHILDREN AGE 4 IN
CHILDREN IN CHILDREN (ALL LOW- IN STATE IN STATE OR STATE HEAD START OR HEAD START OR
SCHOOL DISTRICT AGE 4 DISTRICT AGE 4 INCOME) PRE-K PRE-K PRE-K STATE PRE-K STATE PRE-K Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Barrington 206 4% 8 1 0 0 1 <1% 12% Rhode Island Head Start Programs, children enrolled as
Bristol Warren 214 30% 64 44 0 0 44 21% 69% of October 2018 who were one year away from
kindergarten enrollment. Children enrolled are
Burrillville 147 30% 44 6 0 0 6 4% 14% listed by residence of child, not location of the
Central Falls 193 91% 176 57 80 10 147 76% 78% Head Start program. Rhode Island Department of
Chariho 190 20% 38 9 0 0 9 5% 24% Education, children enrolled in State Pre-K as of
October 2018.
Coventry 321 31% 100 22 0 0 22 7% 22%
Cranston 740 43% 318 101 33 39 173 23% 42% The estimated number of low-income children age four
Cumberland 313 19% 59 6 0 0 6 2% 10% in each school district is based on October 2018
kindergarten enrollment multiplied by the
East Greenwich 156 5% 8 0 0 0 0 0% 0% percentage of students who qualified for free or
East Providence 356 48% 171 54 78 66 198 56% 77% reduced-price lunch (at or below 185% of the
Exeter-West Greenwich 108 16% 17 1 0 0 1 1% 6% federal poverty level).
Foster 34 24% 8 1 0 0 1 3% 12% The city/town table was redesigned in 2018 to include
Glocester 80 12% 10 3 0 0 3 4% 31% data on four-year-olds in either Head Start or State
Jamestown 54 8% 4 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Pre-K. Data are tracked by school district
community and use kindergarten enrollment as the
Johnston 236 45% 106 18 8 10 36 15% 24% denominator (estimated # of four-year-olds in the
Lincoln 202 27% 55 0 0 0 0 0% 0% community served by the school district).
Little Compton 16 12% 2 0 0 0 0 0% 0% Percentages should not be compared with prior
Factbooks.
Middletown 139 30% 42 23 0 0 23 17% 55%
Narragansett 62 21% 13 2 0 0 2 3% 15% Charter Schools with kindergarten include: Achievement
New Shoreham 12 16% 2 0 0 0 0 0% 0% First Rhode Island, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral
Academy, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee
Newport 154 66% 102 46 26 10 82 53% 71% Charter School, Highlander Charter School, Hope
North Kingstown 261 22% 57 12 0 0 12 5% 21% Academy, International Charter School, Kingston
North Providence 214 38% 81 35 8 10 53 25% 53% Hill Academy, The Learning Community, RISE
Prep Mayoral Academy, and South Side Elementary
North Smithfield 116 16% 19 5 0 0 5 4% 27%
Charter School.
Pawtucket 665 76% 505 134 86 22 242 36% 44%
Portsmouth 148 14% 21 4 0 0 4 3% 19% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Providence 1,676 84% 1,408 420 302 58 780 47% 51%
Scituate 149 18% 27 0 0 0 0 0% 0% NA is not applicable.
Smithfield 157 14% 22 3 0 0 3 2% 14% References
South Kingstown 201 17% 34 7 0 0 7 3% 20% 1
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.
Tiverton 117 24% 28 6 0 0 6 5% 21% (2007). A science-based framework for early childhood
Warwick 640 29% 186 70 18 36 124 19% 47% policy: Using evidence to improve outcomes in
learning, behavior, and health for vulnerable children.
West Warwick 281 50% 141 51 30 24 105 37% 58% Cambridge, MA: Harvard University.
Westerly 173 36% 62 23 0 0 23 13% 37%
2
Meloy, B., Gardner, M., & Darling-Hammond, L.
Woonsocket 474 79% 374 115 99 27 241 51% 57%
(2019). Untangling the evidence on preschool
Charter Schools 794 67% 532 NA NA NA NA NA NA effectiveness: Insights for policymakers. Washington,
RI School for the Deaf 5 66% 3 NA NA NA NA NA NA DC: Learning Policy Institute.
Four Core Cities 3,008 82% 2,467 726 567 117 1,410 47% 52% 3
Early childhood program enrollment. (2014).
Remainder of State 6,197 29% 1,797 553 201 195 949 15% 42% Washington, DC: Child Trends.
Rhode Island 10,004 47% 4,702 1,279 768 312 2,359 24% 44%

Children Receiving Preschool Special Education Services
DEFINITION In Rhode Island, school districts work

Children receiving preschool special to screen every child age three through Preschool Special Education Screening, Eligibility,
education services is the percentage of five every year through the Child and Inclusion Rates, Rhode Island, June 2018
children ages three to five who have an Outreach screening program.5 During Four Core Cities Remainder of State Rhode Island
Individualized Education Program the 2017-2018 school year in Rhode 100%
(IEP) and are receiving special Island, districts completed developmental 80%
education services in Rhode Island. screenings for 40% of children ages three 60%
to five. Preschool-age children in the 54%
40% 50%
SIGNIFICANCE core cities are still less likely to receive 43% 40% 43%
35% 35% 31%
20% 27%
Preschool special education is an a developmental screening (34%) than
important component of the early care children in the remainder of the state 0%
% Children Screened % Children Determined Eligible % Children in Inclusive
and education system, providing specially- (43%). Of those children who were After Positive Screen Preschool Classrooms
designed instruction so each child can referred based on positive screens, 32% Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 Child Outreach Screening and Referral Rates and June 2018
meet learning standards. The federal were determined eligible for preschool Special Education Census. % children determined eligible is of those children referred from Child Outreach screening.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act special education. Children in the core
◆ In June 2018, there were 3,121 children ages three to five receiving preschool special
(IDEA) specifies that children ages three cities were less likely to be determined
education services, 8% of all preschool-age children in Rhode Island. Children in the
to five with developmental delays and eligible after referral (26%) than children
four core cities are slightly less likely to receive preschool special education services (8%)
disabilities have the same right to a free in the remainder of the state (37%).6
than children in the remainder of the state (9%).10
and appropriate public education in the Approximately 15% of U.S. children
least restrictive environment as school- ages three to 17 have a developmental
◆ Preschool children with disabilities who attend high-quality preschool with typically
age children with disabilities.1 disability, with boys and children in
developing children and receive special education services in inclusive settings have
Developmental delays and disabilities low-income families more likely to have
improved outcomes.11 In June 2018 in Rhode Island, 49% of preschool-age children
are identified when a child does not reach a disability than girls and children in
received special education services within an inclusive early childhood classroom. Children
developmental milestones at the same higher-income families.7 Under IDEA,
in the four core cities were less likely to receive preschool special education services in an
time as other children his or her age. each state sets its own criteria to
inclusive early childhood setting (42%) than children in the remainder of the state (53%).12
Some young children with developmental determine eligibility for special
delays are eventually diagnosed with a education services, deciding where to
◆ About half of the children receiving preschool special education services in Rhode
disability while others catch up to their draw the line along a continuum of
Island receive services outside of inclusive preschool programs, with 13% enrolled in a
peers when provided with high-quality functioning to identify children who
separate special education preschool class or school, 22% receiving services through
educational opportunities, therapies, or are sufficiently delayed to need special
“walk-in” visits to a service provider, 16% enrolled in a preschool setting but receiving
interventions.2,3 Routine developmental education services.8 In 2016, Rhode
special education services in another location, and less than 1% in a home or hospital.13
screening during the early stages of life, Island ranked in the top ten states for
followed by evaluation and diagnostic providing preschool special education
◆ In June 2018, 44% (1,374) of the 3,121 children receiving preschool special education
assessment, helps children gain early access services by serving 9.1% of children
services in Rhode Island qualified under the developmental delay category, 46% (1,432)
to needed services in order to prevent the ages three to five compared with a U.S.
had an identified speech/language disability, 7% (210) were diagnosed with autism, and
occurrence of more severe problems.4 average of 6.4%.9
3% (105) had another diagnosed disability.14

Children Receiving Preschool Special Education Services
Table 41. Children Ages 3 to 5 Receiving Special Education Services, Rhode Island, 2018
DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING RATES PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION BY SETTING
% IN
% % % % INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE TOTAL
# OF SCREENED SCREENED SCREENED SCREENED EARLY EARLY # % Sources of Data for Table/Methodology
SCHOOL CHILDREN 3 YEARS 2 YEARS 1 YEAR AGES CHILDHOOD CHILDHOOD OTHER RECEIVING RECEIVING
DISTRICT AGES 3-5 BEFORE K BEFORE K BEFORE K 3 TO 5 CLASS CLASS SETTING SERVICES SERVICES Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), June
Barrington 586 32% 71% 88% 66% 22 40% 33 55 9% 2018 Special Education Census.
Bristol Warren 805 16% 47% 47% 37% 24 38% 40 64 8% 2017-2018 Child Outreach screening data is from the
Burrillville 455 18% 46% 64% 42% 23 42% 32 55 12% RIDE Office of Student, Community, and Academic
Central Falls 1,070 33% 58% 71% 54% 61 51% 59 120 11% Supports. Foster, Glocester, and Scituate school
districts collaborate to conduct Child Outreach
Chariho 641 23% 61% 55% 48% 32 51% 31 63 10%
screenings. Separate rates are not available for each of
Coventry 1,023 23% 52% 64% 46% 67 67% 33 100 10% these districts so the same combined rate is used for
Cranston 2,697 13% 47% 57% 39% 86 44% 109 195 7% all three districts.
Cumberland 1,236 10% 48% 59% 39% 45 54% 39 84 7% *Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
East Greenwich 466 13% 58% 61% 42% 38 90% * 42 9% numbers are not shown to protect student
East Providence 1,494 10% 43% 61% 39% 34 28% 87 121 8% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Exeter-West Greenwich 363 34% 66% 73% 57% 14 47% 16 30 8%
of the state, and state totals.
Foster 111 25% 57% 65% 48% * 50% * * 5%
The denominator is the number of children ages three to
Glocester 284 25% 57% 65% 48% 10 31% 22 32 11%
five residing in each district during the 2017-2018
Jamestown 119 30% 75% 85% 66% * 67% * 12 10% school year from the Rhode Island Department of
Johnston 850 16% 51% 78% 48% 55 67% 27 82 10% Health’s KIDSNET database shared with RIDE.
Lincoln 708 13% 53% 61% 42% 56 72% 22 78 11% Due to changes in the denominator, screening rates and
Little Compton 58 19% 20% 71% 37% * 67% * * 10% percentage receiving preschool special education
Middletown 875 9% 27% 33% 24% 34 69% 15 49 6% services should not be compared with data in
Factbooks published before 2016.
Narragansett 221 46% 85% 87% 71% 21 75% * 28 13%
New Shoreham 30 100% 67% 100% 89% 0 0% * * 3% Inclusive early childhood class means children receive the
Newport 1,104 18% 43% 49% 37% 40 73% 15 55 5% majority of their special education services in a general
early childhood education class at a public school, a
North Kingstown 818 33% 67% 76% 59% 54 74% 19 73 9% Head Start program, or a community-based child care
North Providence 1,037 20% 40% 62% 40% 39 46% 46 85 8% program or preschool. Data include children who are
North Smithfield 351 18% 55% 71% 49% 18 42% 25 43 12% district-placed and who are parentally-placed.
Pawtucket 2,989 10% 34% 56% 32% 127 49% 131 258 9% NA=Not applicable
Portsmouth 503 23% 60% 84% 57% 15 43% 20 35 7%
Providence 8,121 14% 41% 42% 32% 259 51% 251 510 6% Woonsocket.
Scituate 286 25% 57% 65% 48% * 27% 16 22 8%
References
Smithfield 458 39% 71% 76% 62% 25 49% 26 51 11%
South Kingstown 682 28% 76% 78% 62% 23 40% 35 58 9%
1,3,8,11
Hebbeler, K. & Spiker, D. (2016). Supporting
young children with disabilities. The Future of
Tiverton 447 10% 32% 61% 36% 21 50% 21 42 9%
Children, 26(2), 185-205.
Warwick 2,670 9% 37% 55% 34% 110 53% 98 208 8%
West Warwick 1,086 17% 41% 61% 40% 68 52% 62 130 12%
2
Developmental screening fact sheet. Retrieved January
Westerly 650 37% 71% 88% 64% 57 79% 15 72 11% 18, 2016, from www.cdc.gov
Woonsocket 1,958 9% 36% 61% 34% 26 11% 207 233 12%
4
Meisels, S. J. & Atkins-Burnett, S. (2005).
Charter Schools NA NA NA NA NA 13 87% * 15 NA
Developmental screening in early childhood: A guide.
RI School for the Deaf NA NA NA NA NA 0 0% * * NA (5th edition). Washington, DC: National Association
Four Core Cities 14,138 14% 40% 49% 34% 473 42% 648 1,121 8% for the Education of Young Children.
Remainder of State 23,114 18% 50% 63% 43% 1,052 53% 925 1,977 9% (continued on page 187)
Rhode Island 37,252 16% 46% 58% 40% 1,538 49% 1,583 3,121 8%

Public School Enrollment and Demographics
DEFINITION Collaborative Accelerated Project

Public school enrollment and (UCAP). There were an additional Rhode Island Public School Enrollment by Low-Income Status,
demographics is the total number of 16,153 Rhode Island students attending Race and Ethnicity, October 1, 2018
students enrolled in Rhode Island private and parochial schools (including Four Core Cities Remainder of State Rhode Island
public schools on October 1. out-of-state schools) and 1,648 students 100%

were home-schooled.3 82%
% of Enrollment
80% 77%
SIGNIFICANCE In October 2018, there were 62,499 60%
57%
47% 52%
Education is a lifetime process that students in grades K-5; 33,057 in 40% 29% 26%
begins at birth and continues grades 6-8; and 44,975 in grades 9-12. 18% 20%
20% 11%
There were 2,716 children enrolled in 4% 4% 3% 4% 9% 5% 4% 4% 1% 1% 1%
throughout a child’s life into adulthood. 0%
Racial, ethnic, and income gaps in preschool classrooms in Rhode Island Low-Income Asian/ Black Hispanic Multi-Racial Native White
Pacific Islander American
educational attainment have been well- public schools.4 During the 2018-2019
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, October 1, 2018.
documented throughout the country. school year, 1,080 children received
Research has shown that there are three services from State Pre-K programs in ◆ In October 2018, 20% of students enrolled in the four core cities were White,
clusters of factors that have an impact 18 public school classrooms and 42 compared with 77% in the remainder of the state, and 82% of students enrolled in the
on student achievement: school factors, community-based center classrooms.5 four core cities were low-income compared with 29% in the remainder of the state.8
factors related to connections between In October 2018, 57% of Rhode
home and school, and factors that exist Island public school students were non-
Hispanic White, 26% were Hispanic, The Condition of Public School Buildings
before and beyond school (including
health, nutrition, and non-school 9% were Black, 3% were Asian/Pacific
◆ The condition of school facilities impacts the learning and behavior of students
academic supports).1 Islander, 4% were Multi-Racial, and
and teachers and is also an important indicator of equity.9 A year-long assessment
On October 1, 2018, there were 1% were Native American. In October
commissioned by RIDE found that only 12.4% of school buildings were judged to be in
143,247 students enrolled in Rhode 2018, 47% of public school students in
good to average condition and forecasted $627.6 million in high-priority construction
Island public schools in preschool Rhode Island were low-income
and repairs needed to address building safety and code compliance issues. The statewide
through grade 12, a decrease of 1% (students who were eligible for the free
cost to bring all school buildings into ideal condition was estimated at $2.2 billion.10
from 145,342 on October 1, 2008.2 or reduced-price lunch program).6
Of these 143,247 Rhode Island Rhode Island schools are also diverse
◆ The average age of school buildings in the United States is 42 years old. In Rhode
public school students, 29% (41,461) in terms of students with disabilities
Island, the average age of school buildings is 56 years old. After 30 years, a school
were attending schools in the four core and students who are English Language
facility’s systems are past their useful life. The cost for renewing schools in Rhode Island
cities (communities with the highest Learners. During the 2018-2019 school
over the next five years is estimated to be $793.5 million.11
child poverty rates), 64% (91,441) were year, 15% of Rhode Island public
attending schools in the remaining school students were receiving special
◆ In Rhode Island, elementary schools have the majority of building deficiencies. The
districts, and the remaining 7% education services and 9% were English
estimated cost to address all deficiencies is nearly $880 million for elementary schools
(10,345) attended charter schools, Language Learners (ELLs).7
and nearly $760 million for high schools.12
state-operated schools, or the Urban
◆ On November 6, 2018, Rhode Island voters approved a $250 million state bond for
school renovation and new construction over the next five years.13,14

Public School Enrollment and Demographics
Table 42. Rhode Island Public School Enrollment by Grade and Demographic Groups, October 1, 2018
ENROLLMENT BY GRADE LEVEL* ENROLLMENT BY DEMOGRAPHIC GROUPS
% % % ASIAN % % TOTAL Source of Data for Table/Methodology
PRE- ELEMEN- LOW- PACIFIC % % NATIVE MULTI- % ENROLL-
SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL TARY MIDDLE HIGH INCOME ISLANDER BLACK HISPANIC** AMERICAN RACIAL WHITE MENT Rhode Island Department of Education, Public School
Barrington 24 1,368 836 1,115 4% 7% 1% 3% <1% 4% 84% 3,343 Enrollment in preschool through grade 12 as of
October 1, 2018.
Bristol Warren 43 1,449 775 965 30% 2% 2% 6% <1% 5% 86% 3,232
Burrillville 42 925 527 783 30% 1% 1% 4% <1% 3% 91% 2,277 *Preschool includes students enrolled in half-day or full-
day preschool through the public school district
Central Falls 161 1,244 563 727 91% 1% 15% 60% 6% 3% 15% 2,695
(primarily preschool special education classrooms).
Chariho 102 1,270 698 1,148 20% 1% 1% 3% 2% 3% 91% 3,218 The Rhode Island State Pre-K program served 1,080
Coventry 137 1,960 1,135 1,491 31% 2% 2% 4% <1% 1% 90% 4,723 children in 18 public school classrooms and 42
Cranston 86 4,472 2,470 3,451 43% 9% 5% 28% 1% 5% 52% 10,479 community-based center classrooms in 2018-2019.
Elementary includes students in kindergarten
Cumberland 87 2,012 1,096 1,480 19% 4% 3% 11% <1% 3% 79% 4,675 through 5th grade, middle includes 6th through 8th
East Greenwich 61 1,061 645 768 5% 6% <1% 7% <1% 4% 82% 2,535 grades, and high includes 9th through 12th grades.
East Providence 75 2,320 1,216 1,525 48% 2% 11% 9% 1% 9% 67% 5,136
Children are counted as low-income if they are eligible
Exeter-West Greenwich 64 709 366 502 16% 2% 2% 5% <1% 1% 91% 1,641 for a Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program.
Foster 29 243 0 0 24% 0% 0% 4% 0% 1% 95% 272
State-operated schools include: Metropolitan Regional
Foster-Glocester 0 0 502 804 15% 1% 1% 2% <1% 2% 94% 1,306 Career and Technical Center, William M. Davies Jr.
Glocester 3 520 0 0 12% <1% 2% 2% <1% 2% 94% 523 Career & Technical High School, DCYF, and the
Jamestown 22 308 174 3 8% 2% 1% <1% 0% 2% 95% 507 Rhode Island School for the Deaf.
Johnston 106 1,444 799 916 45% 3% 5% 22% <1% 1% 69% 3,265 Charter Schools include: Achievement First Rhode
Lincoln 94 1,359 748 928 27% 3% 4% 7% <1% 2% 83% 3,129 Island, Beacon Charter High School for the Arts,
Blackstone Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral
Little Compton 23 139 82 0 12% <1% 0% 1% 0% 5% 94% 244
Academy, Charette High School, The Compass
Middletown 18 984 521 630 30% 4% 6% 12% <1% 8% 69% 2,153 School, Paul Cuffee Charter School, The Greene
Narragansett 73 451 307 459 21% 2% 1% 3% 1% 4% 89% 1,290 School, Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
New Shoreham 0 60 21 52 16% 2% 2% 17% 0% 2% 79% 133 International Charter School, Kingston Hill
Academy, The Learning Community, RISE Prep
Newport 53 990 453 660 66% 2% 12% 30% 2% 13% 40% 2,156
Mayoral Academy, Rhode Island Nurses Institute
North Kingstown 113 1,499 921 1,474 22% 2% 2% 7% <1% 4% 86% 4,007 Middle College, Segue Institute for Learning, Sheila
North Providence 81 1,470 886 1,128 38% 3% 12% 22% <1% 5% 58% 3,565 C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy, South Side
North Smithfield 39 713 403 522 16% 2% 1% 9% 0% 4% 84% 1,677 Elementary Charter School, Trinity Academy for the
Performing Arts, and The Village Green Virtual
Pawtucket 171 4,244 2,331 2,026 76% 1% 29% 26% 1% 7% 37% 8,772 Public Charter School.
Portsmouth 20 932 552 935 14% 2% 2% 5% <1% 3% 88% 2,439
UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program.
Providence 341 10,724 5,444 7,435 84% 4% 16% 66% 1% 4% 9% 23,944
Scituate 16 509 323 383 18% 1% <1% 3% 0% 1% 94% 1,231 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Smithfield 49 1,023 621 720 14% 2% 1% 7% <1% 3% 87% 2,413
South Kingstown 50 1,249 728 951 17% 2% 2% 5% 3% 5% 83% 2,978 Students from Little Compton attend high school in
Tiverton 32 784 426 535 24% 2% 2% 2% <1% 3% 91% 1,777 Portsmouth. Jamestown students can choose to
attend high school in Narragansett or North
Warwick 232 3,881 1,972 2,715 29% 4% 3% 11% <1% 4% 78% 8,800 Kingstown.
West Warwick 67 1,682 828 1,002 50% 3% 5% 15% 1% 3% 73% 3,579
Students enrolled in state-operated schools, charter
Westerly 109 1,138 639 852 36% 3% 1% 8% 2% 7% 80% 2,738
schools, and UCAP are not counted in totals for the
Woonsocket 58 2,891 1,422 1,679 79% 5% 11% 34% 1% 6% 43% 6,050 four core cities or for the remainder of the state, but
Charter Schools 24 4,447 1,490 2,466 68% 2% 16% 55% 1% 4% 23% 8,427 they are included in the Rhode Island state totals.
State-Operated Schools 11 25 13 1,734 63% 1% 15% 45% <1% 5% 34% 1,783 References
UCAP 0 0 124 11 80% 2% 16% 66% 2% 1% 13% 135 1
Barton, P. E. & Coley, R. J. (2009). Parsing the
Four Core Cities 731 19,103 9,760 11,867 82% 4% 18% 52% 1% 5% 20% 41,461 achievement gap II. Princeton, NJ: Educational
Remainder of State 1,950 38,924 21,670 28,897 29% 4% 4% 11% 1% 4% 77% 91,441 Testing Service.
Rhode Island 2,716 62,499 33,057 44,975 47% 3% 9% 26% 1% 4% 57% 143,247

