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.
Home-based childcare in Suffolk County is regulated primarily by the MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) under MGL c. 15D and 606 CMR 7.00. A Family Child Care license permits care for up to 6 children under age 14 (including the provider's own), with no more than 3 under 2 years old, plus up to 2 additional school-age children receiving before/after school care — totaling a maximum of 8. A Large Family Child Care Assistant license (secondary adult present) permits up to 10 children. Requirements: CORI and SORI background checks, fingerprinting, first aid/CPR certification, pediatric education, annual in-service training (20 hours), home inspection covering fire safety (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, egress), outdoor play area, safe sleep compliance, and liability insurance recommended. Zoning protection: MGL c. 40A, §3 (the 'Dover Amendment') provides that family day-care homes shall be an allowed use in all residential zoning districts — cities cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict licensed family daycare through zoning. However, Large Family Child Care (10 children) may require site plan review or a special permit in some districts. Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop all follow MGL c. 40A, §3. Traffic from drop-off and pickup is expected and cannot be used to deny operation, though operators must manage traffic safely. Providers must also comply with MA Lead Law (MGL c. 111, §197) — lead inspection required in pre-1978 homes where a child under 6 resides or receives care.
Operating without EEC license: criminal charges under MGL c. 15D, §7; fines up to $1,000 per day plus closure. Exceeding capacity: immediate correction, license suspension. Safety violations: license revocation possible.
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