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Licensed Daycare in Massachusetts

Search 9,050 verified daycare and childcare centers across Massachusetts, sourced directly from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

9,050
Licensed Centers
$2,300/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,640/mo
Avg Preschool
1:3
Infant Ratio

Massachusetts Childcare Licensing

In Massachusetts, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:3 for infants under 12 months, 1:4 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)

What's distinctive about Massachusetts: Massachusetts has the country's strictest ratios (1:3 infants, 1:4 toddlers) and the second-highest daycare costs ($2,300/mo). EEC financial assistance is income-based with sliding-scale copays.

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Infant ratio
1:3
Toddler ratio
1:4
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$2,300/mo
Avg preschool cost
$1,640/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Massachusetts

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Lawrence
490 centers
Springfield
483 centers
Worcester
420 centers
Lowell
284 centers
Lynn
260 centers
Dorchester
221 centers
Boston
217 centers
Brockton
175 centers
Haverhill
148 centers
Methuen
147 centers
Framingham
140 centers
Everett
130 centers
Financial help

Massachusetts Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (617) 988-6600

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Massachusetts

Family Child Care
5,906 centers
Center Based Care
3,023 centers
Public School
86 centers
Private School
35 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 9,050 →
P Licensed Center

Peanuts Daycare

Southampton

School Age (5+) Cap 57
S Licensed Center

Side By Side Preschool, Inc.

Chicopee

2 years - 12 years Cap 60
N Licensed Center

North County Head Start

North Adams

2 years - 12 years Cap 39
L Licensed Center

Learn and Play Day Care Center

Roxbury

2 years - 12 years Cap 38
K Licensed Center

KinderCare Learning Center

Rockland

School Age (5+) Cap 91
P Licensed Center

Pilgrim Child Care & Preschool

Duxbury

School Age (5+) Cap 109
P Licensed Center

Positive Action Day Care

New Bedford

School Age (5+) Cap 39
S Licensed Center

Self Help Head Start - Norton

Norton

2 years - 12 years Cap 80
H Licensed Center

Higashi Child Care

Randolph

School Age (5+) Cap 44
P Licensed Center

Preschool Playmates

Hingham

2 years - 12 years Cap 40
M Licensed Center

Malden Early Education & Learning Program

Malden

School Age (5+) Cap 47
C Licensed Center

Childrens Village at the Mill

Lowell

School Age (5+) Cap 52

Daycare in Massachusetts — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Massachusetts is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-licensed-child-care.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Massachusetts?
State minimums in Massachusetts are roughly 1:3 infants, 1:4 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Massachusetts?
Full-time infant care averages about $2300/month; preschool runs around $1640/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Massachusetts trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Massachusetts?
Yes. The primary state program is EEC Child Care Financial Assistance, reachable at (617) 988-6600. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Massachusetts daycare?
File a complaint with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 9,050 Licensed Massachusetts Centers

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