Massachusetts Family Child Care Home Licensing Statewide

Under MGL c.40A §3 (the Dover Amendment), family child care homes licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care are deemed a permitted residential use by right and cannot be excluded by local zoning. Licensing is governed by 606 CMR 7.00 and MGL c.15D. Providers caring for up to six children plus two school-age children must obtain an EEC license, complete background checks, training, and meet health and safety standards uniformly across the Commonwealth.

Operating without an EEC license can result in cease-and-desist orders, fines up to $1,000 per day under MGL c.15D §8, and criminal penalties for repeated violations.