Bristol County, MA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Small License
- Up to 6 children
- Large License
- Up to 10 (with assistant)
- Regulator
- EEC (606 CMR 7.00)
- Zoning
- Protected (MGL ch. 40A §3)
- Insurance
- Required
Summary
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.
Section 3. [...] No zoning ordinance or bylaw in any city or town shall prohibit, or require a special permit for, the use of land or structures, or the expansion of existing structures, for the primary, accessory or incidental purpose of operating a child care facility; provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements. As used in this paragraph, the term ''child care facility'' shall mean a child care center or a school-aged child care program, as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D. [...] Family child care home and large family child care home as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D shall be an allowable use and no city or town shall prohibit or regulate such use in its zoning ordinances or by-laws.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed operation: EEC closure order and fines $100 to $500 per day per child. Safety violations: license suspension. Exceeding capacity: immediate reduction required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating daycare home rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
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