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Licensed Daycare in Boston, Massachusetts

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Boston, Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 200 licensed childcare centers in Boston, Massachusetts, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Boston?

Statewide averages in Massachusetts run roughly $2300/month for infants and $1640/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Boston?

Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every center listed below is sourced directly from the state's child care licensing registry — no paid placement, no editorial picks, no hidden referral fees.

200

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$2,300/mo

Massachusetts avg infant

1:3

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Boston

ChildCare Aware reports the Massachusetts average full-time cost at $2,300/month for infant care and $1,640/month for preschool. City-level prices in Boston vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Massachusetts families may also qualify for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600).

Full Massachusetts licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Infant ratio: 1:3
Toddler ratio: 1:4
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 28 kids

ZIP codes covered

02124 29 02118 22 02121 17 02116 15 02125 13 02111 13 02131 12 02126 11

Program types in Boston

All Boston licensed centers

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Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Boston, Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 200 licensed childcare centers in Boston, Massachusetts, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Boston?

Statewide averages in Massachusetts run roughly $2300/month for infants and $1640/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Boston daycares?

All licensed Massachusetts centers must meet the state minimum: 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Boston typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Boston?

Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Boston daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.