Children Enrolled in Kindergarten
DEFINITION strong evidence that high-quality

Children enrolled in kindergarten preschool immediately improves States Using Kindergarten Entry Assessments
compiles selected data about children children’s language, literacy, and math by Type of Tool, January 2017
enrolled in public kindergarten in skills. Preschool participation is also 20
Rhode Island. associated with longer-term positive 15 16

outcomes such as reduced grade 13
10
SIGNIFICANCE retention and need for special
education, improved high school 5
As of 2016-2017, every public 4
school district in Rhode Island is graduation rates, and reduced criminal 0
Commercially-Developed Tool Self-Developed Tool State Consortia-Developed Tools
required to offer full-day kindergarten.1 activity.6
Source: Weisenfeld, G. G. (2017). Assessment tools used in Kindergarten Entry Assessments (KEAs): State scan. New
Children benefit academically from High-quality and developmentally- Brunswick, NJ: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes.
participating in full-day kindergarten.2 appropriate instruction in kindergarten
and the early elementary grades helps ◆ Kindergarten entry assessments are an organized way to learn what children know and are
The transition to kindergarten is an
sustain the positive impacts of able to do across all domains of development when they enter kindergarten. The information
important point in a child’s educational
preschool and addresses knowledge and is used to improve the transition to kindergarten, guide instruction for individual children,
experience, marking either the start of
skill deficits among children who have and inform policymakers about early learning needs. These assessments should not be
their formal education or the transition
not had high-quality early learning used for high-stakes decisions, such as delaying children’s entry into kindergarten.9,10
between preschool, which is not
universally available or guaranteed as opportunities.7
Kindergarten and early elementary ◆ As of January 2017, 33 states were using an assessment tool to track skills and knowledge
part of most states’ public education
grade teachers need specialized training at kindergarten entry. Rhode Island has not yet implemented a statewide tool.11
systems, to the early elementary grades.
During kindergarten and the early in child development, reading
instruction, the foundations of math, ◆ Kindergarten teachers can share information about children’s strengths and challenges
elementary grades, families establish
social-emotional skill building, how to gathered through kindergarten entry assessments to engage parents as partners in the
patterns of engagement with their
incorporate play and hands-on learning education process.12
child’s school and children learn
important social-emotional, literacy, into classroom instruction, and working
and math skills that establish a with diverse groups of children and
families. Strategies that support high- Public School Kindergarten Enrollment
foundation for future learning.3,4
As of October 2017, approximately quality early grade instruction include ◆ On October 1, 2018, 100% of the 10,004 children enrolled in public kindergarten in
68% of four-year-olds and 40% of requiring pre-K-Grade 3 teaching Rhode Island were in full-day kindergarten classrooms. There were 9,205 kindergarteners in
three-year-olds in the U.S. participated certificates, incorporating early childhood traditional public schools, 794 in public charter schools, and five in a state-operated school
in private or public preschool before education training into elementary (The Rhode Island School for the Deaf).13
kindergarten.5 Children from higher- principal certification, and aligning
income families are more likely to be quality improvement efforts from early
enrolled in preschool than children childhood through third grade.8
from lower-income families. There is

Young English Learners Kindergartners and School Suspensions

◆ Language learning is most effective and efficient during the early childhood years, ◆ Children who are suspended early in their school years are more likely to be suspended
between birth and age eight. Infants and young children learn new languages faster and again in future years. Students who are suspended are almost ten times more likely to
with more competence than older children and adults.14 experience academic failure, have negative attitudes toward school, drop out of high
school, and become incarcerated.18
◆ Being bilingual has several advantages, including expanded economic and social
opportunities and higher level executive function skills (cognitive flexibility and ◆ Early suspensions are more likely when teachers believe the resources and supports
inhibitory control) that contribute to academic success. Being bilingual also may help available to them are inadequate to meet the needs of children with challenging behaviors.
delay or prevent the onset of cognitive problems associated with aging.15 Large class sizes, inadequate child-teacher ratios, and lack of school resources to help
teachers manage challenging behaviors are associated with increased suspensions. Early
◆ Both bilingual education and English immersion programs can effectively promote childhood mental health consultation is an intervention that works with teachers and
English language acquisition and proficiency. Bilingual education has the added families to reduce children’s challenging behaviors, improve child-adult relationships, and
advantage of supporting the development of a child’s native language, encouraging prevent early suspensions.19
fluency in both languages.16
School Suspensions in Kindergarten, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF DAYS
◆ In Rhode Island, students in kindergarten through third grades are more likely to be KINDERGARTNERS SUSPENSIONS FOR KINDERGARTNERS
identified as an English Language Learner than older students. In 2017-2018, 12% of all DISTRICT SUSPENDED KINDERGARTNERS WERE SUSPENDED
children in grades K-3 in Rhode Island (4,975) were English Learners compared to 9% of Central Falls 0 0 0
students in grades 4-6, 7% in grades 7-9, and 7% in grades 10-12. Less than 1% of the Pawtucket 0 0 0
1,664 children enrolled in public school preschool classrooms were identified as an Providence 37 80 125
Woonsocket 22 34 41
English Learner. Of the 1,144 kindergarteners who were English Learners, 45% were
Charter Schools 20 49 66
enrolled in the Providence Public Schools, 17% were in one of the other three core city
Remainder of State 59 121 139
public school districts, and 15% were in a public charter school.17
Rhode Island 138 284 371
English Learners by Grade Level,
Rhode Island, 2016-2017 School Year Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018
1,500 ◆ In 2017-2018 in Rhode Island, there were 138 kindergartners who were suspended at
1,200 1,233
1,329 1,269 1,227 least one day, 49% of whom had a developmental delay or disability. Kindergartners
1,144
900
902
1,003 973 experienced 284 disciplinary actions, with 249 out-of-school suspensions and 35 in-
600 720 687 736 728 school suspensions. These students were suspended for a total of 371 days.20
505
300
8
0 ◆ Compared to the 2016-2017 school year, the number of kindergartners who were
Pre- Kinder- Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade
school garten 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 suspended increased by 59%, and the number of suspensions increased by 68% in 2017-
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018.
2018. The number of days kindergartners were suspended increased by 47% in the 2017-
References
2018 school year.21,22
1
Rhode Island General Law 16-99-3. Enacted by the (continued on page 187)
General Assembly as Article 6 of H-5900Aaa in 2015.

Out-of-School Time
DEFINITION Quality out-of-school time programs

Out-of-school time is the number of provide engaging activities that are Students Served by 21st Century Community Learning Centers
children participating in organized after- intentionally designed to promote youth by Grade Span, Rhode Island, 2017-2018 School Year
school programs. This indicator presents development and are taught by trained, SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADES PK-3 GRADES 4-5 GRADES 6-8 GRADES 9-12 TOTAL
dedicated instructors who work effectively Central Falls 252 216 141 205 814
data on the number of licensed after-
with youth. Youth who participate Cranston 72 47 73 0 192
school child care programs and slots for
consistently can show improved East Providence 109 52 0 0 161
children ages six and older as well as Newport 508 289 383 387 1,567
available data on children served by competence, caring, and connections.2,3
Pawtucket 515 305 12 0 832
after-school programs that do not In most communities there are not
Providence 368 224 1,178 2,375 4,145
require state licensing. enough high-quality, affordable after-
Woonsocket 260 219 297 763 1,539
school and summer programs to serve Charter, State-Operated
SIGNIFICANCE all the children who could benefit from and Other Schools 205 141 600 257 1,203
Organized programs for school-age them. Resources are needed both to Rhode Island 2,289 1,493 2,684 3,987 10,453
children offered during the hours and improve the quality of current programs
Source: RI Department of Education, Office of Student, Community and Academic Supports, 2017-2018 school year.
days when school is not in session have and to expand access.4 In Rhode Island, Data are not unduplicated as students can be served by more than one grantee.
become increasingly popular over the the Providence After School Alliance
past 50 years. Growth has been driven and the Rhode Island Afterschool
Network (a United Way of Rhode Summer Learning Loss
by the expansion of mothers’ labor force
participation, concerns over negative Island program) act as intermediaries to
◆ Low-income elementary school students lose reading and math skills over the summer
consequences associated with children address access issues and support
while their higher-income peers make slight gains. Over time, this summer learning loss
being home alone, passage of the 1990 program quality improvement through
widens the achievement gaps that were already present between low-income and higher-
Child Care Development and Block the use of the Rhode Island Program
income students at kindergarten entry so that low-income students fall further behind.8,9
Grant Act which provided the first Quality Assessment (RIPQA) tool.5
major funding stream for school-age Between 2013 and 2017, 76% of
◆ During the summer of 2017, 2,694 Rhode Island children entering grades Pre-K
child care, and federal funding for 21st Rhode Island children ages six to 17
through 12 participated in 21st Century Community Learning Center programs; 855
Century Community Learning Centers, had all parents in the workforce, higher
(32%) entering grades PK-3, 616 (23%) entering grades 4-5, 625 (23%) entering grades
which began in 1998. Out-of-school than the U.S. rate of 71%.6 Nationally,
6-8, and 598 (22%) entering grades 9-12.10 In addition, 1,131 Rhode Island children in
time programs can contribute 56% of children ages five to 14 with
kindergarten through grade 12 participated in Hasbro Summer Learning programs
significantly to children’s development employed mothers stay with a relative
funded by United Way of Rhode Island.11
and learning.1 during the hours when they are not in
High-quality, organized after-school school, while 19% regularly participate
and summer programs improve the in enrichment activities, 14% are in a
supervision and safety of youth, promote child care center or in home-based child
positive social skills, and, with sufficient care, and 14% regularly stay at home by
dosage, improve student achievement. themselves.7

Out-of-School Time
Table 43. Licensed School-Age Child Care
for Children Ages Six to 12 Rhode Island, January 2019
NUMBER OF LICENSED PROGRAMS
NUMBER OF OPERATED AS PART TOTAL
CHILDREN OF AN EARLY OPERATED NUMBER
CITY/TOWN AGES 6 TO 12 CHILDHOOD CENTER INDEPENDENTLY OF SLOTS
Barrington 2,038 3 5 346
School-Age Child Care Subsidies Bristol 1,421 0 3 150 Number of children ages six to 12 years is from the U.S.
by Type of Setting, Burrillville 1,456 0 2 175
Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1.
Rhode Island, 2018 Central Falls 2,045 2 0 191 Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and
Families, number of licensed child care center slots
80% Licensed Center (3,405) Charlestown 616 0 1 60
and programs for children over age five, from RI
19% Licensed Family Child Care (827) Coventry 3,142 4 1 172 Early Care and Education Data System (ECEDS),
Cranston 6,331 10 6 794 January 2019. These numbers do not include
1% License-Exempt Provider (38)
Cumberland 2,976 0 10 829 licensed family child care home slots or community
1% programs for youth ages six and older that do not
East Greenwich 1,482 3 1 141 require licensing by the state. Licensed school-age
East Providence 3,395 5 8 1,003 child care programs also provide services to five year-
19% Exeter 480 0 1 100 old children who are enrolled in kindergarten.
Foster 369 1 0 26 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Glocester 809 1 0 38 Woonsocket.
Hopkinton 741 0 1 52 References
80% Jamestown 429 0 1 50 1
Mahoney, J. L., Parente, M. E., & Zigler, E. F. (2009).
Johnston 2,119 8 1 260 Afterschool programs in America: Origins, growth,
Lincoln 1,900 1 6 565 popularity, and politics. Journal of Youth
Development, 4(3).
Little Compton 299 0 1 26
n=4,270 Middletown 1,442 0 3 132 2
McCombs, J., Whitaker, A., & Yoo, P. (2017). The
Narragansett 856 0 2 97 value of out-of-school time programs. Santa Monica,
Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services,
CA: RAND Corporation.
December 2018. New Shoreham 73 0 0 0
Newport 1,399 2 2 285
3
Smith, E. P., Witherspoon, D. P., & Osgood, D. W.
◆ In January 2019 in Rhode Island, there North Kingstown 2,581 4 2 209
(2017). Positive youth development among diverse
racial-ethnic children: Quality afterschool contexts as
were 12,298 school-age child care slots in North Providence 2,073 2 2 221 developmental assets. Child Development, 88(4),
198 licensed early childhood or school-age North Smithfield 1,002 1 2 188 1063-1078.
centers. Seventy-two percent of the slots Pawtucket 6,015 6 5 896 4
Mahoney, J. L., Parente, M. E., & Zigler, E. F. (2010).
were in an independently licensed program Portsmouth 1,622 1 2 159 After-school program participation and children’s
Providence 15,342 16 14 2,743 development. In J. Meece & J. S. Eccles (Eds.),
serving only school-age children and 28% Handbook of research on schools, schooling, and human
Richmond 777 0 2 88
were in a licensed early childhood center.12 development (pp. 379-397). New York, NY:
Scituate 935 1 0 26 Routledge.
Smithfield 1,445 4 2 211
◆ In January 2019 in Rhode Island, there
5
Devaney, E., Smith, C., & Wong, K. (2012).
South Kingstown 2,199 1 1 119 Understanding the “how” of quality improvement:
were 79 independent school-age child care Tiverton 1,201 1 1 111 Lessons from the Rhode Island Program Quality
programs participating in BrightStars, Warren 770 1 1 99 Intervention. Afterschool Matters, 16, 1-10.
Rhode Island’s Quality Rating and Warwick 6,195 7 6 725 6

West Greenwich 624 1 0 15 2013-2017. Table DP03.
Improvement System (75% of licensed
West Warwick 2,155 2 3 293
independent school-age child care 7
Laughlin, L. (2013). Who’s minding the kids? Child care
Westerly 1,850 3 0 151 arrangements: Spring 2011. (Current Population
programs). Ten programs (10% of all Reports, P70-135.) Washington, DC: U.S. Census
Woonsocket 3,653 2 7 552
licensed programs) had a high-quality Four Core Cities 27,055 26 26 4,382
Bureau.
rating of four or five stars.13 Remainder of State 59,202 67 79 7,916 (continued on page 187)
Rhode Island 86,257 93 105 12,298

English Learners
DEFINITION Rhode Island, EL students were 9%

English learners is the percentage of (12,464) of total students, and 34% of Current English Learners Meeting Expectations
all public school children (preschool all EL students in Rhode Island were in in Math and English Language Arts, Rhode Island, 2018
through grade 12) who are receiving grades preschool to grade three. Of all EL Students Non-EL Students
English Learner services in Rhode Island EL students, 84% were enrolled in free 50%
public schools. or reduced-price lunch programs, and 40% 44%
39%
72% lived in the four core cities.11,12 In 30%
SIGNIFICANCE the 2017-2018 school year, EL students 20%
The population of English Learner in Rhode Island public schools spoke 94 10% 13% 13%
(EL) students in the U.S. has been different languages. The majority (79%) 0%
3rd Grade Math 3rd Grade English Language Arts
growing over the last two decades. English spoke Spanish, 5% spoke a creole
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), October 2018.
Learners must acquire English language language, 2% spoke Portuguese, 2%
proficiency while also learning academic spoke Arabic, 2% spoke Chinese, and ◆ In 2018, 13% of third-grade EL students met or exceeded expectations in the Rhode
content at the appropriate level.1,2 10% spoke other or multiple Island Common Assessment System (RICAS) math assessment, compared to 39% of non-
Nationally, and in Rhode Island, there are languages.13 EL students.21
large achievement gaps between EL and Bilingual education in the early
non-EL students, with EL students grades can significantly improve English ◆ In 2018, 13% of third-grade EL students met or exceeded expectations on the Rhode
having lower rates of math and reading reading proficiency and bilingualism can Island Common Assessment System (RICAS) English language arts assessment, compared
achievement than non-EL students.3,4 support long-term academic and to 44% of non-EL students.22
Children in immigrant families and economic outcomes.14,15 During the
the children of parents with limited 2017-2018 school year, bilingual and
English proficiency are much more likely two-way/dual language programs were Funding to Support English Learners
to live in low-income households.5 EL offered in the Central Falls, Pawtucket,
◆ In 2016, the Rhode Island General Assembly established a pilot categorical program to
students are more likely to attend high- Providence, and South Kingstown
provide additional support for the costs associated with educating English Learners.23 In
poverty schools that have low-test scores, school districts, and at the International
2017, the Rhode Island General Assembly made this categorical fund permanent. This
have larger proportions of EL students, Charter School.16 Younger EL students
fund is designed to support high-quality, research-based services.24
and are more racially and geographically benefit from high-quality early learning
isolated.6,7 They may also experience opportunities.17
discrimination, stigma, and stress related Successful EL programs have highly
Early English Language Learning
to different cultural expectations and qualified and culturally competent
teachers.18 Schools that foster ◆ As of September 1, 2018, there were 5,908 (12%) Rhode Island children under age five
English language proficiency status.8,9
relationships with students, parents, and who were born to a mother who did not speak English.25 For young children growing up
Students in families with limited English
the community and offer dynamic, in homes where English is not the first language, the quality, type, and amount of early
proficiency also have a harder time
personalized instruction guided by childhood education can help boost English language development and kindergarten
accessing health care, mental health care,
ongoing assessments by effective teachers readiness of EL students.26
and other social services.10
In the 2017-2018 school year in can help EL students succeed.19,20

English Learners
Table 44. English Learner Students, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
NUMBER OF ENGLISH LEARNER STUDENTS
TOTAL # ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH TOTAL # OF % OF TOTAL Sources of Data for Table/Methodology
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STUDENTS (GRADES PRE-K-5) (GRADES 6-8) (GRADES 9-12) EL STUDENTS DISTRICT
Rhode Island Department Education, 2017-2018 school
Barrington 3,359 59 13 * 80 2%
year. Total number of English Learner students is the
Bristol Warren 3,195 67 * * 81 3% number of students in each district who were actively
Burrillville 2,250 * * * * <1% enrolled in English Learner programs in the 2017-
Central Falls 2,705 454 170 271 895 33% 2018 school year. Students who are not yet fully
English proficient but have exited ESL or bilingual
Chariho 3,159 * * * 13 <1% education programs to regular education are not
Coventry 4,686 15 * 10 27 1% included in these numbers.
Cranston 10,362 394 99 115 608 6%
* Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
Cumberland 4,613 95 17 24 136 3% numbers are not shown to protect student
East Greenwich 2,462 76 0 * 79 3% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
East Providence 5,255 125 30 46 201 4% district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,634 * * * 14 1%
Foster 277 0 NA NA 0 0% NA indicates that the school district does not serve
students at that grade level.
Foster-Glocester 1,255 NA 0 0 0 0%
Glocester 535 0 NA NA 0 0% Due to a change in methodology, the percentage of
English Learner students by district cannot be
Jamestown 483 0 0 NA 0 0%
compared with percentages before the 2004
Johnston 3,251 125 25 36 186 6% Factbook. The “% of Total District” is based on the
Lincoln 3,064 27 * * 35 1% total number of English Learners divided by the
Little Compton 243 0 * NA * <1% “Total # of Students,” which is the average daily
membership in the districts of instruction.
Middletown 2,169 47 17 19 83 4%
Narragansett 1,296 * * 0 * 1% Charter schools include: Achievement First Rhode Island,
Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, Blackstone
New Shoreham 119 * * 10 18 1%
Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep, The Compass
Newport 2,194 141 42 51 234 11% School, Paul Cuffee Charter School, The Greene
North Kingstown 3,891 51 17 * 74 2% School, Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
North Providence 3,587 69 14 13 96 3% International Charter School, Kingston Hill Academy,
The Learning Community, Rhode Island Nurses
North Smithfield 1,705 * * * 17 1%
Pawtucket 8,814 688 229 281 1,198 14% Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for Learning, Sheila
Portsmouth 2,407 12 * * 20 1% C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy, SouthSide
Providence 24,201 3,307 1,173 1,871 6,351 26% Charter School, Trinity Academy for the Performing
Arts, and The Village Green Virtual Public Charter
Scituate 1,275 0 0 0 0 0% School. State-operated schools include: William M.
Smithfield 2,380 10 * * 13 1% Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School, DCYF
South Kingstown 3,042 47 * * 59 2% Schools, Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical
Center, and Rhode Island School for the Deaf.
Tiverton 1,820 * 0 * 10 1%
UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
Warwick 8,879 83 17 24 124 1% Program.
West Warwick 3,562 56 * 14 76 3%
Westerly 2,740 36 * 12 54 2% Woonsocket.
Woonsocket 5,956 312 128 113 553 9%
References
Charter Schools 7,776 825 89 188 887 14%
State-Operated Schools 1,733 * * 53 59 3% 1
McFarland, J., et al. (2018). The condition of education
2018 (NCES 2018-144). Washington, DC: National
UCAP 134 NA 8 2 10 7%
Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of
Four Core Cities 41,676 4,761 1,700 2,536 8,997 22% Education. Retrieved February 6, 2019, from
Remainder of State 91,149 1,580 345 430 2,355 3% https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/ indicator_cgf.asp
Rhode Island 142,469 7,171 2,143 3,209 12,523 9%

