Licensed Daycare in Cranston, Rhode Island
63 licensed daycares in Cranston, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Rhode Island licensing records.
Cranston listings updated August 2026 from official Rhode Island records.
Daycare in Cranston: what parents should know
Families in Cranston can choose from 63 licensed childcare providers, with Licensed Group Child Care Home the most common type (about 29% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Rhode Island license at indexing time, sourced from Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.
Licensed care in Cranston spans 7+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 29% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Cranston providers are approved for approximately 4,290 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Cranston childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Cranston
ChildCare Aware reports the Rhode Island average full-time cost at $1,380/month for infant care and $1,080/month for preschool. City-level prices in Cranston vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Rhode Island families may also qualify for Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (855) 697-4347).
Full Rhode Island licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 68 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Cranston?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Cranston
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Cranston? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Cranston? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Cranston licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Cranston, Rhode Island?
What's the average daycare cost in Cranston?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Cranston daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Cranston?
How do I verify a Cranston daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Cranston
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programRhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(855) 697-4347 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Cranston
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Cranston, Rhode Island are compiled from official Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 63 Licensed Centers in Cranston
Free, no signup, verified directly with Rhode Island DHS — Office of Child Care.