Do you want to start a new childcare center or daycare in Massachusetts? Yes? Well, this requires careful planning and adherence to state regulations, and involves several steps to ensure compliance with state regulations and create a safe, nurturing environment for children.

Here is a detailed list of how to begin your journey to open your own daycare or childcare center:

• Begin by researching licensing requirements from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
• Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your daycare’s mission, services offered, target market, and financial projections.
• Secure a suitable location that meets zoning requirements and is conducive to childcare activities. Obtain necessary permits and licenses, including a childcare license from the EEC.
• Hire qualified staff and ensure they undergo background checks and necessary training.
• Design a safe and stimulating environment for children, including age-appropriate learning materials and equipment. Develop policies and procedures regarding health and safety protocols, curriculum, and parent communication. Consider apps like SimplySafeChild.
• Market your daycare through various channels, such as social media, a Daycare.com listing, local advertising, and community outreach.
• Building trust with parents and providing high-quality care will be essential for the success of your daycare in Massachusetts.

Do I need a childcare license in Massachusetts?

In most cases you need a childcare license in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) identifies three distinct categories of childcare providers mandated to hold licenses: Family childcare programs, group and school-age childcare programs, and residential and placement programs. Home-based Childcare: Family childcare programs are described as childcare services provided within the confines of a caregiver’s residence. These programs cater to children under the age of 14 and may accommodate up to six (6), eight (8), or ten (10) children. A licensed family childcare provider can extend care to up to 10 children by employing an approved family childcare assistant. https://www.daycare.com/signup has options starting at $25 a month, to help your promote and market your in-home daycare to millions of parents! Group and School-age Care: Group and school-age childcare programs offer early education and care to young children on a consistent basis outside of the caregiver’s home. While small programs can enroll a maximum of ten (10) children, larger ones may accommodate more, each with varying licensing requirements. Some programs may initiate as small-scale ventures and eventually expand into larger operations, typically situated within community locales such as school premises. Residential Services and Placement Agencies: Residential services and placement agencies constitute a distinct category due to their provision of care in unique contexts. While this may seem complex, there are several resources to help you. Residential programs encompass temporary shelters offering specialized care and group care settings like community group homes or accredited private schools catering to students with special needs. Temporary shelters are restricted to providing care for a maximum of 45 days, whereas group care arrangements can extend beyond this timeframe. A residential license is mandatory for programs intending to provide 24-hour care to one or more unrelated children. Placement agencies encompass foster care placement agencies and adoption agencies. These entities necessitate a placement license and must be established as non-profit corporations within Massachusetts prior to obtaining licensure. Some providers are exempt from licensure based on specific criteria. If your childcare program fails to meet exemption criteria, you must apply for and receive a license before commencing operations as a daycare center. Examples of programs that qualify for exemption include:

• Children of common parentage: All children have a familial relationship with the caregiver through blood, marriage, or adoption.
• Regular basis: The childcare program operates either one day per week or for a maximum of ten weeks per year.
• Occasional care: No child attends the program for more than four hours per day, and none attend for more than six days per month.
• During religious services: Childcare services are offered for brief periods while parents or guardians attend religious services.
• Youth group or recreational sports league: The program encompasses activities such as scout meetings, youth group gatherings, or participation in recreational sports leagues.
• School vacations: The program operates exclusively during school vacation weeks or days and operates for fewer than 30 days in a calendar year.

Childcare licensing requirements in Massachusetts

Licensing requirements for childcare programs vary depending on the category. However, there are certain universal requirements applicable to all childcare providers. It is crucial to consider all of these requirements while drafting a business plan for your daycare or preschool. Applicants for any program must fulfill the following criteria for licensure:

• Attend an orientation on early education and care approved by the department within one year prior to licensing.
• Establish a specific licensed capacity, taking into account the facility’s size and the number of caretakers, determining the maximum number of children in care.
• Provide documentation including the building’s lead paint disclosure statement, certification of current CPR and first aid training, and health records.
• Complete all mandatory trainings for early education and care providers.
• Adhere to the designated minimum hiring requirements for all employees.
• Meet prerequisite standards for licensure.
• Ensure that all required staff members pass background checks.

