Rhode Island KIDS COUNT advances equitable policies that improve the lives of all Rhode Island children and eliminate disparities through the power of data, advocacy, and civic action.

Our vision is that every child in Rhode Island—regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, zip code, immigration status, neighborhood, or income—will thrive in a community where they are healthy, safe, educated, and economically secure.

With the generous support of our funders and the community, we are able to provide information on child well-being, stimulate dialogue on children’s issues, and promote equity, accountability, and action.

New releases & recent events

• Recommendations for Supporting a Positive School Climate and Safe Schools: We have released a new resource to help school districts build safer, more equitable learning environments. This is in response to data showing Black and Hispanic students, as well as students with IEPs, are referred to law enforcement and arrested at disproportionate rates in RI schools. Recommendations for Supporting a Positive School Climate and Safe Schools includes:
  • A Model Memorandum of Understanding clarifying roles between school districts and law enforcement, ensuring School Resource Officers are involved only in genuine criminal matters.
  • A Graduated Response Model, a four-tier framework guiding discipline (from classroom teachers to administrators to student support professionals), with law enforcement as a last resort.
• 2026 Providence Data in Your Backyard presentation
  September 30, 2026
  9:30 – 11:00am
  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island
  Register here!

• RI GOVERNOR CANDIDATE SURVEY REPORTS: This summer, we sent a gubernatorial candidate survey to all candidates asking about their views on key policy issues affecting children and families.
  • We are publishing their responses exactly as submitted, so that voters can learn more about where each candidate stands on issues important to Rhode Island’s children and families.
  • We are releasing candidates’ responses across four issue-specific reports: Economic Well-Being, Education, Health, and Immigration.
  • ¡Ya disponible en español! Bienestar económico, Educación, Salud, Inmigración

• Legislative Wrap-Up: Our 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2026 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island’s children and families!