English Learners
Table 44. English Learner Students, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
NUMBER OF ENGLISH LEARNER STUDENTS
TOTAL # ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH TOTAL # OF % OF TOTAL Sources of Data for Table/Methodology
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STUDENTS (GRADES PRE-K-5) (GRADES 6-8) (GRADES 9-12) EL STUDENTS DISTRICT
Rhode Island Department Education, 2017-2018 school
Barrington 3,359 59 13 * 80 2%
year. Total number of English Learner students is the
Bristol Warren 3,195 67 * * 81 3% number of students in each district who were actively
Burrillville 2,250 * * * * <1% enrolled in English Learner programs in the 2017-
Central Falls 2,705 454 170 271 895 33% 2018 school year. Students who are not yet fully
English proficient but have exited ESL or bilingual
Chariho 3,159 * * * 13 <1% education programs to regular education are not
Coventry 4,686 15 * 10 27 1% included in these numbers.
Cranston 10,362 394 99 115 608 6%
Cumberland 4,613 95 17 24 136 3% numbers are not shown to protect student
East Greenwich 2,462 76 0 * 79 3% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
East Providence 5,255 125 30 46 201 4% district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,634 * * * 14 1%
Foster 277 0 NA NA 0 0% NA indicates that the school district does not serve
students at that grade level.
Foster-Glocester 1,255 NA 0 0 0 0%
Glocester 535 0 NA NA 0 0% Due to a change in methodology, the percentage of
English Learner students by district cannot be
Jamestown 483 0 0 NA 0 0%
compared with percentages before the 2004
Johnston 3,251 125 25 36 186 6% Factbook. The “% of Total District” is based on the
Lincoln 3,064 27 * * 35 1% total number of English Learners divided by the
Little Compton 243 0 * NA * <1% “Total # of Students,” which is the average daily
membership in the districts of instruction.
Middletown 2,169 47 17 19 83 4%
Narragansett 1,296 * * 0 * 1% Charter schools include: Achievement First Rhode Island,
Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, Blackstone
New Shoreham 119 * * 10 18 1%
Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep, The Compass
Newport 2,194 141 42 51 234 11% School, Paul Cuffee Charter School, The Greene
North Kingstown 3,891 51 17 * 74 2% School, Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
North Providence 3,587 69 14 13 96 3% International Charter School, Kingston Hill Academy,
The Learning Community, Rhode Island Nurses
North Smithfield 1,705 * * * 17 1%
Pawtucket 8,814 688 229 281 1,198 14% Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for Learning, Sheila
Portsmouth 2,407 12 * * 20 1% C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy, SouthSide
Providence 24,201 3,307 1,173 1,871 6,351 26% Charter School, Trinity Academy for the Performing
Arts, and The Village Green Virtual Public Charter
Scituate 1,275 0 0 0 0 0% School. State-operated schools include: William M.
Smithfield 2,380 10 * * 13 1% Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School, DCYF
South Kingstown 3,042 47 * * 59 2% Schools, Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical
Tiverton 1,820 * 0 * 10 1%
UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
Warwick 8,879 83 17 24 124 1% Program.
West Warwick 3,562 56 * 14 76 3%
Westerly 2,740 36 * 12 54 2% Woonsocket.
Woonsocket 5,956 312 128 113 553 9%
References
Charter Schools 7,776 825 89 188 887 14%
State-Operated Schools 1,733 * * 53 59 3% 1
2018 (NCES 2018-144). Washington, DC: National
UCAP 134 NA 8 2 10 7%
Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of
Four Core Cities 41,676 4,761 1,700 2,536 8,997 22% Education. Retrieved February 6, 2019, from
Remainder of State 91,149 1,580 345 430 2,355 3% https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/ indicator_cgf.asp
Rhode Island 142,469 7,171 2,143 3,209 12,523 9%

K-12 Students Receiving Special Education Services
DEFINITION programs, and becoming employed as

K-12 students receiving special adults.3 Concerns remain that not all Students Ages Birth to 21 Receiving Early Intervention and
education services is the percentage of children who could benefit from services Special Education Services, Rhode Island, June 2018
students ages six to 21 who received are identified, that children of color are 2,000
special education services in Rhode less likely to receive special education
1,743
1,734
1,705
1,684
1,657
# of Students
1,500
1,628
services than their white peers, and special
1,606
1,589
1,565
1,552
1,583
1,526
Island public schools or who were
1,317
education funding is not adequate.4
1,233
placed in private special education 1,000
1,120
1,062
programs by their district of residence. Although much progress has been
742
676
made in improving high school 500
196
460
423
72
SIGNIFICANCE graduation rates and post-secondary
0
Early and accurately targeted special school enrollment, students with <1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
disabilities are still less likely to graduate Age
education services help students with
developmental delays and disabilities from high school and more likely to be Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Center for Child and Family Health, Early
Intervention enrollment, June 30, 2018. Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Diverse Learners, Special
improve their academic achievement suspended than students without Education Census, June 30, 2018. Includes parentally-placed students.
and prevent grade retention.1 disabilities.5,6
The federal Every Student Succeeds ◆ As of June 2018, there were 21,488 students ages six to 21 (15% of all kindergarten
Approximately 15% of U.S. children
Act (ESSA) requires states to continue through grade 12 students) receiving special education services through Rhode Island
ages three to 17 have a developmental
annually reporting the performance of public schools. Thirty-six percent of these students had a learning disability, 18% had a
delay or disability. Boys and children in
students with disabilities on health impairment, 12% had a speech/language disorder, 11% had an autism spectrum
low-income families are more likely to
standardized assessments to inform disorder, 8% had an emotional disturbance, 7% had a developmental delay, 4% had an
have a delay or disability than girls or
accountability and action plans.7 intellectual disability, and 3% had other disabilities.10
children in higher-income families.2
The federal Individuals with In 2018 in Rhode Island, 9% of
third-grade students receiving special ◆ As of June 2018, 70% of students ages six to 21 receiving special education services in
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
education services met expectations in Rhode Island were in their regular classroom for 80% of the day or more, 24% were in
guarantees a free appropriate public
the English Language Arts (ELA) and their regular classroom for less than 80% of the day, 4% were in a separate school, and
education to every child with a disability.
math sections of the Rhode Island 1% were in a residential facility, a correctional facility, were home-bound, or were
Prior to passage of the original 1975
Comprehensive Assessment System hospitalized.11 Since 2000, the percentage of students ages six to 21 receiving special
federal law, many children with
(RICAS), compared with 46% in ELA education services in the U.S. who spent most of the day (80% or more of time) in
disabilities were excluded from public
and 40% in math of third graders general education classrooms has increased 34%.12
school. Since passage, outcomes for
children with disabilities have steadily without special education needs.8
In Rhode Island, the four-year ◆ Of Rhode Island students receiving special education services in 2017-2018, 67% were
improved. More students with disabilities
graduation rate for the class of 2018 boys and 33% were girls; 53% were low-income (receiving free or reduced-price lunch)
are being educated in neighborhood
was 62% for students receiving special and 47% were not low-income; 56% were White, 27% were Hispanic, 9% were Black,
schools, included in general education
education services, compared to 88% for 4% were Two or more races, 2% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 1% were Native
classrooms, reaching proficiency
students not receiving these services. Some American, and 9% were English Learners.13
standards, graduating from high school,
enrolling in post-secondary education students enrolled in special education
may take additional time to graduate.9

K-12 Students Receiving Special Education Services
Table 45.
Students Ages 6 through 21 Receiving Special Education Services by Primary Disability, Rhode Island, 2018
TOTAL % STUDENTS Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE),
TOTAL AUTISM DEVELOP- SPEECH/ STUDENTS RECEIVING
# OF SPECTRUM MENTAL EMOTIONAL HEALTH LEARNING INTELLECTUAL LANGUAGE WITH SPECIAL Office for Diverse Learners, Special Education
SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS DISORDER DELAY DISTURBANCE IMPAIRMENT DISABILITY DISABILITY IMPAIRMENT OTHER DISABILITIES EDUCATION Census June 30, 2018. Data do not include
Barrington 3,359 65 15 36 75 101 14 68 19 393 12% parentally-placed students. The denominator
Bristol Warren 3,195 59 14 13 47 137 17 100 * 395 12% (number of students) is the "resident average
daily membership" (RADM) for grades K-12 in
Burrillville 2,250 44 17 19 46 137 13 38 * 322 14% the 2017-2018 school year provided by RIDE.
Central Falls 2,705 34 65 32 83 238 27 54 19 552 20%
Chariho 3,159 57 29 * 79 134 14 36 11 367 12% Due to changes in methodology, K-12 Students
Receiving Special Education Services in this
Coventry 4,686 78 43 64 117 252 30 77 20 681 15% Factbook cannot be compared with Factbooks
Cranston 10,362 194 73 121 385 522 50 89 37 1,471 14% prior to 2015. Data about preschool students
Cumberland 4,613 97 46 49 81 188 32 107 25 625 14% receiving special education services can be found
East Greenwich 2,462 53 28 19 60 70 15 27 * 279 11% in the Children Receiving Preschool Special
Education Services indicator.
East Providence 5,255 98 74 82 155 300 40 79 26 854 16%
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,634 37 11 * 38 42 * 37 * 186 11% * Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
Foster 277 * * * * * 0 23 * 38 14% numbers are not shown to protect student
confidentiality. These students are still counted
Foster-Glocester 1,255 22 0 * 25 38 14 * * 117 9%
in district totals and in the four core cities,
Glocester 535 * * * * 12 * 28 * 52 10% remainder of the state, and state totals.
Jamestown 483 13 * * 20 27 * 12 * 86 18%
NA indicates that no data are available.
Johnston 3,251 55 43 29 120 221 16 42 21 547 17%
Lincoln 3,064 53 39 36 89 172 10 61 15 475 16% Totals of students and percentages of students receiving
Little Compton 243 * 0 * 10 12 * * * 33 14% special education may not sum due to rounding.
Middletown 2,169 38 24 37 74 121 21 46 10 371 17% The category “other” includes students who are
Narragansett 1,296 17 15 16 39 94 * 29 13 227 18% blind/visually impaired, deaf, deaf/blind, hearing
New Shoreham 119 * * 0 10 * 0 * 0 22 18% impaired, multi-handicapped, orthopedically
impaired, and/or have traumatic brain injury.
Newport 2,194 40 25 45 44 178 21 36 13 402 18%
North Kingstown 3,933 67 23 45 68 151 16 91 19 480 12% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence,
North Providence 3,587 64 44 48 96 246 27 82 17 624 17% and Woonsocket.
North Smithfield 1,705 23 15 16 36 85 11 33 * 225 13% Charter schools include Achievement First Providence
Pawtucket 8,814 121 100 89 200 572 54 172 24 1,332 15% Mayoral Academy, Beacon Charter High School
Portsmouth 2,407 37 14 22 81 77 * 40 12 289 12% for the Arts, Blackstone Academy, Blackstone
Valley Prep, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee
Providence 24,201 242 291 300 537 1,484 176 528 107 3,665 15%
Charter School, The Greene School, Highlander
Scituate 1,275 19 * * 22 61 * 32 * 150 12% Charter School, International Charter School,
Smithfield 2,380 54 13 16 41 144 11 25 * 312 13% The Hope Academy, Kingston Hill Academy, The
South Kingstown 3,042 62 * 24 80 95 14 54 18 356 12% Learning Community, Rhode Island Nurses
Tiverton 1,820 45 16 26 45 86 11 26 * 263 14% Institute Middle College Charter School, RISE
Prep Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for
Warwick 8,879 213 133 118 285 443 55 106 44 1,397 16% Learning, Sheila “Skip” Nowell Leadership
West Warwick 3,562 91 53 99 116 227 31 55 10 682 19% Academy, Southside Elementary Charter School,
Westerly 2,740 46 27 32 92 116 17 43 26 399 15% Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, and
Woonsocket 5,956 168 111 148 328 415 79 219 33 1,501 25% Village Green Virtual Charter School.
Charter Schools 7,777 80 58 54 177 450 23 167 11 1,020 13% State-operated schools are William M. Davies Career
State-Operated Schools 1,733 14 0 28 48 86 * * 63 243 14% & Technical High School, DCYF Schools,
UCAP 134 0 0 0 * 16 0 0 0 18 13% Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical
Department of Corrections NA 0 0 19 15 * 0 0 0 37 NA
Four Core Cities 41,676 565 567 569 1,148 2,709 336 973 183 7,050 17% UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
Remainder of State 91,191 1,750 854 1,048 2,482 4,499 529 1,537 421 13,120 14% Program.
Rhode Island 142,511 2,409 1,479 1,718 3,872 7,763 889 2,680 678 21,488 15% (References are on page 187)

Student Mobility
DEFINITION High mobility rates in schools can

Student mobility is the number of negatively impact all students because School Mobility and Education Outcomes in Rhode Island, 2017-2018
students who enrolled in school after teachers must slow curriculum progress, Third Graders Meeting Expectations
Attendance Rates by Mobility in English Language Arts by Mobility
September 30 or withdrew from school repeat lessons, and adjust to changing
100% 100%
before June 1 divided by the total classroom dynamics and student needs. 93%
80% 87% 80%
Within-year moves are particularly 82%
enrollment for that school district. 60% 60%
disruptive for students, teachers and
40% 40%
SIGNIFICANCE schools.7,8 41%
20% 20%
Student mobility is associated with Families may move their children to 22% 8%
0% 0%
lower academic performance, behavior a different school because they are Same Changed Changed Schools Same Changed Changed Schools
School Schools Once 2+ Times School Schools Once 2+ Times
difficulties, lower levels of school dissatisfied with the school, concerned
engagement, and increased risk of about their child’s safety, or because Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 school year.
dropping out of high school. Changing they are moving due to changes in
◆ Rhode Island students who change schools mid-year are absent more often than students
schools can disrupt learning, can family circumstances.9 Changes in
who do not change schools. Rhode Island students who did not change schools had a 93%
negatively impact a student’s family circumstances can be either
attendance rate, compared with 87% for those who changed schools once and 82% for
achievement, and can cause social positive or negative factors, including
those who changed schools two or more times during the 2017-2018 school year.14
upheaval for children. Student mobility eviction or foreclosure, divorce or
also can lead to less active parent marriage, job loss or job changes, death
◆ Children who change schools mid-year also perform worse on standardized tests than
involvement in their children’s schools.1,2 in the family, or a desire to improve
children who have not experienced school mobility. During the 2017-2018 school year
Students who change schools quality of life. Mobile students in low-
in Rhode Island, 41% of third-grade children who did not experience mobility met
frequently are more likely to have lower income and Black families are more
expectations in reading/writing on the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System
math and reading skills, more likely to likely to change schools due to family
(RICAS) state assessment, compared with 22% of students who moved once and 8% of
repeat a grade, more likely to be reasons than mobile students in higher-
students who moved two or more times.15
suspended, and less likely to graduate from income and White families.10,11
high school than their non-mobile peers.3,4 Between 2013 and 2017 in Rhode
◆ School districts with high mobility rates can reduce the negative effects of mobility on
Regardless of income status and Island, 11% of children ages five to 17
students by providing immediate and comprehensive screening of entering students to
ethnicity, mobility can negatively affect changed residence at least once during
ensure that students are properly placed. Districts also can identify other districts where
student achievement. However, low- the previous year, 79% of whom moved
students most frequently transfer to and from and align their curricula, programs, and
income and children of color are more within Rhode Island and 21% of whom
policies to reduce learning disruption.16
likely to be mobile and experience moved from another state or abroad.12
greater negative impacts on their Nationally and in Rhode Island, people
◆ One-third of children in foster care will experience five or more school changes before
academic achievement, than higher- with incomes below the poverty line are
they turn age 18, and such changes often result in lost academic progress. The federal Every
income and White students. Students more likely to move than higher-income
Student Succeeds Act includes provisions to give children in foster care more educational
receiving special education services also residents. Between 2013 and 2017,
stability by allowing students to stay in their school of origin if it is in their best interest
are likely to be negatively impacted by 23% of Rhode Islanders living below
and providing transportation to that school.17
changing schools.5,6 the poverty line moved, compared with
10% of higher-income residents.13

Table 46. Student Mobility and Stability Rates by District,
Student Mobility
Rhode Island, 2017-2018 School Year
CUMULATIVE # # #
ENROLLMENT ENROLLED ENROLLED EXITED
FOR THE WHOLE AFTER BEFORE STABILITY MOBILITY
SCHOOL DISTRICT 2017-2018 YEAR SEPT. 30 JUNE 1 RATE RATE
Barrington 3,440 3,305 80 57 96% 4% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Student Mobility and Bristol Warren 3,408 3,063 112 255 90% 11% Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018
school year.
Stability Rates Burrillville 2,321 2,166 77 84 93% 7%
Central Falls 3,009 2,215 457 408 74% 29% *Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
◆ Mobility rates are calculated by adding Chariho 3,252 3,016 96 153 93% 8% numbers are not shown to protect student
confidentiality. These students are still counted in
all children who enrolled after September Coventry 4,819 4,470 158 201 93% 7% district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
30 to all those who withdrew before June Cranston 11,007 9,792 567 726 89% 12% of the state, and state totals.
1 and dividing the total by the total Cumberland 4,849 4,374 226 279 90% 10%
Charter Schools include: Achievement First Rhode
enrollment for that school district.18 East Greenwich 2,497 2,394 43 65 96% 4% Island, Beacon Charter High School for the Arts,
East Providence 5,488 4,995 187 337 91% 10% Blackstone Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,667 1,568 40 67 94% 6% Mayoral Academy, The Compass School, Paul
◆ Stability rates measure the number of Foster 270 256 * * 95% 5%
Cuffee Charter School, The Greene School,
Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
children who attended the same school Foster-Glocester 1,287 1,231 23 34 96% 4% International Charter School, Kingston Hill
the entire school year in a school district. Glocester 544 518 16 11 95% 5% Academy, The Learning Community, RISE Prep
Mayoral Academy, Rhode Island Nurses Institute
The stability rate is calculated by dividing Jamestown 488 454 15 21 93% 7%
Middle College Charter School, Segue Institute for
the number of children enrolled the Johnston 3,347 3,044 151 163 91% 9% Learning, Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership
whole year at the same school in the Lincoln 3,163 2,911 114 145 92% 8% Academy, South Side Elementary Charter School,
Little Compton 245 230 * * 94% 6% Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, and the
school district by total enrollment for that Village Green Virtual Public Charter School. State-
Middletown 2,318 2,023 135 180 87% 14%
school district. The stability rate for the operated schools include DCYF Schools,
Narragansett 1,313 1,224 37 57 93% 7% Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical High
four core cities was 80% in the 2017-2018 New Shoreham 129 114 * * 88% 12% School, William M. Davies Career & Technical
school year, compared with a stability rate Newport 2,386 1,990 180 245 83% 18% High School and the Rhode Island School for the
Deaf. UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
of 91% in the remainder of the state.19 North Kingstown 4,006 3,698 147 180 92% 8% Program.
North Providence 3,743 3,375 177 218 90% 11%
◆ Total enrollment for each district is North Smithfield 1,759 1,629 54 81 93% 8%
Woonsocket.
cumulative over the course of the school Pawtucket 9,530 8,003 798 834 84% 17%
References
Portsmouth 2,504 2,317 73 119 93% 8%
year.20 1,3
Herbers, J. E., Reynolds, A. J., & Chen, C. (2013).
Providence 27,497 21,779 2,841 3,490 79% 23%
School mobility and developmental outcomes in
Scituate 1,315 1,240 40 38 94% 6% young adulthood. Development and Psychopathology,
◆ The overall Rhode Island student Smithfield 2,423 2,311 51 66 95% 5% 25(2), 501–515.
mobility rate was 13% in the 2017-2018 South Kingstown 3,125 2,901 107 137 93% 8% 2,4,5,8
Scherrer, J. (2013). The negative effects of student
school year. The four core cities had a Tiverton 1,886 1,736 61 95 92% 8% mobility: Mobility as a predictor, mobility as a
higher mobility rate (22%) than districts Warwick 9,191 8,377 363 489 91% 9% mediator. International Journal of Education Policy &
West Warwick 3,921 3,261 299 411 83% 18% Leadership, 8(1), 1-14.
in the remainder of the state (9%).21
Westerly 2,842 2,556 123 186 90% 11% 7
Burkam, D. T., Lee, V. E., & Dwyer, J. (2009). School
Woonsocket 6,729 5,362 662 849 80% 22% mobility in the early elementary grades: Frequency and
◆ During the 2017-2018 school year, impact from nationally-representative data. Paper
Charter Schools 8,184 7,459 313 434 91% 9%
Rhode Island high schools had higher presented at the National Research Council
State-Operated Schools 2,015 1,628 226 260 81% 24% Workshop on the Impact of Mobility and Change
mobility rates (16%) than elementary UCAP 156 115 16 26 74% 27% on the Lives of Young Children, Schools, and
schools (13%) and middle schools (11%).22 Four Core Cities 46,765 37,359 4,758 5,581 80% 22% Neighborhoods, Washington, DC.
Remainder of State 94,953 86,539 3,773 5,123 91% 9% (continued on page 188)
Rhode Island 152,073 133,100 9,086 11,424 88% 13%

Third-Grade Reading Skills
DEFINITION High-quality preschool and pre-

Third-grade reading skills is the kindergarten (Pre-K) programs can Third Graders Meeting Expectations on the
percentage of third-grade students boost language and literacy skills and RICAS English Language Arts Assessment, Rhode Island, 2018
who met expectations in English have the greatest impact on children SUBGROUP
language arts on the Rhode Island living in or near poverty.6 Programs Male Students 36%
Comprehensive Assessment System targeting the development of social- Female Students 45%
(RICAS) test. emotional and behavioral skills improve English Learners 13%
children’s school readiness and academic Non-English Learners 44%
SIGNIFICANCE achievement. Children who participate Students with Disabilities 9%
Educators and researchers have long in high-quality early childhood Students without Disabilities 46%
recognized the importance of achieving education programs score higher on Low-Income Students 26%
reading proficiency by the end of third future reading and math assessments, Higher-Income Students 56%
grade, when children begin to shift are more likely to become proficient White Students 50%
from learning to read to reading to readers in the primary grades, and have Asian Students 44%
learn. Students who do not successfully higher graduation rates.7,8 Black Students 26%
reach this milestone struggle in the later Policymakers can increase third-grade Hispanic Students 25%
grades and are four times more likely to reading proficiency by increasing access Native American Students 24%
drop out of high school than their to high-quality child care, Pre-K, and ALL STUDENTS 40%
proficient peers.1 Head Start; providing parents with

Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), 2018. Low-
Interventions for students who supports to create enriched language and income status is determined by eligibility for the free or reduced-price lunch program.
struggle with reading are more literacy opportunities beginning at birth;

◆ In 2018, 40% of Rhode Island third graders met expectations on the Rhode Island
successful when implemented before expanding access to high-quality
Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), English language arts assessment.11
third grade than after third grade. When summer learning programs; and
intervention is delayed until after third addressing chronic early absence.9,10
◆ In Rhode Island in 2018, 26% of low-income third graders met expectations,
grade, most children never catch up to compared with 56% of higher-income third graders. There were also large achievement
their grade-level peers.2,3 4th-Grade NAEP Reading Proficiency gaps by race and ethnicity as well as by English learner and disability status.12
Literacy begins long before children 2007 2017
encounter school instruction in writing RI 31% 39% ◆ 2018 was the first year of the new Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System
and reading. Physical and social- US 32% 35% (RICAS) in grades three through eight in English language arts and mathematics. The
emotional health, family supports, National Rank* 14th RICAS assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and are comparable
literacy-rich home environments New England Rank** 5th to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System.13
(including telling stories) and parents *1st is best; 50th is worst
who provide early cognitive **1st is best; 6th is worst
development activities contribute to Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS
COUNT Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
literacy development, reading
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
achievement, and success in school.4,5 measures proficiency nationally and across states
every other year for grades 4 and 8.