Family child care

Provider requirements If you are going to start a preschool in your home, there are minimum age and education or training requirements that you must meet in order to apply for a family childcare provider license. The requirements for a licensing applicant are:

• At least 18 years of age
• Certification in basic CPR and first aid that is age appropriate for the children in care
• Applicants who will care for six or fewer children must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
  • One year of experience as a parent
  • One year of full-time experience, or the equivalent, in caring for children younger than 12 years of age
  • Nine months of full-time experience in caring for children younger than 14 years of age and completion of 15 hours of training, approved by the department, not including the EEC educator orientation
  • Six months of full-time experience in caring for children younger than 12 years of age and completion of 30 hours of training, approved by the department, not including the EEC orientation
  • Qualification as a teacher or site coordinator by EEC
• Applicants who will care for seven or eight children, at least two of whom must be school age, must have completed a pre-service training approved by the department within the last year and meet at least one of the following:
  • Two years of experience as a family child care licensee or certified assistant; or
  • One year of experience as a family child care licensee or certified assistant and either one additional year caring for unrelated children in a group setting or EEC certification as a teacher or site coordinator
• Applicants who will care for nine or ten children must have completed a five-hour pre-service training approved by the department within the last year and must meet at least one of the following:
  • Two additional years caring for unrelated children in a group setting, which may include experience as a family child care licensee or certified assistant; or
  • EEC certification as a teacher or site coordinator and one additional year of experience caring for unrelated children in a group setting, which may include experience as a family child care licensee or certified assistant

Facility Requirements:

There are specific guidelines for the residence where a family childcare provider conducts their program, aiming to ensure children are situated in a suitable and safe environment. These requirements encompass:

• Maintaining a safe, clean, and well-maintained space, devoid of hazards and clutter.
• Ensuring exits and evacuation routes remain unobstructed.
• Obtaining approval through fire and water source inspections.
• Offering a clean and safe outdoor play area of at least 75 square feet per child who may be outdoors concurrently.
• Providing ample space for children to eat, play, move, and learn, including:
  • A minimum of 150 square feet of approved activity space for one or two children.
  • A minimum of 225 square feet of approved activity space for three to six children.
  • 35 square feet of approved activity space per child when accommodating seven to ten children.
• Installing handrails on all stairways.
• Ensuring a minimum of two separate exits to the outside.
• Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for added safety measures.

Ratio and Capacity Requirements:

There are specific stipulations regarding the staff-to-child ratio, with different numbers of children necessitating assistance from an approved family childcare assistant. The requirements are as follows:

• For one educator to oversee six or fewer children, no more than three children younger than two years old are allowed, including at least one toddler who can walk independently. Any additional children must be older than 24 months.
• Similarly, if one educator is responsible for seven or eight children, the same criteria apply for children younger than two years old. However, for a capacity exceeding six children, all children must be of school age.
• In cases where two educators are supervising six or fewer children, no more than six children younger than two years old are permitted.
• If two educators are managing seven to ten children, the ratio of children younger than two years old remains the same, with a maximum of three infants allowed.
• In instances where three educators are overseeing seven to ten children, no more than six infants are allowed, and any additional children must be at least 15 months old.

Group and School-age Childcare: Applicants seeking licensure for group or school-age childcare programs must furnish certificates indicating successful physical facility inspections, including building, fire, water source, and lead paint assessments. Large group programs must also complete the group and school-age program potential provider training. These programs must adhere to specific health, safety, supervision, and training standards, including:

• Providing a safe and healthy environment conducive to children’s well-being.
• Offering activities that facilitate children’s growth and development.
• Employing administrators and educators trained in child development and curriculum implementation.
• Maintaining appropriate ratios of educators to children, consistent with the standard ratios for family childcare providers.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Completion of first aid training suitable for the age group under care.
• At least one educator in each small group and school-age childcare program must meet the qualifications of a family childcare provider for the number of children in care, or be teacher or site coordinator qualified by EEC if caring for six or fewer children.
• Additional staff in small group and school-age childcare programs must be at least 16 years old and in high school, or at least 18 years old.
• Educators in small group and school-age childcare must undertake ten hours of professional development activities annually, with at least 25% focusing on diverse learners.
• For large group programs, educators must possess experience in providing direct care and teaching to children under seven years old, or special needs children up to age 16, for a minimum of 12 hours per week, regularly and continuously over a four-week period in one program. Work experience of less than 12 hours per week may be considered based on a specified equivalence.

Facility Requirements:

• A secure, hygienic, and well-maintained environment, devoid of hazards and clutter.
• Unobstructed exits and evacuation routes.
• Approval from fire and water source inspections.
• A clean and secure outdoor play area, providing a minimum of 75 square feet per child present outdoors.
• Adequate space for children to eat, play, move, and learn, including:
  • A minimum of 35 square feet of activity space per child.
  • A physical barrier separating children’s activity areas from the kitchen.
  • Provision of at least one toilet and sink in one or more bathrooms for every 20 children.
• Installation of handrails on all stairways.
• Installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for added safety measures.

Childcare license application in Massachusetts

Follow the steps outlined below to initiate the application process for the appropriate childcare license in Massachusetts. Please note that all applications for childcare licenses are subject to non-refundable application fees, which may also apply in case of an address change, alteration in capacity, or licensing renewal. Upon successful completion of these steps and obtaining a license, you can implement childcare marketing strategies to foster the growth and success of your childcare program.

Family Childcare:

Step 1: Reach out to your local EEC office. To commence the application for a family childcare provider license, begin by contacting your local EEC office. These offices offer resources and personnel to assist you throughout the entire application process. Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the regulations. Utilize the resources provided by the EEC, both in-person at local offices and online documentation, to ensure you comprehend all regulations and policies pertinent to your program. Review the following for further details:

• Licensing forms for family childcare providers
• Licensing policies for family childcare providers
• Licensing regulations for family childcare providers

Step 3: Complete the requisite training. Before applying for a family childcare license, it is mandatory to complete the family childcare potential provider training available on the Massachusetts StrongStart Professional Development System. Additionally, ensure you’ve undergone first aid and child and infant CPR courses appropriate for the age groups of the children under your care. Step 4: Compile the necessary documentation. A significant portion of the application process involves submitting documentation. The following documents will be required with your application:

• Physical exam records demonstrating immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Health statement affirming your physical and mental well-being.
• Certification in first aid and CPR for the relevant age groups.
• Payment in the form of a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the application fee.
• Copy of the certificate of attendance from the potential provider training.
• Copy of the certificate of attendance from the in-person orientation training.
• Completed background record check request form for you and any household members aged 15 or older.
• Evidence of completion of all mandatory training.
• Documentation of registration in EEC’s Professional Qualifications Registry (PQR).

Step 5: Application review. Upon submission of all necessary documentation with your final application, the EEC will acknowledge receipt and initiate the review process. Step 6: Inspection completion. If the EEC determines that your application meets the necessary criteria, they will furnish you with a pre-licensing checklist and schedule a home visit. Following the visit, you will receive communication from an EEC representative regarding the status of your application approval.

Group and school-age child care

Step 1: Initiate contact with your local EEC office. To commence the application process for a small group or large group childcare program, reach out to your local EEC office. Each office provides resources and personnel to assist you throughout the application process. Step 2: Fulfill the required training. Applicants are required to complete the potential provider training course offered through the Massachusetts StrongStart Professional Development System. Both parts one and two of the training must be completed within a 90-day period. Step 3: Establish a LEAD account. Obtain a new user account on the Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD) system by contacting your local EEC licensing office. This platform facilitates the completion and submission of your application. Step 4: Familiarize yourself with all policies and regulations. Utilize the abundant online documentation provided by the EEC to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, policies, and regulations governing childcare programs. Review the following for further clarification:

