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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)

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

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O Family Daycare

Oliveira Ferreira Lima, Ana Maria

Lowell

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
H Licensed Center

Happy Day Nursery School

Revere

2 years - 12 years Cap 20
M Family Daycare

Moreno Almonte, Kerly

Fitchburg

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
R Family Daycare

Reilly, Michelle

Lancaster

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
M Family Daycare

Mikeageu Ngnepi, Charlaine

Avon

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
L Family Daycare

Lima Lopez, Maria

Watertown

2 years - 12 years Cap 10
R Family Daycare

Rosario Burgos, Federliza

Lawrence

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
P Family Daycare

Puello, Perla M

Lawrence

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
C Family Daycare

Costa, Katherine

Tewksbury

2 years - 12 years Cap 6
S Family Daycare

Shriftman, Elena

Needham

2 years - 12 years Cap 10
P Licensed Center

Parker River Community Preschool (181 Site)

Rowley

2 years - 12 years Cap 38
V Family Daycare

Vieira da Silva, Sergio

Lowell

2 years - 12 years Cap 6

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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