KINGSTON, R.I. — Feb. 5, 2026 — The University of Rhode Island Child Development Centers are now accepting applications for preschool enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. The CDCs offer high quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs for children ages 3 to 5 years. Prospective students must be 3 years of age by Sept. 1 to be eligible.
Parents or guardians who wish to enter their children into the enrollment lottery for the URI CDC on the Kingston Campus should submit an application by Feb. 15. Lottery results will be shared via email by March 9.
The Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center in Providence is offering an open house by appointment to prospective preschool parents on Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Interested parents are asked to schedule a 25-minute appointment if interested in observing the facility.
URI’s preschool programs in Kingston and Providence are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and provide a spacious learning environment giving children the opportunity to learn through hands-on play and exploration. Part of the URI College of Health Sciences, the Child Development Centers offer preschool programs that also serve as teacher training facilities for URI students, support research in the field of early childhood education, and serve the community as a model of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education through outreach and advocacy.
The CDCs are part of the Department of Human Development and Family Science at URI, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas related to working with children and families. As the campus “lab school,” the CDC serves as a resource for early childhood educators in the state. Educators are welcome to contact the centers with questions or requests to observe. The staff also participates in community outreach through participation in professional organizations devoted to young children and by presenting at state and regional conferences.
The URI Child Development Center (Kingston site) is located at 10 Lower College Road on the edge of the Kingston Campus. The Feinstein CDC (Providence site) is located in the Shepard Company Building at 255 Westminster St.
The CDC offers a morning preschool program, as well as full-day and extended-day programs. Learn more about the preschool programs here.