Third-Grade Reading Skills
Table 47. Third-Grade Reading Skills, Rhode Island, 2018
# OF THIRD GRADERS # MEETING % MEETING
SCHOOL DISTRICT TESTED EXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS
Barrington 242 177 73% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol Warren 225 136 60% Data are from the Rhode Island Department of
Burrillville 153 49 32% Education (RIDE), Rhode Island Comprehensive
Assessment System (RICAS), 2018.
Central Falls 200 24 12%
Chariho 210 123 59% Due to the adoption of a new assessment tool by RIDE
in 2018, Third-Grade Reading Skills cannot be
Coventry 331 173 52% compared with Factbooks prior to 2018.
Cranston 732 330 45%
% meeting expectations are the third-grade students who
Cumberland 338 172 51% met or exceeded expectations for their grade on the
East Greenwich 190 128 67% English language arts section of the RICAS. Only
East Providence 388 164 42% students who actually took the test are counted in
the denominator for the district and school
Exeter-West Greenwich 114 74 65% proficiency rates. Students with Individualized
Foster 37 13 35% Education Programs (IEPs) may participate in
Glocester 94 58 62% alternate assessments instead. English Language
Learners in the U.S. less than one year are exempt
Jamestown 40 25 63% from the English language arts assessment.
Johnston 258 102 40%
In Rhode Island, 98% of students were tested. Response
Lincoln 227 125 55% rates vary by district.
Little Compton 28 18 64%
2018 RICAS data for independent charter schools include
Middletown 180 66 37% Achievement First Rhode Island, Blackstone Valley
Narragansett 72 46 64% Prep, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter
Newport 155 40 26% School, Highlander Charter School, The Hope
Academy, International Charter School, Kingston
North Kingstown 234 132 56% Hill Academy, The Learning Community, and
North Providence 249 82 33% SouthSide Charter School. Charter schools included
North Smithfield 131 93 71% in total differ by year, depending on the schools
serving that grade level on the year of the test.
Pawtucket 750 227 30% Charter schools are not included in the four core
Portsmouth 145 89 61% cities and remainder of state calculations.
Providence 1,738 323 19% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Scituate 80 38 48% Woonsocket.
Data is not reported for New Shoreham or The Rhode
South Kingstown 227 108 48% Island School for the Deaf because the number of
Tiverton 129 69 53% students tested was less than 10.
Warwick 622 255 41% See Methodology Section for more information.
West Warwick 272 83 31% References
Westerly 204 109 53%
1,2
Hernandez, D. J. (2012). Double jeopardy: How third-
Woonsocket 481 84 17% grade reading skills and poverty influence high school
Charter Schools 670 319 48% graduation. Baltimore, MD: The Annie E. Casey
Four Core Cities 3,169 658 21% Foundation.
Remainder of State 6,462 3,171 49% (continued on page 188)

Rhode Island 10,305 4,148 40%

Eighth-Grade Reading Skills
DEFINITION Nationally, there has been limited

Eighth-grade reading skills is the progress in improving literacy skills Eighth Graders Meeting Expectations on the
percentage of eighth-grade students who among secondary students.6 Students RICAS English Language Arts Assessment, Rhode Island, 2018
met expectations for reading in English who are struggling with reading may SUBGROUP 2018
language arts on the Rhode Island have distinct difficulties and require Male Students 22%
Common Assessment System (RICAS) test. different interventions to address them.7 Female Students 35%
Many supplementary programs are *English Learners <5%
SIGNIFICANCE generally insufficient for dealing with Non-English Learners 30%
Strong reading skills are essential for the pervasive low levels of adolescent *Students With Disabilities <5%
a student’s academic success in high literacy in many schools and Students Without Disabilities 32%
school and college.1 Reading skills also communities.8 Low-Income Students 13%
are a powerful indicator of a student’s Intensive individualized instruction Higher-Income Students 41%
ability to contribute to, participate in, can help improve adolescent literacy White Students 38%
and succeed in the workforce and the among struggling readers.9 Successful Asian Students 37%
community.2 Literacy demands intensify adolescent literacy programs include Black Students 11%
dramatically in grades four through 12, ongoing teacher support and training in Hispanic Students 12%
the literacy strategy, incorporating Native American Students 9%
as students are expected to comprehend,
synthesize, and analyze increasingly literacy instruction in content area ALL STUDENTS 28%
complex texts across academic classes, explicit reading instruction in Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Common Assessment System (RICAS), 2018. Low-income
disciplines. Even after mastering basic reading comprehension, collaborative status is determined by eligibility for the free or reduced-price lunch program. *Data is reported as <5% when more
than 95% of students did not meet expectations.
literacy skills, adolescents need ongoing learning and using student assessments
support and instruction to develop effectively.10,11 ◆ In Rhode Island in 2018, 28% of all eighth-grade students met expectations in English
advanced literacy skills required to language arts on the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS). Thirteen
succeed in middle and high school, such 8th-Grade NAEP Reading Proficiency percent of low-income eighth graders met expectations, compared with 41% of higher-
as applying critical thinking skills and 2007 2017 income eighth graders. There were also large achievement gaps by race and ethnicity.12
drawing conclusions based on evidence.3 RI 27% 37%
Reading difficulties can persist over US 29% 35% ◆ Less than 5% of English learners and students with disabilities met expectations.13
time with long-term consequences for National Rank* 31st 19th
youth. Adolescents who are poor readers New England Rank** 6th 6th ◆ Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, Rhode Island adopted the Rhode Island
are more likely to drop out of high *1st is best; 50th is worst Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) for assessments in grades three through eight.
school, to have lower wages, and to rely **1st is best; 6th is worst The RICAS assessments are aligned to the Common Core Standards and are comparable
on public assistance than their peers with Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System.14
Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
higher levels of literacy.4 These problems
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
are exacerbated for English learners and measures proficiency nationally and across states
low-income students, who are more likely every other year for grades four and eight.
to have low literacy skills.5

Eighth-Grade Reading Skills
Table 48.
Eighth-Grade Reading Skills, Rhode Island, 2018
# EIGHTH GRADERS # MEETING % MEETING
SCHOOL DISTRICT TESTED EXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Barrington 245 172 70% Data are from the Rhode Island Department of
Bristol Warren 201 78 39% Education (RIDE), Rhode Island Common Assessment
Burrillville 178 40 22% System (RICAS), 2018.
Central Falls 169 * <5% Due to the adoption of a new assessment tool by RIDE
Chariho 262 130 50% in 2018, Eighth-Grade Reading Skills cannot be
compared with prior Factbooks.
Coventry 371 151 41%
Cranston 841 230 27% % meeting expectations are the eighth-grade students who
Cumberland 378 199 53% met or exceeded expectations for their grade on the
English language arts section of the RICAS. Only
East Greenwich 206 127 62% students who actually took the test are counted in the
East Providence 367 88 24% denominator for the district and school proficiency
Exeter-West Greenwich 130 51 39% rates. Students with Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs) may participate in alternate
Foster-Glocester 165 89 54%
assessments. English language students who first
Jamestown 52 33 63% enrolled in a U.S. school after April 1, 2018 are not
Johnston 252 43 17% required to take the English language arts assessment.
Lincoln 274 71 26% * Indicates fewer than 10 students are in this category.
Little Compton 31 17 55% Actual numbers are not shown to protect student
Middletown 174 49 28% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
district totals and four core cities, remainder of the
Narragansett 117 54 46%
state, and state totals. Data is reported as <5% when
Newport 145 32 22% more than 95% of students did not meet expectations.
North Kingstown 317 189 60%
2018 RICAS data for independent charter schools
North Providence 294 59 20% include: Beacon Charter School for the Arts,
North Smithfield 146 81 55% Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, The
Pawtucket 688 68 10% Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter School,
Highlander Charter School, The Learning
Portsmouth 183 83 45%
Community, Segue Institute for Learning, and
Providence 1,703 144 8% Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. Charter
Scituate 118 22 19% schools included in total differ by year, depending on
Smithfield 178 90 51% the schools serving that grade level on the year of the
test. UCAP is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
South Kingstown 265 119 45%
Program. Four core cities and remainder of state
Tiverton 155 38 25% calculations do not include charter schools or UCAP.
Warwick 706 178 25%
West Warwick 223 64 29% Woonsocket.
Westerly 229 65 28%
Data is not reported for New Shoreham or The Rhode
Woonsocket 401 41 10% Island School for the Deaf because the number of
Charter Schools 437 99 23% students tested was less than 10.
Urban Collaborative 80 * 5%
See Methodology Section for more information.
Four Core Cities 2,623 257 10%
References
Remainder of State 7,555 2,650 35%
Rhode Island 10,695 3,010 28% 1,6,10
Hervey, S. (2013). Adolescent readers in middle school.
New York, NY: Generation Ready.

Math Skills
DEFINITION in math. Disparities in math achievement

Math skills is the percentage of third- related to race and family income persist Third- & Eighth- Grade Students Meeting Expectations on
in the U.S.8 Opportunities for advanced the RICAS Math Assessment, Rhode Island, 2018
and eighth-grade students who met
expectations for math on the Rhode math instruction are especially important SUBGROUP THIRD GRADE EIGHTH GRADE
Island Comprehensive Assessment System for low-income children. Low-income Male Students 37% 22%
(RICAS) test. children are exposed to less complex Female Students 34% 24%
math concepts, contributing to lower *English Learners 13% <5%
SIGNIFICANCE performance on assessments.9 Non-English Learners 39% 25%
Students must rely on math to Achieving math proficiency for all *Students With Disabilities 9% <5%
perform everyday activities, advance students requires that improvements be Students Without Disabilities 40% 26%
their education, and navigate today’s made in curriculum, instructional Low-Income Students 22% 9%
technological world. Strong math skills materials, assessments, classroom Higher-Income Students 50% 35%
predict higher college attendance and practice, teacher preparation, and White Students 45% 31%
success rates and increase students’ professional development. These are Asian Students 49% 35%
employability.1,2 Improving education in particularly important as Rhode Island Black Students 21% 8%
the STEM disciplines (science, continues to implement new, more Hispanic Students 22% 8%
technology, engineering, and math) can rigorous math standards.10,11 Teachers Native American Students 15% 7%
spur national innovation and should expose all students to challenging ALL STUDENTS 35% 23%
competitiveness and ensure that we have math concepts and provide additional
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), 2018. Low-
qualified workers for the growing support to struggling students.12 income status is determined by eligibility for the free or reduced-price lunch program. *Data is reported as <5% when
STEM industries.3 The National Assessment of more than 95% of students did not meet expectations.
State, national, and international Educational Progress (NAEP) measures ◆ In Rhode Island in 2018, 22% of low-income third graders met expectations in math,
assessments show that U.S. students fare proficiency in math and other subjects on the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) compared with 50% of
well with straight-forward nationally and across states every other higher-income third graders. There also were large achievement gaps by race and ethnicity,
computational procedures but tend to year.13 In 2017, 39% of Rhode Island with 49% of Asian and 45% of White third graders meeting expectations, compared with
have a limited understanding of basic fourth graders and 40% of U.S. fourth 21% of Black, 22% of Hispanic, and 15% of Native American students. This large
mathematical concepts, resulting in graders performed at or above the achievement gap is also seen in eighth-grade results, with 35% of Asian and 31% of
recent federal actions to increase the Proficient level in math on the NAEP, White eighth graders meeting expectations, compared with 8% of Black and Hispanic
level of rigor, depth, and coherency of and 30% of Rhode Island eighth students, and 7% of Native American students.17
the mathematics content taught graders and 33% of U.S. eighth graders
nationwide.4,5 After two decades of performed at or above the Proficient ◆ Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, Rhode Island adopted the Rhode Island
improvement, performance in math in level in math on the NAEP.14,15 Between Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) for assessments in grades three through eight.
the U.S. has begun to level off.6,7 2011 and 2017, Rhode Island saw The RICAS assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and are
Family risk factors such as poverty decreases in both fourth- and eighth- comparable to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System.18
and low parental education levels are grade math achievement as measured by
associated with low student achievement the NAEP math tests.16

Math Skills
Table 49.
Third & Eighth Grade Students
Meeting Expectations in Math, Rhode Island, 2018
SCHOOL # OF THIRD % OF THIRD GRADERS # OF EIGHTH % OF EIGHTH GRADERS
DISTRICT GRADERS TESTED MEETING EXPECTATIONS GRADERS TESTED MEETING EXPECTATIONS
Barrington 241 60% 246 66% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol Warren 228 59% 213 26% Data are from the Rhode Island Department of
Education (RIDE), Rhode Island Comprehensive
Burrillville 154 25% 178 20%
Assessment System (RICAS), 2018.
Central Falls 219 13% 180 1%
Chariho 210 48% 262 45% Due to the adoption of a new assessment tool by RIDE
in 2018, Math Skills cannot be compared with
Coventry 332 39% 369 25%
Factbooks prior to 2019.
Cranston 737 33% 845 16%
% meeting expectations are students who met or
Cumberland 342 53% 379 45%
exceeded expectations on the math section of the
East Greenwich 191 66% 204 56% RICAS. Only students who actually took the test are
East Providence 391 40% 372 12% counted in the denominator for the district and
Exeter-West Greenwich 114 70% 132 33% school proficiency rates. All students, including
students with disabilities and English learners, are
Foster 37 24% NA NA
expected to participate in the RICAS assessment.
Foster-Glocester NA NA 165 28%
RICAS data for independent charter schools include
Glocester 94 51% NA NA
Achievement First, Beacon Charter School,
Jamestown 40 63% 52 58% Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, The
Johnston 260 34% 252 15% Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter School,
Lincoln 228 54% 274 37% Highlander Charter School, The Hope Academy,
International Charter School, Kingston Hill
Little Compton 30 57% 31 61%
Academy, The Learning Community, Segue Institute
Middletown 180 40% 177 55% for Learning, Southside Charter School, and Trinity
Narragansett 72 64% 115 43% Academy for the Performing Arts.
Newport 160 26% 146 15% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
North Kingstown 235 54% 318 49% Woonsocket.
North Providence 252 28% 300 13% Charter schools and the Urban Collaborative Accelerated
North Smithfield 132 52% 146 38% Program (UCAP) are not included in the four core
Pawtucket 767 29% 702 7% cities and the remainder of state calculations.
Portsmouth 147 52% 183 46% NA indicates that the school district does not serve
Providence 1,793 17% 1,775 6% students at that grade level.
Scituate 80 44% 118 19% New Shoreham and Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Smithfield 149 39% 178 48% serve fewer than 10 students at this grade level. Data
South Kingstown 230 50% 264 41% is not shown to protect student confidentiality.
These students are still counted in remainder of
Tiverton 129 54% 155 25%
state and state totals.
Warwick 632 31% 706 16%
References
West Warwick 275 18% 225 24%
Westerly 203 49% 229 26%
1,7,8
Child Trends. (2015). Mathematics proficiency.
Retrieved March 5, 2019, from www.childtrends.org
Woonsocket 484 16% 407 7%
Charter Schools 672 41% 440 21%
2
RI DataHub. (n.d.). Data story: Math preparation and
postsecondary success. Retrieved March 5, 2019, from
UCAP NA NA 75 0%
ridatahub.org
Four Core Cities 3,263 20% 3,064 6%
Remainder of State 6,513 43% 7,242 30% (continued on page 188)
Rhode Island 10,452 35% 10,827 23%

Schools Identified for Intervention
DEFINITION school performance determined by a

Schools identified for intervention is broad range of performance indicators.4 Rhode Island School Performance Classifications, 2017-2018 School Year
the percentage of Rhode Island public These indicators include achievement in Four Core Cities Remainder of State Rhode Island
schools that are identified as in need English language arts and math, student 100%
132
of “Comprehensive Support and growth, graduation rate, English 80%
% of Schools
Improvement” by the Rhode Island language proficiency, percentage of 60% 56%
44%
Department of Education. students exceeding expectations, student 40%
38% 40%
23% 24%
and teacher chronic absenteeism, and 20% 12% 13%
19% 19%
13% 10% 7% 8%
2%
SIGNIFICANCE suspensions.5 In future years, Rhode 0%
1% 1% 1%
Research on school improvement Island will include additional indicators % 1 Star % 2 Star % 3 Star % 4 Star % 5 Star % Identified
for Support and
efforts shows that schools can be including proficiency in science, high Improvement
improved through comprehensive, school graduates’ proficiency in English Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, School and District Report Cards, 2017-2018 school year.
whole-school reforms. Critical elements language arts and math, and the
percentage of graduating high school ◆ In Rhode Island in the 2017-2018 school year, 36 schools (12%) were given a one-star
of successful school improvement efforts rating, 68 schools (23%) were given a two-star rating, 132 schools (44%) were given a
include targeting resources to support students who have earned college credits
or industry credentials.6 three-star rating, 40 schools (13%) were given a four-star rating, and 21 schools (7%)
the lowest performing schools, giving were given a five-star rating.10
building leaders more autonomy around Schools with five-star ratings have
spending and hiring, using data-based strong performance in all the indicators
and no low-performing student ◆ Eight percent of schools in Rhode Island are identified as in need of Comprehensive
decision making, developing ways to Support and Improvement, and 17 of these 24 schools were located in the four core cities.11
spread best practices, and engaging the subgroups. Schools with one-star ratings
whole community in improvement are low performing schools in multiple
indicators.7 The lowest performing 5% ◆ An additional 131 schools were identified as being in need of additional targeted
efforts.1 support and improvement because they have one or more student subgroups who
The U.S. Department of Education of all schools receiving Title I funds,
high schools that do not graduate at performed at the lowest levels in the state. Of these schools, 89% were identified because
approved Rhode Island’s new of the need for improvement for students with disabilities.12
accountability system under the Every least two-thirds of their students and
Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2018.2 schools with the lowest scores on
The new system is structured to academic indicators are identified as in
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) School Accountability Plans
promote collective responsibility for need of “Comprehensive Support and
continuous improvement at all levels Improvement.”8 These schools will ◆ ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind as the nation’s leading education law in 2015.
of education through the use of receive additional support and oversight The law requires states to include a measure of “school quality or student success,” such
measurements to differentiate school from the state. Schools identified as in as student engagement, chronic absence, school climate and safety, access to advanced
performance, a school classification need of additional targeted support and coursework, or college and career readiness in their new accountability systems.13,14
system, and state, district and school improvement have one or more student
report cards.3 subgroups performing at the lowest ◆ Strong ESSA accountability frameworks have an easy-to-understand rating system,
The new system uses a five-star levels in the state.9 incorporate student growth as well as proficiency, include academic measures inclusive of
rating system to summarize overall more than reading and math, incorporate the performance of student subgroups, include
measures of college and career readiness, and include a measure of year-over-year growth.15,16

Table 50. Schools Identified for Intervention, 2017-2018 School Year
# OF # OF # OF # OF # OF # IDENTIFIED FOR % IDENTIFIED FOR
TOTAL 5-STAR 4-STAR 3-STAR 2-STAR 1-STAR COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE
SCHOOL # OF RATED RATED RATED RATED RATED SUPPORT AND SUPPORT AND
DISTRICT SCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT
Barrington 6 5 1 0 0 0 0 0% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol Warren 6 2 1 3 0 0 0 0% Data are from the Rhode Island Department of

Education, 2017-2018 school year.
Burrillville 5 0 0 4 1 0 0 0%
Central Falls 5 0 0 0 3 2 0 0% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Woonsocket.
Chariho 7 2 1 3 0 1 1 14%
Coventry 7 0 1 6 0 0 0 0% Charter schools that are classified include Achievement
Cranston 23 0 5 11 5 2 1 4% First, Beacon Charter High School for the Arts,
Blackstone Academy Charter, Blackstone Valley
Cumberland 8 2 2 4 0 0 0 0% Prep, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter
East Greenwich 6 3 1 2 0 0 0 0% School, The Greene School, Highlander Charter
East Providence 11 0 0 9 2 0 0 0% School, The Hope Academy, International Charter
School, Kingston Hill Academy, The Learning
Exeter-West Greenwich 4 1 1 2 0 0 0 0%
Community Charter School, Rhode Island Nurses
Foster 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0% Institute Middle College Charter School, Segue
Foster-Glocester 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0% Institute for Learning, Sheila “Skip” Nowell
Glocester 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0% Leadership Academy, SouthSide Elementary School,
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, and
Jamestown 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0%
Village Green Virtual Charter School.
Johnston 7 0 1 2 3 1 0 0%
State-operated schools that are classified include the
Lincoln 6 0 2 4 0 0 0 0%
William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High
Little Compton 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0% School, DCYF, Metropolitan Regional Career &
Middletown 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0% Technical Center, and the Rhode Island School for
Narragansett 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0% the Deaf. UCAP is the Urban Collaborative
Accelerated Program.
New Shoreham 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0%
Newport 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0% Early Learning Centers, Pre-K programs and preschools
are not rated and therefore not included in this
North Kingstown 8 2 3 3 0 0 0 0%
table.
North Providence 9 0 0 4 5 0 0 0%
North Smithfield 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0% See the Methodology Section for more information.
Pawtucket 16 0 1 7 4 4 3 19% References

Portsmouth 4 0 3 1 0 0 0 0% 1
Strauss, C. & Miller, T. (2016). Strategies to improve
Providence 41 1 0 6 16 18 13 32% low-performing schools under the Every Student
Succeeds Act: How 3 districts found success using
Scituate 5 0 1 4 0 0 0 0%
evidence-based practices. Washington, DC: Center for
Smithfield 6 0 2 4 0 0 0 0% American Progress.
South Kingstown 7 0 1 4 2 0 0 0%
2
U.S. Department of Education, Press Office. (2018).
Tiverton 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0% Secretary DeVos approves Idaho, Mississippi and Rhode
Warwick 20 0 0 18 2 0 0 0% Island’s ESSA state plans [Press Release]. Retrieved
West Warwick 5 0 0 3 2 0 0 0% from www.ed.gov
Westerly 5 0 2 2 1 0 0 0% 3,5,7,8
Rhode Island Department of Education. (2018).
Woonsocket 10 0 0 1 6 3 1 10% Rhode Island's Every Student Succeeds Act state plan,
Charter Schools 26 1 3 8 11 3 3 12% from www.ride.ri.gov
State-Operated Schools 4 0 0 1 1 2 2 50% 4,6,9,12

Rhode Island Department of Education. (2018)
UCAP 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0% Rhode Island launches new school report card platform
[Press Release]. Retrieved from www.ride.ri.gov
Four Core Cities 72 1 1 14 29 27 17 24%
Remainder of State 194 19 36 109 26 4 2 1% (continued on page 188)
Rhode Island 297 21 40 132 68 36 24 8%

