Home Daycare: Boston vs Chelsea
How do home daycare rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Home daycare in Boston requires a Massachusetts EEC Family Child Care license. Boston zoning allows family child care with 6 children by right and large family child care with 10 children by special permit.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Family childcare in MA requires Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing under 606 CMR 7.00. Family childcare providers may care for up to 6 children plus 2 additional school-age in their home; Large Family Child Care up to 10. Zoning allows family childcare by right in residential districts per MGL c. 40A, §3. Local zoning cannot prohibit or overly restrict licensed family daycare.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| State License | EEC Family Child Care | - |
| By Right Boston | Up to 6 children | - |
| Large FCC | ZBA special permit | - |
| Fire Inspection | BFD required | - |
| Agency | - | MA EEC (606 CMR 7.00) |
| Family Care | - | Up to 6 + 2 school-age |
| Large Family | - | Up to 10 with assistant |
| Zoning | - | By right, MGL c. 40A, §3 |
| Lead Law | - | MGL c. 111, §197 inspection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Chelsea FAQ
Can Boston zoning ban a licensed family daycare in my house?
No. MGL c. 40A, §3 protects licensed family daycare in all residential zones. Cities can only impose reasonable site-plan conditions, not outright bans.
Who enforces daycare home rules in Suffolk County?
Suffolk County's code enforcement division is responsible for home business ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Suffolk County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
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