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6/22/2026
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DiMario, Shallcross Smith bill to improve access to childcare through standardized zoning signed into law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation from Sen. Alana M. DiMario and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith to improve access to childcare by standardizing state zoning laws for family childcare homes has been signed into law.
“In the 1980s, long before I was a legislator, I worked in collaboration with Rep. Nancy Benoit and the Family Child Care Homes of RI on an overhaul of group daycare regulations. As a compromise to get the bill passed, the language standardizing zoning statewide was removed at the 11th hour,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket), who has worked in the family daycare and childcare industry in Rhode Island for 53 years. “This bill finally completes that work by ensuring that family childcare homes, which are regulated and licensed by the state, will operate under the same zoning rules statewide. This will provide childcare spots for families in need and reduce wait times while maintaining the same strong safety regulations already in place.”
Family childcare homes are state-licensed childcare providers based in residential neighborhoods. Compared to childcare centers, this setup often is less expensive for parents, has more flexible hours and allows siblings to be together during childcare hours.
State and federal regulations allow family childcare homes to care for up to 12 children at a time, but some municipalities have local zoning rules that further restrict this number.
“Unevenness in our municipal zoning ordinances regarding family childcare homes limits the availability of childcare not because of any health or safety regulations, but because of historical quirks of local zoning,” said Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), who works as a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. “This act will expand the available childcare slots while ensuring that providers still meet all state health and safety requirements and remove the administrative burden for local childcare business owners of going in front of a zoning board to try to secure an exemption.”
Senator DiMario and Representative Shallcross Smith’s legislation (2026-S 2273, 2026-H 7371) ensures that all Rhode Island family childcare homes can provide care for up to 12 children at a time, in agreement with state and federal rules.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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