Massachusetts Childcare Licensing
Massachusetts Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Massachusetts, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. Massachusetts sets no "watch up to N unrelated children without a license" allowance; "Family Child Care" is defined as care in a private residence for no more than ten children younger than 14 years old (or younger than 16 with special needs), and any such regular care requires an EEC license, with the definition excluding only an informal cooperative arrangement among neighbors or relatives and the occasional care of children with or without compensation (606 CMR 7.02, definition of Family Child Care).
Licensing Agency
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMassachusetts License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
Massachusetts sets no "watch up to N unrelated children without a license" allowance
606 CMR 7.02, definition of Family Child Care
"Family Child Care" is defined as care in a private residence for no more than ten children younger than 14 years old (or younger than 16 with special needs), and any such regular care requires an EEC license, with the definition excluding only an informal cooperative arrangement among neighbors or relatives and the occasional care of children with or without compensation (606 CMR 7.02, definition of Family Child Care).
606 CMR 7.02, definition of Family Child Care
A single family child care educator may care for up to 6 children, with no more than 3 children younger than two years old (including at least one toddler who is walking independently)
including at least one toddler who is walking independently
with an approved assistant, a large family child care home may care for up to 10 children, with no more than 6 younger than two years old and no more than 3 infants (606 CMR 7.10(4)(d)
606 CMR 7.10(4)(d)
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Massachusetts License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Massachusetts without a license?
Massachusetts sets no "watch up to N unrelated children without a license" allowance; "Family Child Care" is defined as care in a private residence for no more than ten children younger than 14 years old (or younger than 16 with special needs), and any such regular care requires an EEC license, with the definition excluding only an informal cooperative arrangement among neighbors or relatives and the occasional care of children with or without compensation (606 CMR 7.02, definition of Family Child Care).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Massachusetts?
Operating above the Massachusetts exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Massachusetts offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Massachusetts offers a voluntary registry with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Massachusetts childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Massachusetts administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.