Chronic Early Absence
DEFINITION chronically absent, compared to less than

Chronic early absence is the percentage one in 10 (8%) of their higher-income Chronic Absence Rates in Rhode Island by Grade,
of children in kindergarten through peers.6 The rate of chronic absence is 2017-2018 School Year
third grade (K-3) who were enrolled for twice as high for students experiencing 50%
at least 90 days and missed 18 days or homelessness as it is for the general 40%
40%
more of school, including excused and student population.7 Chronic 30% 33%
absenteeism can affect the reading and 26% 28%
unexcused absences (10% or more of the 20% 24%
19%
school year for a 180-day school year). math outcomes of all students in a class, 10% 16%
13% 15%
18%
12% 12% 12% 12%
not just those who are absent, because 0%
Kinder- 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
SIGNIFICANCE teachers may backtrack or slow the garten Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade
Students who are absent from school learning pace to review lessons for Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 school year.
miss opportunities to learn and develop students who have missed school.8
Young children are chronically absent ◆ Chronic absence rates are high in kindergarten and then decline before increasing
the important academic and social-
from school for a variety of reasons. again in middle and high school. During the 2017-2018 school year, 16% of Rhode
emotional skills and approaches to
Asthma is one of the leading causes of Island kindergarten students, 13% of first graders, 12% of second graders, and 12% of
learning that are part of the K-3
school absenteeism, accounting for one- third graders were chronically absent (i.e., absent 18 days or more), showing little change
experience and critical for ongoing
third of all absences, but other physical from the 2016-2017 school year when 16% of kindergarten students, 14% of first
school success.1,2 Children who are
and behavioral health issues, including graders, 12% of second graders, and 12% of third graders were chronically absent.14,15
chronically absent in kindergarten show
lower levels of achievement in math, poor dental health, vision problems,
diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and/or ◆ During the 2017-2018 school year, 13% of all Rhode Island children in grades K-3
reading, and general knowledge in first
depression can also result in chronic were chronically absent, and an additional 16% missed 12 to 17 days of school.16
grade. Chronic absence in kindergarten
appears to be especially detrimental for absence.9,10
While illness is a leading factor in ◆ Averages for school-wide attendance can mask significant numbers of chronically
poor and Hispanic children.3 In Rhode
chronic early absence, chronic absent individual students.17 During the 2017-2018 school year, the average daily
Island, children who are chronically
absenteeism also can result from poor attendance rate for K-3 students in Rhode Island’s four core cities was 92%, but 24% of
absent in kindergarten have lower levels
quality education, ambivalence about or students were chronically absent.18
of achievement as far out as the seventh
grade and are more than twice as likely alienation from school, and chaotic
school environments, including high ◆ Schools, districts, and the state can nurture a culture of attendance by raising
to be retained.4
rates of teacher turnover or absenteeism, awareness among school and community personnel about the problem of chronic
More than 3.1 million elementary
disruptive classrooms, and/or bullying. absence, using positive messaging to encourage parents to send their children to school
school students nationwide or 14% of
Unreliable or insufficient transportation, on time and every day in the early grades, and creating attendance teams that regularly
all elementary school students are
violence at and around school, multiple review data on student absenteeism and identify and intervene with students with
chronically absent.5 In the early grades,
foster care placements, lack of clean or troubling absenteeism patterns.19,20
children from poor families are much
more likely to be chronically absent than affordable clothes, and lack of safe and
affordable housing are other factors that ◆ Thirty-seven states are prioritizing reducing chronic absence by making chronic
higher-income children. In the U.S., one
can lead to chronic absence.11,12,13 absence rates a key part of their accountability systems.21 Rhode Island is including both
in five (21%) poor kindergartners were
student and teacher chronic absence rates in its accountability system.22

Chronic Early Absence
Table 51. Chronic Early Absence Rates, Grades K-3, Rhode Island, 2017-2018 School Year
K-3 STUDENTS K-3 STUDENTS % OF K-3 % OF K-3 % OF K-3 % OF K-3
ENROLLED ENROLLED K-3 STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS
SCHOOL LESS THAN 90 DAYS ATTENDANCE ABSENT ABSENT ABSENT ABSENT
DISTRICT 90 DAYS OR MORE RATE 0-5 DAYS 6-11 DAYS 12-17 DAYS 18+ DAYS
Barrington 30 886 96% 51% 36% 10% 3%
Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018
Bristol Warren 93 954 95% 43% 32% 16% 10% school year.
Burrillville 28 566 95% 40% 38% 14% 8%
Attendance rates are calculated by dividing the state-
Central Falls 154 851 92% 25% 28% 22% 24% calculated “average days of attendance” by the
Chariho 32 801 96% 51% 37% 8% 4% “average days of membership.”
Coventry 69 1,299 95% 41% 35% 15% 9% Chronic absence rates are based on attendance patterns
Cranston 176 2,904 95% 43% 32% 15% 10% for students who were enrolled in a district for at
Cumberland 82 1,353 96% 48% 37% 11% 4% least 90 days. A total of 3,531 Rhode Island
students in grades K-3 were not included in this
East Greenwich 10 671 96% 48% 36% 12% 4%
analysis because they were only enrolled for a short
East Providence 99 1,615 95% 39% 33% 16% 12% period. The Rhode Island Department of Education
Exeter-West Greenwich 20 478 96% 48% 37% 11% 4% excludes these students so that chronic absence issues
Foster * 147 97% 63% 24% 9% 5% can be examined separate from student mobility
issues. It is likely that more students were excluded
Glocester * 340 96% 54% 31% 11% 5%
from districts with higher student mobility rates.
Jamestown * 191 95% 35% 47% 14% 5%
Johnston 52 957 94% 33% 34% 18% 15%
Woonsocket.
Lincoln 43 896 96% 45% 35% 12% 8%
Little Compton * 99 96% 53% 31% 10% 6% Charter schools include Achievement First Rhode Island,
Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, The
Middletown 60 690 95% 39% 38% 13% 9% Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter School,
Narragansett 14 299 96% 43% 38% 15% 3% Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
New Shoreham * 34 94% 18% 53% 12% 18% International Charter School, Kingston Hill Academy,
The Learning Community, RISE Prep Mayoral
Newport 75 712 94% 31% 33% 20% 16%
Academy, and SouthSide Elementary Charter School.
North Kingstown 57 933 96% 45% 36% 12% 7%
North Providence 73 1,007 95% 41% 33% 16% 10% *Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
North Smithfield 13 487 96% 44% 35% 15% 6% confidentiality. These students are still counted in
Pawtucket 312 2,827 94% 33% 32% 17% 17% district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
Portsmouth 40 607 96% 48% 35% 13% 5% of the state, and state totals.
Providence 1,113 6,994 92% 24% 29% 21% 27% References
Scituate 13 342 95% 39% 36% 18% 7% 1
Romero, M. & Lee, Y. (2008). The influence of
Smithfield 23 658 96% 53% 34% 9% 4% maternal and family risk on chronic absenteeism in
South Kingstown 55 845 96% 42% 41% 10% 6% early schooling. New York, NY: Columbia University,
Mailman School of Public Health, National Center
Tiverton 31 556 95% 38% 37% 17% 9%
for Children in Poverty.
Warwick 142 2,605 95% 39% 36% 15% 11%
2,3,12,19
Chang, H. N., & Romero, M. (2008). Present,
West Warwick 105 1,142 94% 33% 34% 18% 15%
engaged, and accounted for: The critical importance of
Westerly 54 755 95% 38% 37% 17% 7% addressing chronic absence in the early grades. New York,
Woonsocket 345 1,934 92% 25% 31% 19% 24% NY: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public
Charter Schools 90 3,062 96% 46% 31% 14% 9% Health, National Center for Children in Poverty.
RI School for the Deaf 0 18 91% 28% 17% 22% 33% 4
RI DataHUB. (n.d.). Chronic absenteeism among
Four Core Cities 1,924 12,606 92% 26% 30% 20% 24% kindergarten students. Retrieved March 7, 2019,
from http://ridatahub.org
Remainder of State 1,517 25,829 95% 42% 35% 14% 9%
Rhode Island 3,531 41,515 94% 38% 33% 16% 13% (continued on page 189)

Chronic Absence, Middle School and High School
DEFINITION embarrassment associated with lack of

Chronic absence, middle school and high clean or appropriate clothing or literacy Chronic Absence Rate by District Type,
school is the percentage of children in or other academic problems.4,5,6 Middle and High School, 2017-2018 School Year
middle and high school who were enrolled A national survey of students found % of Middle School Chronically Absent % of High School Chronically Absent
for at least 90 days and missed 18 days or that the most common reasons students 50% 50%
report being chronically absent are 46%
more of school, including excused and 40% 40%
unexcused absences (10% or more of the health-related reasons, transportation 30% 30%
barriers, personal stress, preferring 28% 27%
school year for a 180-day school year). 20% 20%
20%
activities outside of school, and 10% 17% 10%
12%
SIGNIFICANCE perceiving that school has little value 0% 0%
Four Core Remainder Rhode Four Core Remainder Rhode
Students who are frequently absent (i.e., is boring, their parents do not care Cities of State Island Cities of State Island
from school miss critical academic and if they miss school, or a belief that school
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 school year.
social learning opportunities and are at will not help them reach future goals).7
The Rhode Island Department of ◆ The chronic absence rate among middle (28%) and high (46%) school students in the
risk of disengagement from school,
Education (RIDE) defines truancy as ten four core cities is more than twice as high as the rates among middle (12%) and high
academic failure, and dropping out.1
or more unexcused absences in a school (20%) school students in the remainder of the state.12
Studies in large cities have shown strong
relationships between chronic absence in year.8 During the 2017-2018 school year
in Rhode Island, 25% of middle school ◆ One of the most effective strategies for increasing student achievement, high school
middle and high school and the
students and 35% of high school graduation rates, and college access and completion, and for closing achievement gaps
likelihood of dropping out.2 Chronic
students were considered truant by between higher income and lower income students, would be to increase the number of
absence in sixth grade is one of three
RIDE.9 Truant students in Rhode Island low-income students who attend school regularly.13
early warning signs that a student is
likely to drop out of high school, and by may be referred to the Family Court’s
ninth grade, a student’s attendance is a Truancy Calendar, a community and
school-based intervention program.10 Reducing Chronic Absence
better predictor of dropout risk than
eighth-grade achievement test scores.3 One-third (33%) of Rhode Island’s ◆ Schools, districts, and community agencies can improve student attendance by
Students miss school for a variety of low-income middle and high school developing systems that provide frequent reports on student absenteeism and reasons
reasons, including physical and mental students were chronically absent in for the absenteeism, problem solving to address reasons for absenteeism, building and
health problems, substance abuse, lack 2017-2018, compared with 14% of sustaining relationships with students and their families, developing a community
of access to health care, unstable higher-income students. Middle and response that involves adults who interact with students outside of school, recognizing
housing, child welfare or juvenile justice high school students receiving special and rewarding good attendance.14,15 Studies also show that high school attendance rates
involvement, work or family education services (31%) were more improve when school start times are later.16
responsibilities, and lack of affordable or likely than their peers not receiving
reliable transportation. Students may these services (21%) to be chronically ◆ States can reduce chronic absence by increasing public awareness about the problem,
also stay away from school to avoid absent. Almost three-quarters (72%) of sharing best practices, requiring school and district-level attendance teams, incorporating
bullying, harassment, disciplinary absences by middle and high school chronic absence measures into early warning and accountability systems and school
actions due to tardiness, or students were unexcused absences.11 improvement efforts, and allocating resources to address barriers to attendance.17,18,19,20

Table 52.
Chronic Absence and Attendance Rates, Middle and High School, Rhode Island, 2017-2018 School Year
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8) HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)
# # # #
ENROLLED ENROLLED % % ENROLLED ENROLLED % %
LESS THAN 90 DAYS ATTENDANCE ABSENT ABSENT LESS THAN 90 DAYS ATTENDANCE ABSENT ABSENT Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018
SCHOOL DISTRICT 90 DAYS OR MORE RATE 12-17 DAYS 18+ DAYS 90 DAYS OR MORE RATE 12-17 DAYS 18+ DAYS school year.
Barrington 12 789 96% 12% 7% 20 1,164 96% 8% 5%
Attendance rates are calculated by dividing the state-
Bristol Warren 41 759 94% 15% 19% 80 941 92% 16% 25% calculated “average days of attendance” by the
Burrillville 17 540 95% 13% 9% 35 780 94% 14% 13% “average days of membership.”
Central Falls 61 553 93% 18% 21% 178 662 89% 15% 32%
Chronic absence rates are based on attendance patterns
Chariho 29 727 96% 11% 6% 64 1,099 93% 16% 14% for students who were enrolled in a district for at
Coventry 44 1,120 95% 15% 11% 73 1,490 94% 13% 17% least 90 days. A total of 2,219 Rhode Island middle
Cranston 133 2,479 94% 16% 15% 334 3,286 90% 17% 33% school students and 4,423 high school students were
not included in this analysis because they were only
Cumberland 53 1,107 95% 13% 8% 102 1,412 94% 16% 14% enrolled for a short period. The Rhode Island
East Greenwich 17 635 97% 7% 3% 19 756 98% 5% 1% Department of Education excludes these students so
East Providence 57 1,218 93% 17% 20% 110 1,528 91% 16% 29% that chronic absence issues can be examined
separately from student mobility issues. It is likely
Exeter-West Greenwich 15 387 95% 13% 9% 20 525 96% 9% 8%
that more students were excluded from districts with
Foster-Glocester 12 510 96% 9% 7% 19 746 93% 14% 20% higher student mobility rates.
Jamestown * 160 96% 19% 6% NA NA NA NA NA
Johnston 23 799 93% 19% 21% 61 932 92% 17% 26% Woonsocket.
Lincoln 40 785 95% 14% 11% 49 868 90% 20% 31%
Little Compton students attend high school in Portsmouth,
Little Compton 0 89 96% 15% 7% NA NA NA NA NA
and Jamestown students can choose to attend high
Middletown 28 534 95% 16% 9% 55 607 94% 10% 14% school in Narragansett or North Kingstown.
Narragansett 11 341 95% 18% 7% 21 442 94% 14% 17%
Charter middle schools include Beacon Charter School
New Shoreham 0 24 93% 33% 13% * 49 94% 24% 16% for the Arts, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral
Newport 30 446 93% 19% 21% 94 660 88% 18% 38% Academy, The Compass School, Paul Cuffee Charter
North Kingstown 24 926 96% 12% 8% 69 1,421 94% 9% 12% School, Highlander Charter School, The Learning
Community, Segue Institute for Learning, and
North Providence 40 898 95% 15% 13% 64 1,068 94% 14% 19%
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. Charter
North Smithfield 16 408 95% 18% 7% 34 505 95% 11% 11% high schools include Beacon Charter High School
Pawtucket 201 2,242 93% 17% 20% 239 1,956 89% 15% 35% for the Arts, Blackstone Academy, Blackstone Valley
Portsmouth 19 553 95% 17% 8% 34 894 94% 13% 13% Prep Mayoral Academy, Paul Cuffee Charter School,
The Greene School, Highlander Charter School,
Providence 823 5,487 91% 20% 30% 1,401 7,262 85% 16% 50% Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College
Scituate * 332 94% 17% 14% 21 412 94% 19% 12% Charter School, Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership
Smithfield 16 587 96% 10% 6% 16 711 95% 14% 11% Academy, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts,
and the Village Green Virtual Public Charter School.
South Kingstown 15 775 96% 11% 8% 36 937 94% 11% 12%
Tiverton 18 437 94% 16% 12% 16 534 90% 19% 29% State-operated schools include William M. Davies Jr.
Warwick 92 2,094 94% 16% 15% 177 2,709 91% 15% 29% Career & Technical High School, Rhode Island
Training School operated by DCYF, Metropolitan
West Warwick 59 764 92% 16% 19% 184 1,021 91% 13% 25% Regional Career & Technical Center, and Rhode
Westerly 30 661 95% 16% 13% 63 834 93% 20% 21% Island School for the Deaf. UCAP is the Urban
Woonsocket 159 1,321 91% 19% 33% 214 1,577 85% 14% 47% Collaborative Accelerated Program.
Charter Schools 51 1,354 95% 13% 11% 226 2,310 91% 14% 24% NA indicates that the school district does not serve
State-Operated Schools * 13 94% 8% 38% 290 1,675 93% 20% 20% students at that grade level. *Fewer than 10 students
UCAP 19 123 87% 17% 49% * 13 84% 15% 62% are in this category. Actual numbers are not shown to
protect student confidentiality. These numbers are
Four Core Cities 1,244 9,603 92% 19% 28% 2,032 11,457 86% 16% 46% still counted in district totals and in the four core
Remainder of State 899 21,884 95% 15% 12% 1,874 28,334 93% 14% 20% cities, remainder of the state, and state total.
Rhode Island 2,219 32,977 94% 16% 17% 4,423 43,789 91% 15% 27%
(References are on page 189)

Suspensions
DEFINITION of dropping out.5,6 Suspended students

Suspensions is the number of are also at greater risk of criminal Out-of-School Suspensions by Infraction, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
disciplinary actions per 100 students in victimization, criminal activity, and TYPE OF INFRACTION* # % TYPE OF INFRACTION # %
pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in incarceration as adults.7 Insubordination/Disrespect 2,633 22% Obscene/Abusive Language 723 6%
Rhode Island public schools. Students can Schools and districts can improve Fighting 2,390 20% Arson/Larceny/Robbery/Vandalism 278 2%
receive more than one disciplinary action school climate and discipline by Harassment/Intimidation/Threat 1,559 13% Weapon Possession 205 2%
during the school year. Disciplinary developing and enforcing disciplinary Disorderly Conduct 1,530 13% Electronic Devices/Technology 140 1%
policies that set high expectations for Assault of Student or Teacher 1,374 12% Attendance Offenses 0 0%
actions include in-school suspensions and
student behavior, providing clear, Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Offenses 948 8% Other Offenses 142 1%
out-of-school suspensions.
appropriate, and consistent consequences Total 11,922
SIGNIFICANCE for misbehavior, encouraging the use of Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 school year.
*Harassment offenses include hazing and hate crimes. Assault offenses include sexual assault.
Effective school disciplinary practices alternative disciplinary approaches, such
promote a safe and respectful school as restorative justice, and ensuring the ◆ In 2016, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a law that restricts the use of out-
climate, support learning, and address the equitable, appropriate, and limited use of-school suspensions to situations when a child’s behavior poses a demonstrable threat
causes of student misbehavior. Punitive of suspensions.8 that cannot be dealt with by other means.13 From the 2016-2017 school year to the 2017-
disciplinary practices, including “zero In Rhode Island and nationally, 2018 school year, the number of out-of-school suspensions increased by 19%. More than
tolerance” policies, are largely ineffective Black, Hispanic, and Native American half of out-of-school suspensions were for non-violent offenses, such as insubordination/
and even counterproductive.1,2 Despite students are more likely to be disrespect, disorderly conduct, obscene/abusive language, alcohol/drug/tobacco offenses,
this evidence, suspension is a widely suspended than their White peers and electronic devices/technology offenses.14,15
used disciplinary technique, both despite the fact that there is no
nationally and in Rhode Island. evidence that these students have more
Suspensions are used for minor offenses, serious patterns of rule breaking. In Disparities in School Discipline by Special Education Status and
Rhode Island and nationally, students Race/Ethnicity, Rhode Island, 2017-2018
such as attendance infractions, and for
more serious offenses, such as weapon with disabilities also are more likely to % OF STUDENTS ENROLLED % OF SUSPENSIONS
be suspended than their peers.9,10,11 Students With Disabilities 15% 32%

possession.3,4
Of all disciplinary actions during the White Students 58% 46%
Suspension usually does not deter
2017-2018 school year, 14% (2,954) Hispanic Students 25% 32%
students from misbehaving and may Black Students 9% 13%
actually reinforce negative behavior involved elementary school students
Asian Students 5% 1%
patterns. Suspended students are more (kindergarten-5th grade), 33% (7,108)
Native American Students 1% 2%
likely than their peers to experience involved middle school students (6th-
8th grades), and 53% (11,297) involved Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, 2017-2018 school year. % suspensions includes in-school and out-of-
academic failure, juvenile justice system school suspensions. Detailed data by district is available at www.ride.ri.gov
involvement, disengagement from school, high school students (9th-12th grades).
isolation from teachers and peers, and For elementary school students, 76% of ◆ During the 2017-2018 school year, Rhode Island students with disabilities were
dropping out of school. Being suspended disciplinary actions were out-of-school suspended disproportionately. Students with disabilities represent 15% of the student
even once in ninth grade is associated suspensions. Kindergarteners received population but represented 32% of suspensions.16 In 2016, the Rhode Island General
with a twofold increase in the likelihood 284 disciplinary actions, including 249 Assembly passed a law that requires school districts to identify any racial, ethnic, or special
out-of-school suspensions.12 education disparities in suspension rates and to develop a plan to reduce such disparities.17

Suspensions
Table 53. Disciplinary Actions, Rhode Island School Districts, 2017-2018
TOTAL # TOTAL #
TOTAL # OF STUDENTS OF STUDENTS OUT-OF-SCHOOL TOTAL ACTIONS
SCHOOL OF STUDENTS SUSPENDED SUSPENDED SUSPENSIONS PER DISCIPLINARY PER 100
DISTRICT ENROLLED IN-SCHOOL OUT-OF-SCHOOL 100 STUDENTS ACTIONS STUDENTS
Barrington 3,359 10 54 2 64 2
Bristol Warren 3,195 452 496 16 948 30
school year.
Burrillville 2,250 26 195 9 221 10
Central Falls 2,705 246 185 7 431 16 The out-of-school suspension rate per 100 students is the
total number of out-of-school suspensions for the
Chariho 3,159 227 124 4 351 11 school district at all grade levels (Pre-K through 12th
Coventry 4,686 719 110 2 829 18 grade), multiplied by 100, and divided by the
Cranston 10,362 2,770 732 7 3,502 34 student enrollment (“average daily membership”).
Cumberland 4,613 469 160 3 629 14 The disciplinary actions rate per 100 students is the total
East Greenwich 2,462 * * <1 13 1 disciplinary actions for the school district at all grade
East Providence 5,255 29 953 18 982 19 levels (Pre-K through 12th grade), multiplied by
100, and divided by the student enrollment (“average
Exeter-West Greenwich 1,634 34 30 2 64 4 daily membership”).
Foster 277 * * 1 * 3
Schools and districts only report suspensions of one day
Foster-Glocester 1,255 76 88 7 164 13
or longer. If an incident involves more than one
Glocester 535 * 0 0 * <1 infraction, schools and districts are asked to code the
Jamestown 483 * * 1 * 1 incident as the most serious type of infraction (e.g.,
Johnston 3,251 167 143 4 310 10 violent offenses involving weapons and offenses
involving drugs and alcohol are considered more
Lincoln 3,064 0 243 8 243 8 serious than other offenses). The type of infraction
Little Compton 243 0 * <1 * <1 resulting in disciplinary action varies according to
Middletown 2,169 350 119 5 469 22 school district policy. The type of disciplinary action
used for each type of infraction also varies according
Narragansett 1,296 116 107 8 223 17
to school district policy.
New Shoreham 119 * * 1 * 2
Newport 2,194 16 290 13 306 14 *Fewer than 10 students are in this category. Actual
North Kingstown 3,891 278 106 3 384 10 confidentiality. These numbers are still counted in
North Providence 3,587 759 261 7 1,020 28 district totals and in the four core cities, remainder
North Smithfield 1,705 24 41 2 65 4 of the state, and state total.
Pawtucket 8,814 38 735 8 773 9 Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
Portsmouth 2,407 330 50 2 380 16 Woonsocket.
Providence 24,201 690 3,200 13 3,890 16 Charter schools include: Achievement First Rhode Island,
Scituate 1,275 42 14 1 56 4 Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, Blackstone
Smithfield 2,380 81 45 2 126 5 Academy, Blackstone Valley Prep, The Compass
School, Paul Cuffee Charter School, The Greene
South Kingstown 3,042 285 75 2 360 12
School, Highlander Charter School, Hope Academy,
Tiverton 1,820 27 191 10 218 12 International Charter School, Kingston Hill Academy,
Warwick 8,879 212 814 9 1,026 12 The Learning Community, Rhode Island Nurses
West Warwick 3,562 557 329 9 886 25 Institute Middle College Charter School, RISE Prep
Mayoral Academy, Segue Institute for Learning, Sheila
Westerly 2,740 27 260 9 287 10 C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy, SouthSide
Woonsocket 5,956 0 919 15 919 15 Charter School, Trinity Academy for the Performing
Charter Schools 7,776 362 633 8 995 13 Arts, and The Village Green Virtual Public Charter
School. State-operated schools include: William M.
State-Operated Schools 1,733 * 162 9 166 10
Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School, DCYF
UCAP 134 * 42 31 43 32 Schools, Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical
Four Core Cities 41,676 974 5,039 12 6,013 14 Center, and Rhode Island School for the Deaf. UCAP
Remainder of State 91,149 8,098 6,046 7 14,144 16 is the Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program.
Rhode Island 142,469 9,439 11,922 8 21,361 15 (References are on page 189)

