Home Daycare: Belmont vs Somerville
How do home daycare rules compare between Belmont, MA and Somerville, MA?
Somerville has fewer restrictions than Belmont.
Belmont, MA
Middlesex County
Family child care in Middlesex County requires licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00, and local zoning bylaws must permit the use per MGL c.40A s.3.
View full Belmont rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville family child care homes operate under MA EEC licensing (606 CMR 7.00) and are treated as residential uses under state law, with local zoning limited to safety and compatibility.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Belmont | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Licensor | MA Dept of Early Ed and Care | - |
| Regulation | 606 CMR 7.00 | - |
| Capacity | 6 children (10 with assistant) | - |
| Zoning protection | MGL c.40A s.3 | - |
| Background check | CORI and SORI required | - |
| State License | - | EEC via 606 CMR 7.00 required |
| Child Limit | - | 6 children (10 with assistant) |
| Zoning | - | Residential use per MGL c.40A s.3 |
| Lead Paint | - | Delead required for kids under 6 |
| Contact | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Belmont FAQ
Do I need a license to run a daycare from home?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a family child care license from the EEC before caring for any unrelated children for compensation. Unlicensed operation is illegal.
Can my town ban a licensed home daycare?
No. Under MGL c.40A s.3, Middlesex municipalities cannot prohibit licensed family child care in residential zones, though they can impose reasonable parking and signage rules.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a Somerville permit in addition to my EEC license?
No separate local permit is required, but your home must meet Somerville building, fire, and lead paint standards. Inspectional Services may inspect for life-safety compliance.
Can my neighbors block my family daycare?
No. Massachusetts law protects licensed family child care homes as residential uses. Neighbors cannot use zoning to prohibit them, though legitimate nuisance complaints can be enforced.
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