Massachusetts Childcare Licensing
Massachusetts Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Massachusetts childcare licensing is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. A licensed Massachusetts center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; unannounced monitoring visits; complaint investigations
Licensing Agency
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMassachusetts Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1).
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.11.
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.11
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(3).
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(3)
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(5).
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(5)
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.13.
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.13
Massachusetts childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(2).
Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(2)
Massachusetts Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1) |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.11 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(3) |
| Medication Administration Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08(5) |
| Emergency Procedures | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.13 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(2) |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.09 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(b) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Massachusetts General Laws c.119 §51A; 606 CMR 7.11(3) |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.04(1)(c) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Massachusetts Regulations 606 CMR 7.08 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Massachusetts General Laws c.151B §4; 606 CMR 7.01 |
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Massachusetts Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Massachusetts?
Childcare licensing in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Official licensing information is published at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-early-education-and-care.
How many handbook policy sections does Massachusetts require?
Massachusetts requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Massachusetts inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual; unannounced monitoring visits; complaint investigations
What happens if a Massachusetts center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $1,000/day; license suspension or revocation under MGL c.15D §11
Massachusetts childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Massachusetts administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.