High School Graduation Rate
DEFINITION increase achievement and engagement

High school graduation rate is the for all students. These practices Rhode Island Four-Year High School Graduation and Dropout Rates,
percentage of students who graduate encourage deeper engagement by by Student Subgroup, Class of 2018
from high school within four years of personalizing learning, allowing COHORT DROPOUT % COMPLETED % OF STUDENTS FOUR-YEAR
SIZE RATE GED STILL IN SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE
entering, calculated by dividing the students to take ownership over their
Female Students 5,037 7% 2% 4% 88%
number of students who graduate in work, and pacing learning to match the
Male Students 5,497 10% 2% 7% 81%
four years or fewer by the total number student’s mastery of the content.6
English Learners 968 20% 1% 7% 72%
of first-time entering ninth graders Providing students with high-quality Students With Disabilities 1,672 16% 2% 20% 62%
(adjusted for transfers in and transfers postsecondary and workforce Students Without Disabilities 8,862 7% 2% 3% 88%
out during the four years). engagement opportunities can also Low-Income Students 5,891 13% 2% 8% 77%
increase high school graduation rates Higher-Income Students 4,643 3% 1% 3% 93%
SIGNIFICANCE and college and career readiness.7 White Students 6,270 6% 2% 4% 87%
High school graduation is the In order to graduate, Rhode Island Asian Students 308 4% 2% 3% 92%
students up through the Class of 2020 Black Students 915 9% 1% 8% 83%
minimum requisite for college and most
must demonstrate proficiency in Hispanic Students 2,638 13% 2% 8% 77%
employment. In Rhode Island, adults Native American 78 22% 0% 9% 69%
without high school diplomas are more English language arts, math, science,
ALL STUDENTS 10,534 9% 2% 6% 84%
likely to be unemployed and have lower social studies, the arts, and technology
median incomes than adults with high and complete at least 20 courses and Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Class of 2018. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
school degrees.1,2 In 2016, 10% of Rhode two performance-based assessments.8 ◆ The Rhode Island four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2018 was 84%, up from
Island children lived in households Students in the class of 2021 and later 70% for the Class of 2008.11,12
headed by a non-high school graduate, must complete one performance-based
lower than the national average of 14%.3 assessment and can earn Council ◆ The highest dropout rates and lowest high school graduation rates were among
Children who attend high-quality designations, including a Seal of English Learners, students with disabilities, low-income students, and Hispanic and
preschool programs and read at grade Biliteracy, Commissioner’s Seal, and Native American students.13
level in elementary school are more likely Pathway Endorsements.9,10
to graduate from high school than their
peers.4 Early warning and intervention High School Graduation Rates Rhode Island Five- and Six-Year High School Graduation Rates
systems use early predictors of dropping 2016-2017 ◆ Rhode Island calculates five- and six-year graduation rates to recognize that graduation is
out, such as poor attendance, behavior RI 84% an accomplishment regardless of the time it takes. Of the 11,053 Rhode Island students
problems, and course failure in math and US 85% who enrolled in ninth grade in 2012, 9,227 (83%) graduated in four years in 2016, 352
reading, to identify students who are off- National Rank* 29th (3%) graduated in five years in 2017, and 59 (1%) graduated in six years in 2018.14
track, so academic supports can be put New England Rank** 6th
in place to help students get “on track” *1st is best; 50th is worst ◆ Of the 352 students who graduated in five years in 2017, 141 (40%) were students with
for graduation.5 disabilities and 45 (13%) were English learners. Of the 59 students who graduated in six
Source: National Center for Education Statistics. (2018).
Adopting student-centered learning Table 1. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from years in 2018, 43 (73%) were students with disabilities and 2 (3%) were English learners.15
practices at the high school level can www.nces.ed.gov

High School Graduation Rate
Table 54. High School Graduation Rates, Rhode Island, Class of 2018
FOUR-YEAR COHORT RATES
# OF % % FOUR-YEAR
STUDENTS DROPOUT COMPLETED STILL IN GRADUATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT IN COHORT RATE GED SCHOOL RATE
Barrington 294 1% 0% 2% 97% Source of Data for Table/Methodology
Bristol Warren 221 5% 1% 7% 86%
Burrillville 183 11% 3% 3% 83% Rhode Island Department of Education, Class of 2018.
Central Falls 184 16% 1% 8% 75% The 2018 four-year cohort graduation rate is the number
Chariho 251 6% 2% 4% 88% of students who graduate in four years or fewer
Coventry 367 4% 1% 2% 92% divided by the total number of students in the
Cranston 794 6% 3% 5% 86% cohort. The cohort is calculated as the number of
Cumberland 291 6% 4% 8% 82% first-time entering ninth graders in 2014-2015
East Greenwich 185 1% 0% 2% 97% adjusted for transfers in and transfers out during the
East Providence 372 7% 2% 5% 86% course of the four years. The cohort dropout rate is
calculated the same way as the graduation rate, but
Exeter-West Greenwich 131 2% 1% 3% 95%
the numerator is the number of students who drop
Foster-Glocester 175 5% 1% 2% 92%
out or whose status is unknown at the end of four
Johnston 197 4% 2% 3% 92% years. Separate rates are calculated for the percentage
Lincoln 192 4% 5% 3% 88% of students who are retained in high school and
Middletown 140 6% 1% 6% 86% therefore are taking more than four years to graduate
Narragansett 120 6% 3% 5% 86% and for the percentage of students who received their
Newport 178 13% 0% 3% 84% GED within four years instead of graduating with a
North Kingstown 345 4% 3% 4% 89% traditional diploma.
North Providence 246 6% 4% 5% 86% Core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and
North Smithfield 112 8% 0% 8% 84% Woonsocket.
Pawtucket 480 14% 1% 6% 79%
Portsmouth 199 3% 2% 0% 96% Students from Little Compton attend high school in
Portsmouth, and Jamestown students can choose to
Providence 1,786 16% 1% 8% 75%
attend high school in Narragansett or North
Scituate 112 4% 3% 3% 91%
Kingstown. DCYF includes students attending
Smithfield 161 3% 2% 2% 93% DCYF alternative schools.
South Kingstown 217 3% <1% 2% 94%
Tiverton 137 5% 2% 4% 89% New Shoreham and Rhode Island School for the Deaf are
Warwick 669 9% 3% 6% 83% not reported because there are fewer than 10
students in these cohorts. These students are
West Warwick 261 7% 3% 4% 85%
included in the state total.
Westerly 191 8% 2% 7% 83%
Woonsocket 351 20% <1% 8% 72% References
Beacon Charter High School for the Arts 57 0% 0% 4% 96% 1
Blackstone Academy 74 5% 0% 4% 91% 2013-2017. Table S2301.
Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy 64 3% 0% 8% 89%
Paul Cuffee Charter School 64 0% 0% 8% 92%
2
2013-2017. Table B20004.
The Greene School 51 4% 0% 4% 92%
Highlander Charter School 39 8% 3% 10% 79% 3
RI Nurses Institute Middle College 33 9% 0% 9% 82% Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
Sheila “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy 76 42% 1% 42% 14% 4
Fiester, L. (2013). Early warning confirmed: a research
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts 25 0% 0% 0% 100%
update on third-grade reading. Baltimore, MD: The
Village Green Virtual Public Charter School 49 4% 2% 0% 94% Annie E. Casey Foundation.
William M. Davies Jr.
Career & Technical High School 171 3% 0% 4% 93% 5,7
DePaoli, J. L., Balfanz, R., Bridgeland, J., Atwell, M.,
DCYF Schools 42 71% 14% 10% 5% & Ingram, E.S. (2017). Building a grad nation:
Metropolitan Regional Progress and challenge in raising high school graduation
Career and Technical Center 229 4% 1% 3% 92% rates. Retrieved March 14, 2019, from
Four Core Cities 2,801 16% 1% 8% 75% www.americaspromise.org
Remainder of State 6,752 6% 2% 4% 88% (continued on page 189)
Rhode Island 10,534 9% 2% 6% 84%

College Preparation and Access
DEFINITION and target financial aid strategically to

College preparation and access is the students with the greatest needs.4 Immediate College Enrollment by Family Income, Race, Ethnicity,
percentage of Rhode Island high school Students who participate in AP and Type of College, Class of 2017, Rhode Island
seniors who graduate and go on to courses are likely to attend and succeed Two-year College Four-year College
college (i.e., enroll in a two-year or in college.5 In 2018, 6,341 Rhode
four-year college) immediately or Island public school students took an Low-Income 21% 26% 48%
within six months of graduation. AP course, 45% more than in 2015.6,7 Higher-Income 17% 58% 75%
Rhode Island covers the cost for all
White Students 19% 49% 68%
SIGNIFICANCE public high school students to take the
SAT during the day in eleventh grade as Asian Students 15% 50% 65%
By 2020, 71% of jobs in Rhode
Island will require post-secondary a key strategy to increase college access.8 Black Students 20% 31% 52%
education.1 Between 2013 and 2017 in In 2018, 95% of 11th graders completed Hispanic Students 21% 25% 46%
Rhode Island, adults with high school the SAT. Statewide, 50% of 11th graders
Native American 21% 26% 47%
diplomas were three times more likely to met expectations in English language
arts and 30% met expectations in math All Students 19% 42% 61%
be unemployed as those with bachelor’s
degrees or higher.2 During that same on the SAT.9 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
period, the median annual income for Seniors who have completed a FAFSA Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Class of 2017. Percentages may not sum exactly due to rounding.
adults with high school diplomas was by May and been accepted to a four-year
college are 50% more likely to enroll ◆ Sixty-one percent of Rhode Island students who graduated from high school in the
$32,734, compared to $53,036 for
than students who have not completed Class of 2017 immediately enrolled in college. However, there are large gaps in college
adults with bachelor’s degrees.3
their FAFSA.10 During the 2018-2019 access, particularly four-year college enrollment, between low- and higher-income
Many students, especially low-income
cycle, Rhode Island ranked eighth in the students as well as by race and ethnicity. Compared to the prior year, before the Rhode
students, face barriers to college
U.S. for the number of high school Island Promise Scholarship was available, the overall college enrollment rate has
enrollment and success, such as
seniors completing the FAFSA.11 increased from 59% to 61%, the two-year college enrollment rate has increased from
insufficient academic preparation,
Rhode Island’s state Every Student 16% to 19%, and the four-year college enrollment rate has decreased from 43% to 42%.13
difficulty navigating the application and
financial aid processes, and the high cost Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan includes a
proposed Post-Secondary Success ◆ School counselors have an important role to play in setting students on a path to
of college. States can help address these
Indicator that will initially measure the postsecondary success. In particular, Black students identify their school counselor as the
barriers and improve college access by
percentage of students that graduate with person who had the most influence on their thinking about college.14 Rhode Island has
ensuring that all students have access to
a career and technical education 424 students for every school counselor, far above the recommended ratio of 250 to one.15
advanced coursework, including
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and industry-approved credential, college
credits through dual or concurrent ◆ For states, improving college access will require improvements at all points in the early
dual and concurrent enrollment; take
enrollment, and/or successful completion education to college education system, including increasing access to high-quality
college entrance exams; complete the
of AP tests. Starting with the Class of preschool, implementing research-driven dropout prevention programs, improving the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
2021, this indicator will be further quality of the K-12 education system, and aligning it with college and career
(FAFSA); get adequate counseling to
expanded to include the Seal of Biliteracy expectations, simplifying the college admission process, and making college affordable.16
enroll in college and access financial aid;
and the Pathway Endorsement.12

College Preparation and Access
Table 55. College Preparation and Access, Rhode Island
TOTAL % OF GRADE 12 % OF % OF GRADE 11 % OF % OF
GRADE 12 STUDENTS PLANNING STUDENTS WHO STUDENTS TAKING THE SAT TAKERS SAT TAKERS
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT TO ATTEND FILLED OUT THE SAT DURING THE PROFICIENT IN PROFICIENT IN
DISTRICT OCT. 2017 COLLEGE, 2018 FAFSA, 2018 SCHOOL DAY, 2018 ELA , 2018 MATH, 2018
Barrington 305 95% 67% 97% 85% 80%
Bristol Warren 226 91% 64% 96% 61% 35% Total 12th grade enrollment is from the Rhode Island
Burrillville 192 88% 53% 100% 60% 42% Department of Education as of October 1, 2017.
Central Falls 169 82% 51% 97% 14% <5% % of 12th grade students planning to attend college is
Chariho 242 85% 62% 97% 67% 47% from the 2017-2018 administration of Survey
Coventry 367 89% 68% 96% 51% 27% Works!, based on responses to the question, “What
Cranston 806 89% 56% 97% 49% 27% do you think you will do after you finish high
Cumberland 267 91% 64% 99% 66% 42% school?” and includes students who responded that
they planned to go to a community college, two-year
East Greenwich 190 97% 72% 99% 85% 76%
college, or four-year college. Data are from the
East Providence 353 88% 52% 90% 43% 18% Rhode Island Department of Education.
Exeter-West Greenwich 136 NA 68% 99% 68% 50%
Foster-Glocester 175 88% 57% 96% 60% 37% The number of 12th graders completing the FAFSA is
from U.S. Department of Education, Federal
Johnston 236 91% 51% 97% 43% 22%
Student Aid, Rhode Island school-level data from the
Lincoln 189 92% 66% 95% 72% 49% 2018-2019 cycle through June 2018, Retrieved
Middletown 136 98% 65% 98% 60% 38% March 17, 2019, from studentaid.ed.gov. The
Narragansett 124 96% 61% 89% 73% 55% percentage of 12th graders completing the FAFSA is
Newport 157 84% 73% 94% 34% 20% calculated by dividing the number of students
North Kingstown 363 92% 63% 98% 81% 60% completing applications into the number of 12th
graders enrolled on October 1, 2017.
North Providence 247 93% 57% 96% 44% 21%
North Smithfield 102 90% 65% 99% 70% 54% % of SAT takers proficient in ELA and math and % of
Pawtucket 499 89% 46% 93% 23% 10% 11th graders taking the SAT is from the Rhode
Portsmouth 201 94% 66% 98% 75% 52% Island Department of Education.
Providence 1,512 86% 69% 90% 28% 15% NA indicates that data are not available either because
Scituate 113 95% 64% 99% 72% 37% data were not collected or reported or because the
Smithfield 163 95% 80% 97% 70% 35% number of students was too small to report. DCYF,
South Kingstown 234 95% 65% 95% 69% 55% New Shoreham and Rhode Island School for the
Deaf are not reported because data reported would
Tiverton 149 90% 58% 96% 50% 32%
reflect fewer than 10 students. These students are
Warwick 677 85% 46% 95% 51% 25% included in the remainder of state and state totals as
West Warwick 240 86% 58% 94% 50% 27% appropriate.
Westerly 217 94% 52% 99% 67% 38%
Little Compton students attend high school in
Woonsocket 350 84% 51% 91% 33% 14%
Portsmouth, and Jamestown students can choose to
Beacon Charter High School for the Arts 58 74% 62% 96% 49% 20% attend high school in Narragansett or North
Blackstone Academy 75 93% 67% 99% 42% 16% Kingstown.
Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy 63 88% 84% 95% 64% 53%
Paul Cuffee Charter School 60 92% 78% 95% 31% 19%
Woonsocket.
The Greene School 48 94% 90% 98% 45% 19%
Highlander Charter School 40 86% 55% 100% 24% 14% References
RI Nurses Institute Middle College 64 98% 61% 98% 13% 2% 1
Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2013).
Sheila “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy 41 74% 24% 35% <5% <5% Recovery: Job growth and education requirements
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts 26 85% 81% 100% 19% <5% through 2020 (State report). Washington, DC:
Village Green Virtual Public Charter School 49 90% 73% 98% 14% 5% Georgetown University, Center on Education and
the Workforce.
William M. Davies Jr.
Career & Technical High School 184 81% 56% 100% 42% 15% 2
Metropolitan Regional 2013-2017. Table S2301.
Career and Technical Center 229 87% 61% 98% 36% 12%
Four Core Cities 2,530 86% 61% 91% 27% 14%
3
2014-2017. Table B20004.
Remainder of State 6,817 90% 60% 96% 60% 38%
Rhode Island 10,295 89% 60% 95% 50% 30% (continued on page 189)

College Enrollment and Completion
DEFINITION colleges students enroll in, and the

College enrollment and completion is percentage who attain college degrees College Completion, New England Secondary School
the percentage of Rhode Island public across different income groups.6 Consortium States (NESSC), 2011 Cohort
high school students who enroll in a In the U.S., two-thirds of low-income
students attend community colleges and Connecticut 64%
two- or four-year college and earn a
college diploma (an associate’s degree or for-profit institutions, many of which Maine 56%
bachelor’s degree) within six years of have low completion rates. Low-income
New Hampshire 67%
enrollment.1 students are also more likely to delay
going to college and to have breaks in Rhode Island 58%
SIGNIFICANCE enrollment, both of which lower their Vermont 70%
By 2020, 71% of jobs in Rhode Island chances of completing their college

All NESSC States 63%
will require post-secondary education degrees.7 There are also barriers to
attainment for students of color. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
beyond high school, and yet only 35% of
Rhode Island adults between the ages of Addressing racial disparities can Source: Common Data Project: 2018 annual report, school year 2016-2017. (2018). Retrieved March 15, 2019, from
improve college completion outcomes www.newenglandssc.org
25 and 64 have a bachelor’s degree or
higher, and an additional 28% have some and fulfill workforce needs.8,9 ◆ Fifty-eight percent of Rhode Island public high school graduates who enrolled in a two-
college or an associate’s degree.2,3 Between Low-income and first-generation or four-year college in 2011 earned a college diploma within six years, an increase of five
2013 and 2017 in Rhode Island, 8.7% of college students often arrive at college percentage points from the 2010 cohort. In Rhode Island, there are large gaps in college
adults with a high school diploma were less academically prepared than other completion between low-income and higher-income students, with 38% of low-income
students. They can benefit from a wide 2
unemployed, compared to 5.6% of those students completing college within six years, compared to 69% of higher-income students.14
with some college or an associate’s degree range of academic and social supports,
and 2.9% of those with a bachelor’s including comprehensive assessment and
degree or higher.4 During that same placement, summer transition programs, Pipeline to College Completion, Rhode Island,
period, the median annual income for peer-mentored and peer-facilitated 2007-2008 High School Freshman Class
adults with a high school diploma was programs that offer tutoring and other
$32,734, compared to $38,016 for academic support, learning communities
adults with some college or an that allow a group of students to enroll 2007-2008 Percentage Percentage Percentage
associate’s degree and $53,036 for in two or more classes together so they Freshman High School Enroll in Complete
Class Graduates Postsecondary Postsecondary
adults with a bachelor’s degree.5 can establish peer relationships that
100% 81% 72% 34%
Students must complete college support their success, personal and career
degrees to increase their income and counseling, mentoring, and/or referrals
reduce the risk of unemployment. to social services.10,11,12
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education. (February 13, 2019). PrepareRI college readiness project: A system-wide
While college enrollment rates have State policies that transform effort to prepare all students for college success. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from www.ride.ri.gov
doubled in recent decades, there are still remediation practices, encourage full-time
◆ Of the students who were freshman in high school during the 2007-2008 school year,
large gaps in the percentage of students college attendance, and help students
81% had graduated from high school, 72% had enrolled in college, and 34% had
who enroll in college, the types of balance work and school, could further
completed college 10 years later.15
increase college completion rates.13

