Massachusetts Childcare Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1).
Licensing Agency
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Massachusetts childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1) | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.11 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(3) | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(5) | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.13 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(2) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.09 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Massachusetts General Laws c.119 §51A; 606 CMR 7.11(3) | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Massachusetts General Laws c.151B §4; 606 CMR 7.01 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.15 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.16 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Massachusetts mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-15 months) | 1:3 |
| Toddler (15-33 months) | 1:4 |
| Preschool (33 months-4 years) | 1:9 |
| Preschool (4-6 years) | 1:10 |
| School Age (6-14 years) | 1:13 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal
- Meningococcal
- Influenza
Background Check Requirements
- Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check
- SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) check
- DCF (Department of Children and Families) background check
- Out-of-state background check for recent relocators
Inspection Frequency
Annual; unannounced monitoring visits; complaint investigations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to $1,000/day; license suspension or revocation under MGL c.15D §11
Generate a Massachusetts-Compliant Handbook
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Generate a Massachusetts-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Massachusetts childcare parent handbook?
Massachusetts childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Massachusetts?
Childcare licensing in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. You can find official licensing information at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-early-education-and-care.
What happens if a Massachusetts childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Massachusetts parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines up to $1,000/day; license suspension or revocation under MGL c.15D §11
How often are Massachusetts childcare centers inspected?
Massachusetts childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual; unannounced monitoring visits; complaint investigations