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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

View all cities →
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

Plymouth House Nursery School

Framingham, MA

Center Based Care
S

SMOC Child Care & Head Start

Framingham, MA

Center Based Care
M

MetroWest YMCA Early Learning Center

Framingham, MA

Center Based Care
O

Over the Rainbow Nursery School, Inc.

Framingham, MA

Center Based Care
H

Holliston Community Children's Center

Holliston, MA

Center Based Care
C

Christian Family Montessori School

Holliston, MA

Center Based Care
R

Russell Cooperative Preschool

Watertown, MA

Center Based Care
S

SMOC Child Care & Head Start

Marlborough, MA

Center Based Care
T

The Community School, Inc.

Maynard, MA

Center Based Care
C

Concord Children's Center East

Concord, MA

Center Based Care
M

Milldam Nursery School

Concord, MA

Center Based Care
B

Barn Cooperative Nursery School

Concord, MA

Center Based Care

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 Boston 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

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.

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