College Enrollment and Completion
Table 56. College Enrollment and Completion, Rhode Island
# OF STUDENTS # OF 2017 HS % OF 2017 HS # OF # OF 2016 % OF 2016
WHO GRADUATED GRADUATES WHO GRADUATES WHO STUDENTS COLLEGE ENROLLEES COLLEGE ENROLLEES
FROM ENROLLED IN ENROLLED IN WHO ENROLLED WHO PERSISTED WHO PERSISTED Source of Data for Table/Methodology
SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE WITHIN COLLEGE WITHIN IN COLLEGE (ENROLLED FOR A (ENROLLED FOR A
DISTRICT IN 2017 6 MONTHS 6 MONTHS IN 2016 THIRD SEMESTER) THIRD SEMESTER)
# of students who graduated from high school in 2017, # of
Barrington 238 196 82% 253 244 96% 2017 high school graduates who enrolled in college
Bristol Warren 199 124 62% 185 160 86% within six months, # of students who enrolled in college
Burrillville 146 101 69% 117 98 84% in 2016, and # of 2016 college enrollees who persisted
Central Falls 151 58 38% 91 57 63% (were enrolled for a third semester) are all from Rhode
Chariho 300 183 61% 204 176 86% Island Department of Education. The # of 2016 college
Coventry 320 216 68% 291 237 81% enrollees who persisted may include students enrolled
Cranston 678 429 63% 593 476 80% directly after high school or afterwards. Percentages may
Cumberland 284 202 71% 285 247 87% not sum exactly due to rounding.
East Greenwich 141 112 79% 171 163 95%
Four core cities are Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence,
East Providence 293 167 57% 271 206 76%
and Woonsocket.
Exeter-West Greenwich 123 81 66% 95 87 92%
Foster-Glocester 140 80 57% 109 94 86% Students from Little Compton attend high school in
Johnston 169 108 64% 132 111 84% Portsmouth, and Jamestown students can choose to
Lincoln 178 136 76% 201 180 90% attend high school in Narragansett or North
Middletown 140 104 74% 124 107 86% Kingstown.
Narragansett 91 68 75% 100 87 87%
New Shoreham, DCYF, and Rhode Island School for the
Newport 113 57 50% 77 61 79%
Deaf are not reported because there are fewer than
North Kingstown 299 233 78% 277 263 95% 10 students in these cohorts.
North Providence 203 147 72% 197 164 83%
North Smithfield 108 87 81% 114 105 92% Data for Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts are
Pawtucket 472 203 43% 283 205 72% from the National Student Clearinghouse report.
Portsmouth 239 191 80% 188 167 89%
Providence 1,212 596 49% 918 612 67%
Scituate 105 83 79% 95 92 97% confidentiality. These numbers are still counted in
Smithfield 174 130 75% 142 126 89% remainder of state and state totals.
South Kingstown 231 172 74% 191 178 93%
Tiverton 112 73 65% 94 79 84% NA Schools did not have students graduating in this year.
Warwick 564 362 64% 482 400 83%
References
West Warwick 183 105 57% 133 108 81%
Westerly 188 123 65% 158 140 89% 1
Common Data Project: 2018 procedural guidebook.
Woonsocket 288 127 44% 201 139 69% (2018). Retrieved March 18, 2019, from
Beacon Charter http://newenglandssc.org
High School for the Arts 54 33 61% 42 30 71%
Blackstone Academy 39 20 51% 26 23 88%
2
Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2013). Recovery:
Job growth and education requirements through 2020
Paul Cuffee Charter School 61 32 52% 43 30 70%
(State report). Washington, DC: Georgetown
The Greene School 46 22 48% 24 20 83%
University, Center on Education and the Workforce.
Highlander Charter School 16 0 0% NA NA NA
RI Nurses Institute Middle College 52 28 54% 37 31 84% 3
Sheila “Skip” Nowell 2013-2017. Table B23006.
Leadership Academy 28 * 18% 11 * 45%
Trinity Academy
4
for the Performing Arts 29 11 38% 28 23 82% 2013-2017. Table S2301.
Village Green Virtual
Public Charter School 75 37 49% NA NA NA 5
William M. Davies Jr. 2013-2017. Table B20004.
Career & Technical High School 139 74 53% 145 106 73%
Metropolitan Regional
6,7
Miller, A., Valle, K., Engle, J., & Cooper, M. (2014).
Career and Technical Center 195 106 54% 132 93 70% Access to attainment: An access agenda for 21st century
Four Core Cities 2,123 984 46% 1,493 1,013 68% college students. Washington, DC: Institute for
Remainder of State 5,979 4,078 68% 5,291 4,567 86% Higher Education Policy.
Rhode Island 8,834 5,425 61% 7,244 5,918 82%

Teens Not in School and Not Working
DEFINITION Programs that offer post-secondary

Teens not in school and not working is education or job training; provide high- Percentage of U.S. Youth Ages 16 to 19,
quality early work experiences, adult Not in School and Not Working, by Race and Ethnicity, 2016
the percentage of teens ages 16 to 19
who are not enrolled in school, not in mentoring, and youth development 50%
the Armed Forces, and not employed. opportunities; and address root causes 40%
Teens who are recent high school of inequity all decrease the likelihood 30%
graduates and who are unemployed and of youth disconnection.6,7,8 There is a 20% 13%
real cost to youth disconnection. If we 9% 9%
teens who have dropped out of high 10% 6%
3%
school and are unemployed are were to connect all youth, the federal 0%
Asian Black Hispanic Native American Non-Hispanic White
included. government would gain an estimated
$55 billion in annual tax revenue.9 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
SIGNIFICANCE Between 2013 and 2017, an ◆ In the U.S., youth of color (with the exception of Asian youth) are more likely to be
School and work help teens acquire estimated 3,479 (5.7%) youth ages 16 to disconnected from school and work than White youth.11 In 2016 among U.S. youth ages 16
the skills, knowledge, experience, and 19 in Rhode Island were not in school to 19, 13% of Native American youth, 9% of Black youth, and 9% of Hispanic youth were
supports they need to become and not working. Of the youth who not in school and not working, compared to 6% of White youth and 3% of Asian youth.12
productive adults. Youth who drop out were not in school and not working,
of school and do not become a part of 54% were males, and 46% were females. ◆ While Rhode Island has a low overall youth disconnection rate, there are striking racial
the workforce are at risk of experiencing Fifty-eight percent of these youth were and ethnic disparities. In 2015, 18.5% of Latino young adults ages 16 to 24 in Rhode
negative outcomes as they transition high school graduates, and 42% had Island were not in school and not working, which is nearly triple the White rate of 6.7%.13
from adolescence to adulthood. Teens not graduated from high school.10
in low-income families, teens who drop ◆ Youth disconnection has declined in recent years. In the U.S. in 2017, 7% of youth
Teens Not in School
out of school, young mothers, and and Not Working ages 16 to 19 reported being disconnected; compared to 10% in 2014. Older youth are
youth with disabilities have high rates 2017 more likely to be out of work and school than younger teens. In 2017, 11% of 18 to 19-
of disconnection from both school and RI 6% year-olds were disconnected, compared to 4% of 16 to 17-year-olds.14
work.1,2 Disconnected youth are more US 7%
likely to live in poverty, experience poor National Rank* 16th
physical and mental health, have a New England Rank** 6th Compulsory School Attendance
disability, be involved with the child *1st is best; 50th is worst
◆ Rhode Island requires school attendance until age 18. Rhode Island students over age 16
welfare system, experience difficulties **1st is best; 6th is worst
may obtain a waiver from the attendance requirement if they have an alternative learning
finding and maintaining employment, Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT
Data Center, datacenter.kidscount.org plan for obtaining a diploma. Plans can include independent study, private instruction,
earn low wages, and need public
community service, or online coursework and must be developed in consultation with the
benefits to make ends meet. Young
student, school guidance counselor, school principal, and at least one parent or guardian.
people disconnected from both work
Alternative learning plans must be approved by the district superintendent.15
and school are disproportionately
people of color.3,4,5
◆ As of 2017, one state has compulsory attendance to age 19, 24 states (including Rhode
Island) have compulsory attendance to age 18, 10 states to age 17, and 15 states to age 16.16

Teens Not in School and Not Working
References 21
Early College Designs. (n.d.). Reinventing high schools
for postsecondary success. Retrieved January 7, 2019,
Connecting Youth to School and Work 1,4,6,20
Lewis, K. & Burd-Sharps, S. (2018). More than a from www.jff.org
million reasons for hope: Youth disconnection in
◆ Education has a positive impact on the likelihood of finding and maintaining America today. Brooklyn, NY: Measure of America. 22
The Meaningful Youth Employment Initiative: A
philanthropic campaign to increase community based
employment. Between 2013 and 2017, the unemployment rate for Rhode Island adults 2,5
Fernandes-Alcantara, A. L. (2018). Vulnerable youth: jobs: 2016 investment guide. (2016). Boston, MA:
Background and policies. Washington, DC:
ages 25 to 64 with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 2.9%, compared with 8.7% for high Congressional Research Service.
Youth Violence Prevention Funder Learning
Collaborative.
school graduates and 10.6% for those with less than a high school diploma.17 3,11,13,19
Burd-Sharps, S. & Lewis, K. (2017). Promising 23
Ross, M. & Kazis, R. (2016). Youth summer jobs
gains, persistent gaps: Youth disconnection in America. programs: Aligning ends and means. Washington, DC:
◆ Successful strategies to prevent youth disconnection must be comprehensive, including Brooklyn, NY: Measure of America. Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings.
adequately funded K-12 public schooling, restorative discipline, a focus on healthy youth 7
Youth employment matters! Strengthening the youth-to- 24
Biennial employment and training plan FY18-19.
work pipeline through high-quality youth employment
development and support services, multiple pathways to employment, and targeted post- (2017). Cranston, RI: Governor’s Workforce Board
opportunities – Policy brief. (2014). Washington, DC: Rhode Island.
secondary education and workforce development programs.18,19,20 Urban Alliance.
25
Workforce guidance. (2018). Cranston, RI: Governor’s
8,18
Ross, M. & Kazis, R. (2016, May 24). Employment Workforce Board.
◆ Programs and alternative schools that enable students to earn college credits while and disconnection among teens and young adults: The
role of place, race, and education. Washington, DC:
working toward their high school degrees can improve high school graduation rates and The Brookings Institution
better prepare students for college completion and high-skill careers.21 9
Lewis, K. & Gluskin, R. (2018). Two futures: The
economic case for keeping youth on track. Brooklyn,
NY: Measure of America.
Youth Work Experience 10
2013-2017. Table B14005.
◆ Work experience during the teen years increases academic achievement, employability,
12
and wages into early adulthood.22 Center, datacenter.kidscount.org
14
Disconnected youth. (2018). Bethesda, MD: Child
◆ Public and private investment in summer work programs helps keep adolescents Trends
attached to constructive youth development activities, increases employment rates, and 15
Rhode Island General Law 16-19-1.
helps reduce youth violence.23,24 16
National Center for Education Statistics. (2017). Table
5.1. Compulsory school attendance laws, minimum
◆ Expanding work-based learning opportunities can help more youth in Rhode Island and maximum age limits for required free education,
by state: 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2019, from
successfully transition into college and careers. These types of programs can help to nces.ed.gov
motivate students, teach them critical skills, connect them with mentors and positive 17
adult role models, and help them to make informed decisions about their future. Many 2013-2017. Table S2301.
work-based learning internship programs allow youth to receive school credit and/or earn
money while gaining important workplace experience.25

Methodology
References
Committees
Acknowledgements
Methodology
2017 American Community Survey number of total births, not due to an percentages are not calculated for cities
conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. increased likelihood of being born with and towns with small denominators.
The 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count
They are Central Falls, Pawtucket, low birthweight. Caution should be Rates and percentages based on small
Factbook examines 71 indicators in five
Providence, and Woonsocket. The core used with small numbers in numerators denominators are statistically unreliable.
areas that affect the lives of children:
cities are different than in Factbooks and denominators. In the indicator for child deaths and
Family and Community, Economic
prior to 2012, which were identified Rates and Percentages teen deaths, and other indicators in which
Well-Being, Health, Safety, and
based on the child poverty rates reported the events are rare, city- and town-level
Education. The information on each A rate is a measure of the frequency
in Census 2000. In Factbooks prior to rates are not calculated, as small numbers
indicator is organized as follows: of an event - e.g., out of every 1,000
2012, the six core cities were Central make these rates statistically unreliable.
◆ Definition: A description of the live births, how many infants will be
Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Census Data
indicator and what it measures. breastfed. A percentage is another
West Warwick, and Woonsocket.
◆ Significance: The relationship of the measure of frequency - e.g., out of every There are four sources of U.S.
When core city trends are presented
indicator to child and family well- 100 births, how many will be born low Census Bureau data used in the
in this Factbook, they are based on
being. birthweight. Rates and percentages take Factbook: Census 2010, the Current
the new definition of core cities for all
into account the total population of Population Survey, Population
◆ National Rank and New England years presented.
children eligible for an event. They are Estimates, and the American
Rank: For those indicators that are ◆ Most Recent Available Data: The useful in comparing the severity of the Community Survey. In all city/town
included in the Annie E. Casey Factbook uses the most current, reliable problem from one geographic area tables that require population statistics,
Foundation’s KIDS COUNT data available for each indicator. to another, to compare with state or data is from Census 2010 (as is stated in
publications, the Factbook highlights
Numbers national standards, or to look at Source sections). Throughout the text
Rhode Island’s rank among the 50
The most direct measure of the trends over time. portions of each indicator, all four
states, as well as trends. The New
scope of a problem is the count of the Sources of Data and sources are used and the relevant
England Rank highlights Rhode Island’s
number of events of concern during a Methodology for Calculating citations provide clarification on which
rank among the six New England states
specified time period - e.g., the number Rates and Percentages source the data come from.
– Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
of child deaths between 2013 and For each indicator, the source of Starting with the 2012 Rhode Island
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
2017. Numbers are important in information for the actual number of Kids Count Factbook, rates that use the
Vermont.
assessing the scope of the problem and events of interest (the numerator) is child population as the denominator are
◆ City/Town Tables: Data presented based on Census 2010. Previous years
in estimating the resources required to identified within the Source of
for each of Rhode Island’s cities and are based on Census 2000. In instances
address a problem. Numbers are not Data/Methodology section next to
towns, the state as a whole, and the where Census 2010 data is used in the
useful to compare the severity of the the table for that indicator. For each
four core cities. denominator, caution should be taken
problem from one geographic area to indicator that uses a rate or a percent,
◆ Four Core Cities Data: The core another or to compare the extent of the the source of data for the total number when comparing new rates with those
cities are the four Rhode Island problem in Rhode Island with national of children eligible for respective for past years, as actual population
communities with the highest standards. For example, a state with indicator (the denominator) is numbers may have changed.
percentages of children living below the more children might have more low also noted within the Source of Whenever possible, Census data are
poverty threshold according to the 2013- birthweight infants due to the larger Data/Methodology section. Rates and updated using the most recent data
170 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Methodology

Methodology
Margins of Error, Median Family Income, Margins of Error, Children Living Below the Federal
Rhode Island, 2013-2017 Poverty Threshold, Rhode Island, 2013-2017
2013-2017 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME MARGIN
FOR FAMILIES WITH OF CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 LIVING BELOW POVERTY, 2013-2017
CITY/TOWN CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 ERROR # MARGIN OF ERROR % MARGIN OF ERROR
from Census 2010; however, Census
Barrington $153,318 $9,773 70 58 1.6% 1.29%
2010 was a briefer survey than Census Bristol $82,067 $16,450 229 128 7.2% 3.93%
2000 and did not include questions on Burrillville $80,025 $11,027 456 197 14.1% 5.83%
employment and education status or on Central Falls $29,935 $2,501 2,297 399 41.5% 6.20%
income, so indicators based on these Charlestown $88,520 $7,427 132 95 10.4% 7.29%
measures use the most recent data from Coventry $100,471 $9,931 722 258 10.7% 3.73%
Cranston $78,750 $6,812 2,296 517 14.4% 3.12%
the American Community Survey.
Cumberland $104,167 $11,031 774 259 11.0% 3.58%
In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau East Greenwich $158,889 $18,921 101 90 2.9% 2.59%
discontinued publishing three-year East Providence $67,991 $8,918 919 275 11.1% 3.20%
estimates of the American Community Exeter $109,957 $54,186 40 75 3.5% 6.56%
Survey. Beginning with the 2016 Rhode Foster $101,250 $16,996 39 55 5.3% 7.35%
Island Kids Count Factbook, five-year Glocester $111,902 $11,218 153 105 7.7% 5.23%
Hopkinton $101,837 $18,430 111 89 7.9% 6.20%
estimates are used in all indicators that
Jamestown $151,836 $53,856 73 86 6.9% 7.98%
had used three-year estimates in prior Johnston $81,357 $20,651 692 279 13.6% 5.19%
Factbooks. Lincoln $79,694 $25,444 648 213 13.3% 4.22%
Little Compton $96,250 $28,679 41 51 7.2% 8.91%
Margins of Error for Median Family
Income and Children in Poverty Middletown $74,836 $9,506 423 160 12.5% 4.58%
Narragansett $134,706 $19,576 18 55 0.9% 2.73%
The 2013-2017 Median Family New Shoreham $64,375 $32,325 28 41 30.8% 40.42%
Income and Child Poverty data are Newport $81,597 $18,398 743 198 21.2% 5.25%
estimates based on the American North Kingstown $107,455 $8,555 661 201 11.6% 3.42%
Community Survey, a sample survey. North Providence $75,154 $6,632 482 184 9.0% 3.33%
North Smithfield $106,047 $14,783 138 84 5.5% 3.25%
The reliability of estimates varies by
Pawtucket $42,969 $3,022 4,913 596 30.9% 3.41%
community. In general, estimates for Portsmouth $115,101 $4,352 200 135 5.7% 3.83%
small communities are not as reliable as Providence $37,183 $2,216 14,520 1,225 36.0% 2.81%
estimates for larger communities. The Richmond $105,400 $19,272 68 83 4.2% 5.02%
Margin of Error is a measure of the Scituate $93,929 $18,044 203 155 10.2% 7.66%
reliability of the estimate and is provided Smithfield $121,579 $22,355 41 67 1.2% 2.01%
South Kingstown $117,059 $10,339 388 154 8.4% 3.25%
by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Margin
Tiverton $80,727 $9,442 218 108 8.0% 3.86%
of Error means that there is a 90% Warren $61,250 $16,352 324 144 19.1% 8.06%
chance that the true value is no less than Warwick $85,346 $4,866 899 273 6.4% 1.92%
the estimate minus the Margin of Error West Greenwich $111,908 $10,787 1 48 0.1% 3.25%
and no more than the estimate plus the West Warwick $60,641 $7,192 1,040 312 19.8% 5.68%
Westerly $72,143 $23,970 771 288 18.8% 6.77%
Margin of Error. Margins of Error are
Woonsocket $31,883 $5,605 3,357 500 38.5% 4.76%
provided for all communities in the
Four Core Cities NA NA 25,087 915 35.6% 1.18%
tables in this section. Remainder of State NA NA 14,142 675 10.3% 0.48%
Rhode Island $72,430 $1,544 39,229 1,878 18.9% 0.89%
For source information see page 25.
Methodology / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 171

Methodology
Methodology for Homeless Children (NHANES). Because no safe blood lead Confirmed lead data at ≥5 µg/dL are include simple assault, robbery, assault,
The number of homeless children level in children has been identified, the based on venous tests and confirmed felony assault, assault with a dangerous
identified by public schools is based on CDC also will no longer use the term capillary tests only. The highest result weapon, domestic assault, assault on
the federal McKinney-Vento Act definition “level of concern” when talking about (venous or capillary) is used. Complete a police officer, threats, assault on a
of homelessness and includes children those children whose blood lead level confirmed lead poisoning trend data at school teacher, kidnapping, fighting,
living in emergency and transitional exceed the reference value and require the ≥5 µg/dL reference level are only intimidating witness, stalking, cyber-
shelters, as well as children doubling up case management. Instead, they will available since 2012, when state blood stalking, and murder.
in homes with relatives and friends and replace that term with the reference lead screening protocols were updated Weapons offenses in this indicator
living in hotels and motels, cars, value and the date of the NHANES to reflect the new lower CDC include possession of an unspecified
campsites, parks, and other public places. that was used to calculate the reference threshold. Prior to 2012, confirmed weapon, possession of a knife,
Schools report the number of children by value. For more information on this lead data at the ≥5 µg/dL reference possession of a firearm, possession of a
grade and the child’s primary nighttime policy change, see www.cdc.gov. value are available, but is incomplete weapon at school, possession of a bb
residence (i.e., sheltered, doubled-up, Rhode Island law requires providers to and is limited to only those children gun, discharging a firearm, possession of
unsheltered, or in a hotel/motel). The conduct at least two blood lead screening who had a venous test. Children who ammunition, possession of a dangerous
total number of students identified by tests on all children between the ages of had an initial capillary test and screened weapon, carrying a concealed weapon,
school districts may be higher than the nine and 36 months and to continue positive for lead between 5 µg/dL and and discharging a bb gun.
total for Rhode Island if students were screening annually through age six. 10 µg/dL were not required to have a
Methodology for Child Deaths
identified as homeless by multiple school The guidelines (which were updated confirmation test prior to 2012 as their
due to Child Abuse and Neglect
districts in which they were enrolled. in 2012 to reflect the new CDC blood lead level did not exceed the old
recommendations) indicate that if either reference value of ≥10 µg/dL. Beginning with the 2013 Factbook,
Methodology for child deaths due to child abuse and
of the blood lead tests done at ages one
and two is ≥5 µg/dL, follow up and
Children with Lead Poisoning Methodology for Youth Violence neglect are reported using data provided
In 2012, the Centers for Disease annual screening should continue until All law enforcement agencies in by the Rhode Island Department of
Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered the age of six. For those children whose Rhode Island are required to maintain a Health. Data from previous Factbooks
the threshold for which a child is blood lead tests are ≤5 µg/dL, the record of the nature of detentions and are not comparable due to a change in
considered to have an elevated blood pediatrician can use the Risk Assessment characteristics of youth they arrest. data source.
lead level from ≤10 µg/dL to ≤5 µg/dL. Questionnaire instead of a blood lead They submit this information to the
State-Operated and
This new threshold, also called a test until the age of six, which means Rhode Island Public Safety Grant
Charter Schools
reference value, is based on the U.S. that not all children receive an annual Administration Office on a monthly
basis, and the information is aggregated The state-operated schools and
population of children age one through blood test after age two. For those
into a summary report submitted charter schools included in each table
five who are in the highest 2.5% of children under age six who have not
annually to the federal Office of are listed in the Source/Methodology
children when tested for lead in their been screened at least twice prior to 36
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Section next to the table. Charter
blood. The CDC will update the months of age, it is recommended that a
Prevention. More information can be schools include only independently-run
reference value every four years using blood lead test be ordered. If the blood
lead level is ≥5 µg/dL, the child should found at www.rijustice.ri.gov. charter schools and not those affiliated
the two most recent National Health
Assault offenses in this indicator with a district. The Academy for
and Nutrition Examination Surveys be screened annually.
172 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Methodology

Methodology
Career Exploration, the New England assessment, divided by the number of students exceeding expectations, student
Laborers’/Cranston Public Schools students who took that assessment. and teacher chronic absenteeism, and
Construction Career Academy, and RICAS test results (including the suspensions.
Times2 Academy are all district-affiliated number of students who opted-out of RIDE uses a one- to five-star rating.
charter schools, and consequently taking the test) are available for the Schools with one-star ratings are low
their data are reported within district state, district, and school levels on the performing in multiple indicators.
categories instead of the charter school Rhode Island Department of Education Schools identified for comprehensive
category. The Urban Collaborative (RIDE) website. support and improvement are designated
Accelerated Program (UCAP) is listed The RICAS replaced the Partnership one-star and are the lowest performing
separately when data are available. for Assessment of Readiness for College 5% of all schools. Schools with five-star
Charter schools, state-operated schools, and Careers (PARCC), which was ratings have strong performance in all
and UCAP are not included in Four administered in Rhode Island between indicators.
Core Cities and Remainder of State 2014 and 2017. Results from the Early Learning Centers, Pre-K
calculations. RICAS are not comparable with PARCC programs, and preschools are not rated
assessment tests. and therefore not included in the
Rhode Island Common
Rhode Island totals may not be the classifications.
Assessment Program (RICAS)
same as the sum of the districts because
Starting in the 2017-2018 school Limitations of the Data
results for districts with fewer than 10
year, Rhode Island began using a new students are not reported by RIDE. In any data collection process there are
statewide assessment, the Rhode Island An asterisk is used when there are always concerns about the accuracy and
Common Assessment Program (RICAS). fewer than 10 students in a category to completeness of the data that are
The RICAS is aligned to the Common protect student confidentiality. These collected. All data used in Factbook
Core State Standards. The English students are still counted in district indicators were collected through routine
language arts RICAS assesses students’ totals and in the four core cities, data collection systems operated by
ability to read and comprehend complex remainder of the state, and state totals. different federal and state agencies. We do
texts, use different sources to compare not have estimates of the completeness of
and synthesize ideas, and write Methodology for reporting for these systems.
effectively. The math RICAS assesses Schools Identified for Intervention
students’ ability to demonstrate The Rhode Island Department of
mathematical reasoning and apply Education (RIDE) classifies schools based
mathematical concepts to solve on a Star Rating System that is comprised
complex, real-world problems. of a broad range of indicators including:
The percentage of students meeting proficiency levels on the RICAS English
expectations is the number of students language arts and math assessments,
who met or exceeded expectations for student growth, graduation rate, English
their grade on a specific RICAS language proficiency, percentage of
Methodology / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 173