• Licensing forms for group and school age childcare programs
• Licensing policies for group and school age childcare programs
• Licensing regulations for group and school age childcare programs

Step 5: Compile written plans and documentation. In your application submitted via LEAD, include written plans covering staff orientation, supervision, diapering and toileting procedures, staff meetings, personnel policies, referral services, enrollment procedures, and a non-discrimination statement, as well as protocols for avoiding child suspension and termination. Additionally, large group programs must provide financial documentation, a healthcare policy, procedures for child transitions, building inspection certificates, and evidence of meeting educator and administrator requirements. Step 6: Undergo inspection. Upon determining the adequacy of your application, the EEC will contact you to schedule a licensing visit to your facility. Following the visit, you will receive communication from an EEC representative regarding the approval status of your application.

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Massachusetts

After obtaining your license, selecting a name for your childcare program, and commencing operations, the crucial next step is ensuring ongoing compliance. The Massachusetts EEC offers comprehensive documentation encompassing licensing regulations, forms, policies, and technical support for all categories of childcare programs. These resources furnish you with the necessary information to operate a compliant program. Both family childcare programs and group and school-age childcare programs share specific requirements to maintain good standing. The Massachusetts EEC stipulates the following standard requirements for remaining compliant:

• Ensuring appropriate staffing levels with individuals possessing experience and/or education in childcare and education for children aged birth to 14.
• Employing educators who are qualified by prior education, training, experience, and a commitment to fostering child development and early childhood education.
• Encouraging educators to pursue continuing education and fostering open communication within the program to enhance the quality of care.
• Annual registration of all educators with the Department of Early Education and Care in accordance with EEC policies and procedures.
• Ensuring educators possess the qualifications required for their positions as per EEC regulations.
• Demonstrating and maintaining physical, mental, and emotional abilities to care for children in a manner aligned with their needs.
• Adhering to good personal hygiene practices.
• Limiting regular childcare hours for educators to no more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period.
• Exhibiting good judgment and competency in handling emergency situations.

Family Childcare:

• License renewal is required every three years.
• Adhere strictly to the maximum number of children permitted as specified on the license.
• Ensure all essential living provisions are maintained, including a functional bathroom, comfortable ambient temperatures, running water, and sufficient lighting.
• It is prohibited for the licensee to hold more than one family childcare license concurrently.

Group and School-age Childcare:

• Maintain an accurate statement of purpose detailing program objectives, the age demographics of children served, and the range of services provided.
• Notify the EEC at least 30 days in advance of any planned changes to the program space.
• Conduct and document a minimum of two staff meetings per month to engage educators in discussions regarding program matters, planning, and the formulation of policies and procedures.
• Maintain thorough records for each staff member, encompassing resumes or job applications, interview records, information forms, completed background checks, evaluations, and any instances of disciplinary actions or investigations.

In circumstances where a group and school-age program is found to be non-compliant with applicable regulations, the EEC reserves the right to issue a provisional license, provided that the program continues to operate in a manner that effectively safeguards the health and safety of the children in its care. A provisional license remains valid for six months and may be renewed once for an additional six months. Regular licenses necessitate renewal every two years. The primary objective of a childcare program is to furnish children with a safe and comfortable environment in the absence of their families. However, managing all necessary tasks to operate a successful business can be challenging. Employing tools like daycare center management software can facilitate the streamlining of your center’s admissions process, record-keeping, reporting, and more, thereby ensuring efficient management of your childcare facility.

Start a daycare in Massachusetts

Regardless of whether you intend to establish a family childcare program or a group or school-age childcare program, the initial step entails comprehending the regulations. Through meticulous planning and making the most of all accessible resources, you will be prepared to commence the path toward becoming a licensed childcare provider in Massachusetts. To best market your daycare and utilize coming tools such as all-in-one waitlist management, payment processing, and single scan solutions for parent updates, sign up at https://www.Daycare.com/signup