Home childcare in Massachusetts licensed by EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). Family Child Care licenses allow up to 6 or 10 children. MGL ch. 40A §3 prevents local zoning from barring licensed family childcare.
Home-based childcare in Bristol County is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) under 606 CMR 7.00. A Family Child Care license covers up to 6 children (including provider's own under age 7), and a Large Family Child Care license with a certified assistant allows up to 10. Requirements include CORI/SORI background checks, CPR and first-aid certification, lead-paint compliance for pre-1978 homes, fire inspection by the local fire department, minimum indoor and outdoor space per child, and liability insurance. Under MGL ch. 40A §3, a licensed family childcare home is a protected residential use — municipalities cannot require a special permit or zoning variance. Pickup/drop-off traffic, however, can be regulated for safety. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton fire departments inspect routinely.
Unlicensed operation: EEC closure order and fines $100 to $500 per day per child. Safety violations: license suspension. Exceeding capacity: immediate reduction required.
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See how Bristol County's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
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