Methodology & References
(continued from page 11) (continued from page 17)
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Cristina Amedeo Ana Karantonis Mike Simoli
16
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United Way 2-1-1 in RI & The POINT Rhode Island Department of Education Rhode Island Department of Education
agenda: State policy guide. Retrieved March 15, 2019,
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to statewide attainment goals for racial equity advocates. Kate Bramson Paula McFarland
Retrieved March 15, 2019, from www.edtrust.org Rhode Island Community Action Association Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Rhode Island Senate Policy Office
Community Leadership Council
10
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Developmental education: An introduction for
HousingWorks RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner Darlene Allen
policymakers. Denver, CO: Education Commission of Adoption Rhode Island
the States. Tara Cooper Joanne McGunagle
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11
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Caitlin Divver
College success for low-income and first-generation
Foster Forward Washington County Coalition for Children Raymond Arsenault
students. Washington, DC: The Pell Institute for the Spurwink School
Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. Patricia Flanagan, MD Jessica Patrolia
Hasbro Children’s Hospital Rhode Island Department of Education Lenette Azzi-Lessing
13
The game changers: Are states implementing the best
Candace Powell Boston University, School of Social Work
reforms to get more college graduates? (2013). Leslie Gell
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14
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Kathleen Gorman
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University of Rhode Island East Bay Community Action Program Carolyn Belisle
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from www.ncsl.org Lisa Hildebrand
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Young Children Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Rebecca Boxx
Human Services Providence Children & Youth Cabinet

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Committees
Andrew Bramson Rachel Flum Khadija Lewis Khan Brother Michael Reis
College Crusade of Rhode Island The Economic Progress Institute Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Center Tides Family Services
Laura Brion Shirley Spater Freedman, DMD Tanja Kubas-Meyer Maxine Richman
Childhood Lead Action Project Caitlin Frumerie Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition
Mario Bueno Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless Families Samuel Salganik
Progreso Latino Reverend Betsy Aldrich Garland Peg Langhammer Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Stephen Buka Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition Day One Hillary Salmons
Brown University Joseph Garlick Benedict F. Lessing, Jr. Providence After School Alliance
David Caprio NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley Community Care Alliance Karen Santilli
Children's Friend Leslie Gell Lisa Conlan Lewis Crossroads Rhode Island
Michael Cerullo Ready to Learn Providence Parent Support Network of Rhode Island Ramona Santos, Stephanie Gonzalez,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Kathleen S. Gorman Margaret Holland McDuff and Janie Segui
Channavy Chhay URI, Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free Family Service of Rhode Island Parents Leading for Educational Equity (PLEE)
Center for Southeast Asians America Kim Maine Susan Schenck
Jeanne Cola Jennifer Griffith Sunshine Child Development Center Newport Partnership for Families
LISC Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate Jennifer Mann Andrew Schiff
Lela Coons Lisa Guillette Rhode Island Chapter American Academy of Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Warwick Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse Foster Forward Pediatrics Ronald Seifer
Patrice Cooper Rabbi Leslie Y. Gutterman Anna Cano Morales Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Temple Beth El Rhode Island College John C. Simmons
Terese Curtin Tonya Harris Barbara Mullen Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council
Connecting for Children & Families Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Center for Leadership and Educational Equity Martin Sinnott
Violence (CLEE) Child & Family
Laureen D’Ambra
Rhode Island Family Court Jane Hayward Anne Mulready Susan Stevenson
Rhode Island Community Health Center Rhode Island Disability Law Center Gateway Healthcare
Phyllis Dennery, MD
Hasbro Children's Hospital Association Patricia Nolin The Honorable O. Rogeriee Thompson
Lisa Hildebrand Rhode Island College U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals
Lynda Dickinson
CHILD, Inc. Rhode Island Association for the Education of Susan Orban Lynne Urbani
Young Children Washington County Coalition for Children Rhode Island House of Representatives
Susan Dickstein
Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Jennie Johnson Jill Pfitzenmayer Karla Vigil and Carlon Howard
Health City Year Providence Rhode Island Foundation EduLeaders of Color RI
Karen Feldman Susan Kaplan Candace Powell James Vincent
Young Voices Linda Katz Newport Partnership for Families NAACP, Providence Chapter
Nick Figueroa The Economic Progress Institute Elliott Rivera Chanda Womack
College Visions H. John Keimig Youth in Action ARISE
Patricia Flanagan, MD Healthcentric Advisors Sister Mary Reilly Brenda Whittle
Hasbro Children’s Hospital John M. Kelly Sophia Academy Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Meeting Street

Acknowledgements
The 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count Vincent Rossi, RI Department of Labor and Women and Children Participating in
Factbook was made possible by the efforts of For their technical assistance with the Training. WIC: Ann Barone, Preet Kaur, RI
many dedicated individuals. Rhode Island following sections of the Factbook: Department of Health.
Paid Family Leave: Donna Murray, Kate
KIDS COUNT gratefully acknowledges
Greenwell, Ray Pepin, Fern Casimiro, Matt Children Participating in School
their assistance. Special thanks to: Laura Family and Community Breakfast: Stephen Carey, Jennifer
Weldon, RI Department of Labor and
Speer, Dennis Campa, Jann Jackson, and Training; Senator Gayle Goldin, RI General Goodwin, Kenneth Gu, RI Department of
Child Population, Children in Single-
Flo Gutierrez of The Annie E. Casey Assembly; Marie Ganim, formerly at the RI Education; Kathleen Gorman, University of
Parent Families, Racial and Ethnic
Foundation for their support and technical Senate Policy Office, Rachel Flum, RI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free
Diversity, Racial and Ethnic Disparities:
assistance. Jean D'Amico, Alicia VanOrman, Economic Progress Institute. America; Andrew Schiff, RI Community
The Rhode Island state agency directors Population Reference Bureau. Food Bank.
Children Receiving Child Support: Sharon
for their ongoing support of Rhode Island Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren: Santilli, Office of Child Support Services;
KIDS COUNT and for the work of their Health
Leon Saunders, Brian Renzi, RI Department Rachel Flum, Linda Katz, The Economic
data and policy staff as we produce the of Children, Youth and Families; Darlene Progress Institute; Vincent Rossi, RI Children’s Health Insurance: Kim Paull,
Factbook each year. Members of the Rhode Allen, Adoption RI; Lisa Guillette, Foster Department of Labor and Training. Rebecca Lebeau, RI Executive Office of
Island Kids Count Factbook Advisory Forward; Jennifer Miller, Child Focus. Health and Human Services; Sandeep
Children in Poverty: Linda Katz, The
Committee and the State Agency Data Janyavula, HealthSource RI; Linda Katz,
Mother's Education Level: Ellen Amore, Economic Progress Institute; Laura Speer,
Liaisons for their assistance in shaping the The Economic Progress Institute; Jean
Richard Lupino, Will Arias, Samara Viner- The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Amy
format and content of the Factbook. D'Amico, Alicia VanOrman, Population
Brown, RI Department of Health. Rainone, Nishi Kumar, Rhode Island
Reference Bureau.
Rebecca Lebeau, RI Executive Office Housing; Sharon Santilli, Office of Child
of Health and Human Services; Samara Economic Well-Being Support Services; Arloc Sherman, Center on Childhood Immunizations: Hanna Kim,
Viner-Brown, Center for Health Data and Budget and Policy Priorities; Jean D’Amico, Kathy Marceau, Patricia Raymond, Samara
Median Family Income: Linda Katz, The Alicia VanOrman, Population Reference Viner-Brown, Tricia Washburn, RI
Analysis, RI Department of Health; James
Economic Progress Institute; Jean D’Amico, Bureau. Department of Health.
Butler, RI Department of Human Services;
Alicia VanOrman, Population Reference
Leon Saunders, RI Department of Children, Children in Families Receiving Cash Access to Dental Care: Kim Paull, Rebecca
Bureau.
Youth and Families; and Kenneth Gu, RI Assistance: Courtney Hawkins, Yvette Lebeau, RI Executive Office of Health and
Department of Education for coordination Cost of Housing: Amy Rainone, Nishi Mendez, Alisha Pina, James Butler, Kimberly Human Services; Kathy Taylor, Samara
and analysis of data from their respective Kumar, Rhode Island Housing; Eric Hirsch, Rauch, Maria Cimini, Mary Tramonti, RI Viner-Brown, Sam Zwetchkenbaum, Sadie
departments. Providence College and RI Emergency Food Department of Human Services; Rachel DeCourcy, Jim Beasley, RI Department of
and Shelter Board; Brenda Clement, Flum, Linda Katz, The Economic Progress Health; Sandeep Janyavula, HealthSource RI;
Greenwood Associates for the design and Annette Bourne, HousingWorks RI. Institute; Denise Szymczuk, Community Eva Marie Stahl, Community Catalyst; Colin
layout, Gail Greenwood for the illustrations, College of RI; Sharon Santilli, Office of Reusch, Children’s Dental Health Project.
and The Allied Group for the printing of Homeless Children: Eric Hirsch, Providence
Child Support Services; Kim Chouinard,
the Factbook. College and RI Emergency Food and Shelter Children’s Mental Health: John Peterson,
RI Department of Education.
Board; Kenneth Gu, Eileen Botelho, RI Henry Sachs, Daniel Wall, Susan
The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Board Department of Education; Caitlin Frumerie, Children Receiving SNAP Benefits: Thompson, Mike Montella, Jessica Gelinas,
of Directors for their support. Amy Ferguson, RI Coalition for the Courtney Hawkins, Yvette Mendez, Alisha Lifespan; Charles Alexandre, Mark Gloria,
Homeless, Cristina Amedeo, United Way of Pina, James Butler, Bethany Caputo, RI Butler Hospital; Tara Cooper, Kathy Taylor,
Rhode Island, Michael Tondra, RI Department of Human Services; Kathleen Samara Viner-Brown, RI Department of
Department of Administration. Gorman, University of RI Feinstein Center Health; Gregory Fritz; Kim Paull, Rebecca
for a Hunger Free America; Linda Katz, The Lebeau, RI Executive Office of Health and
Secure Parental Employment: Linda Katz,
Economic Progress Institute; Andrew Schiff, Human Services; Gabby Arrendondo, RI
The Economic Progress Institute; Sharon
RI Community Food Bank; Cristina Department of Behavioral Health,
Santilli, Office of Child Support Services;
Amedeo, United Way of RI. Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.
192 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Committees

Acknowledgements
Children with Special Needs: Ruth Children with Asthma: Julian Rodriguez- Viner-Brown, RI Department of Health. Department of Children, Youth and
Gallucci, Kenneth Gu, Beth Pinto, David Drix, Deborah Pearlman, Alvaro Tinajero, Families; Brother Michael Reis, Tides Family
Sienko, Jaime Viti, RI Department of RI Department of Health. Safety Services; Timothy Healey, Meghan
Education; Jennifer Kaufman, Christine Child Deaths and Teen Deaths: Tara McDonough, Michele Dupuis-Clarke, RI
Robin Payne, Kim Paull, Rebecca Lebeau, Housing and Health: Sherry Dixon,
Cooper, Kathy Taylor, Samara Viner-Brown, Office of the Attorney General; Gina Tocco,
RI Executive Office of Health and Human National Center for Healthy Housing; Jean
RI Department of Health; Nancy Ricci, RI Department of Public Safety.
Services; Deborah Garneau, RI Department D’Amico, Alicia VanOrman, Population
Reference Bureau; Anne Cardoza, Anne Jamie Overton, RI Department of Children of Incarcerated Parents: Patricia
of Health. Transportation; Jean D'Amico, Alicia
Primeau-Faubert, Michelle Kollett Almeida, Coyne-Fague, Keith Ivone, Erin Boyar, Caitlin
Infants Born at Risk: Ellen Amore, Blythe Julian Rodriguez-Drix, Ana Novais, VanOrman, Population Reference Bureau. O'Connor, RI Department of Corrections.
Berger, Kristine Campagna, Richard Lupino, Deborah Pearlman, Kathy Taylor, Alvaro Youth Violence: Gina Tocco, RI
Samara Viner-Brown, RI Department of Children Witnessing Domestic Violence:
Tinajero, Samara Viner-Brown, RI Department of Public Safety; Brother
Health; Patricia Flanagan, Hasbro Children's Elaine Dorazio, Veronica Hobbs, RI
Department of Health; Amy Rainone, Michael Reis, Tides Family Services; Tara
Hospital. Supreme Court Domestic Violence Training
Rhode Island Housing; Ruth Ann Norton, Cooper, Kathy Taylor, Samara Viner-Brown, and Monitoring Unit; Tonya Harris, John
Green and Healthy Homes Initiative; James RI Department of Health; Peg Votta, RI
Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting: Wesley, RI Coalition Against Domestic
Butler, RI Department of Human Services; Department of Education.
Kristine Campagna, Blythe Berger, Sara Violence; Eric Hirsch, Providence College
Jean D’Amico, Alicia VanOrman,
Remington, Sidra Scharff, Sarah Bowman, Gun Violence: Tara Cooper, Kathy Taylor, and RI Emergency Food and Shelter Board.
Population Reference Bureau; Betsy
Ellen Amore, Samara Viner-Brown, RI Samara Viner-Brown, RI Department of
Stubblefield Loucks Child Abuse and Neglect: Trista Piccola,
Department of Health. Health. Leon Saunders, Brian Renzi, Colleen Caron,
Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Midge
Women with Delayed Prenatal Care, Low Homeless and Runaway Youth: Leon Michael Burk, RI Department of Children,
Sabatini, RI Department of Education; Dora
Birthweight Infants, Infant Mortality: Saunders, Colleen Caron, Brian Renzi, Youth and Families; Tonya Harris, John
Dumont, Amore, Tara Cooper, RI
Ellen Amore, William Arias, Richard Michael Burk RI Department of Children, Wesley, RI Coalition Against Domestic
Department of Health; Patrick Vivier,
Lupino, Ana Novais, Alvaro Tinajero, Youth and Families; Eric Hirsch, Providence Violence; Kathy Taylor, Samara Viner-
Michelle Rogers, Hassenfeld Child Health
Samara Viner-Brown, RI Department of College and RI Emergency Food and Shelter Brown, RI Department of Health.
Innovation Institute; Marti Rosenberg, Libby
Health; Jean D'Amico, Alicia VanOrman, Board; Ken Gu, RI Department of
Bunzli, Melissa Lauer, Executive Office of Children in Out-of-Home Placement:
Population Reference Bureau. Education; Amy Ferguson, RI Coalition for
Health and Human Services; Melissa Oliver, Trista Piccola, Leon Saunders, Brian Renzi,
Preterm Births: Ellen Amore, Richard Child, Inc.; Karin Wetherill, RI Healthy the Homeless; Katheryn Tavares, Adoption Colleen Caron, Michael Burk, RI
Lupino, Will Arias, Ana Novais, Alvaro Schools Coalition; Megan Tucker, American Rhode Island; Michelle Duso, Power4Good; Department of Children, Youth and
Tinajero, Samara Viner-Brown, RI Heart Association/American Stroke Susan Walker. Families; Darlene Allen, Adoption RI; Lisa
Department of Health; James Padbury, Association; Janice O’Donnell, Recess for RI; Guillette, Foster Forward.
Youth Referred to Family Court: Michael
Maureen Phipps, Betty Vohr, Women & Andrew Saal, Adriana Vargas, Providence
Forte, Ron Pirolli, Kevin Richard, Richard Permanency for Children in DCYF Care:
Infants Hospital. Community Health Centers; Jane Hayward,
Scarpellino, Sharon O’Keefe, RI Family Trista Piccola, Leon Saunders, Brian Renzi,
RI Health Center Association.
Breastfeeding: Hanna Kim, Karine Court; Gina Tocco, RI Department of Colleen Caron, Michael Burk, RI
Monteiro, Samara Viner-Brown, RI Births to Teens: Ellen Amore, Will Arias, Public Safety; Timothy Healy, Meghan Department of Children, Youth and
Department of Health, Kim Gans, Brown Richard Lupino, Tara Cooper, Ana Novais, McDonough, Michele Dupuis-Clarke, RI Families; Darlene Allen, Adoption RI; Lisa
University. Alvaro Tinajero, Samara Viner-Brown, Office of the Attorney General; Brother Guillette, Foster Forward.
Karine Monteiro, Tom Bertrand, Teddy Michael Reis, Tides Family Services.
Children with Lead Poisoning: Anne Marak, RI Department of Health; Patricia
Cardoza, Ana Novais, Anne Primeau- Youth at the Training School: Trista Education
Flanagan, Hasbro Children’s Hospital;
Faubert, Michelle Kollett Almeida, RI Piccola, Larome Myrick, Leon Saunders, Children Enrolled in Early Intervention:
Deborah Perry, YWCA of Northern RI.
Department of Health; Laura Brion, Colleen Caron, Kevin Aucoin, Brian Renzi, Jennifer Kaufman, Donna Novak, Christine
Childhood Lead Action Project. Substance Use: Sarah Bowman, Tara Cooper, April Seppala, Mary Clair-Michaud, Robin Payne, Chantele Rotolo, Rebekah
Kathy Taylor, Ellen Amore, Will Arias, Samara Elizabeth Lowenhaupt, Timothy Owens, RI
Committees / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 193

Acknowledgements
LaFontant, RI Executive Office of Health and Progress Institute; Karen Schulman, Helen Connecting for Children and Families, Inc.; Sherman, Peg Votta, RI Department of
Human Services; John Kelly, Casey Ferrara, Blank, National Women’s Law Center; Lisa Christine Arouth, East Bay Community Education; Solanchi Fernandez, College
Meeting Street; Ben Lessing, Darlene Magaw, Hildebrand, RIAEYC/BrightStars; Leslie Action Program; Samara Viner-Brown, RI Planning Center; Paul Harrington, Drexel
Family Resources Community Action; Fran Gell, Ready to Learn Providence; Maryann Department of Health; Mario Goncalves, University; Sarah Linet, Great Schools
Rittner, Joseph Carr, RI Department of Finamore-Allmark; Kim Maine, Sunshine Kenneth Gu, Peg Votta, RI Department of Partnership.
Children, Youth and Families; Kristine Child Development Center; Khadija Lewis Education.
Campagna, RI Department of Health; Khan, Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Teens Not in School and Not Working:
Pamela High, Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Center. Third- and Eighth-Grade Reading Skills: Jean D’Amico, Alicia VanOrman,
Leslie Bobrowski, Patricia Maris, Sherlock Kenneth Gu, Phyllis Lynch, Mary Ann Population Reference Bureau.
Center at Rhode Island College. Children Enrolled in State Pre-K: Phyllis Snider, Kirtley Fisher, RI Department of
Lynch, Zoe McGrath, Lisa Nugent, RI Education; Julia Steiny. Poetry Credits
Children Enrolled in Early Head Start Department of Education. Andrews, J., Hamilton, E. (2012). Julie
and Head Start: Larry Pucciarelli, RI Math Skills: Kenneth Gu, Phyllis Lynch,
Children Receiving Preschool Special Mary Ann Snider, RI Department of Andrews’ Treasury for all Seasons Poems and
Department of Human Services; Toni Songs to Celebrate the Year. “ grandmother” by
Enright, Cranston Child Development Education Services: Ruth Gallucci, Beth Education; Julia Steiny.
Pinto, Jaime Viti, RI Department of Ray A. Young Bear. New York, NY: Little,
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194 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Acknowledgements

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 351-9400
rikids@rikidscount.org
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2018 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director

©2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT

CHAIRPERSON Karen Davis Kevin Gallagher Courtney Hawkins

2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 3

4 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook

2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 5

6 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook

DEFINITION other non-relative heads of household.

206,972 in 2017 (a 16% decrease from age of 18 living in Rhode Island,

15 to 17.5 Fifty-one percent were male, Sexual orientation is another

8 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Narragansett 2,833 2,269 -564 -19.9% 7

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 9

DEFINITION and 2017 in Rhode Island, 38% of

Glocester 2,098 0 0% 39 2% 26 1% 1,581 75% 137 7% 315 15% References

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 11

DEFINITION Many grandparents have informal

the support services (such as training, n=6,182

households headed primarily by programs, and policies available to

12 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Glocester 2,098 0 0% 39 2% 26 1% 1,581 75% 315 15% 137 7% References

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 13

DEFINITION higher levels of academic skills. Increasing

maternal education level because a with bachelor’s degrees in Rhode Island

pro-social activities.1 Children of 12% of children lived with mothers

education (3.5 per 1,000 births).4 Four Core Cities 20%

14 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

West Greenwich 230 116 50% 43 19% 42 18% 9 * 5

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 15

DEFINITION or Alaska Native, 9% identified as Some

16 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Jamestown 36 947 4 1 8 0 2 45 1,043 2

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 17

DEFINITION quarters of the children in Providence

18 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Children in Poverty 14% 38% 29% 9% 64% 19% Children Without

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 19

Youth at the Third Grade Students

20 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Family and Community

Rhode Island’s Hispanic Children and Youth 1,6,38,39

highest percentage of Hispanic children.39 Survey, 2013-2017. Tables B17001, B17020A, 20

Family and Community / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 21

22 2018 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook

DEFINITION rate had decreased to 4.2%, the same as

24 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

Economic Well-Being / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 25

DEFINITION In 2018, the Area Median Income

26 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

Economic Well-Being / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 27

DEFINITION achievement.6,7 When homeless children

Economic Well-Being / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 29

DEFINITION Even when families have adults with

30 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

DEFINITION sector workers and 17% of public sector

32 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

Economic Well-Being / 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook 33

DEFINITION up in a family with a non-resident

for child support and medical support those who do not.4,5,6

34 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being

DEFINITION poverty measure does not reflect the

poverty threshold, as defined by the increased cost of transportation, child 60%

36 2019 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook / Economic Well-Being