Becoming a licensed childcare provider in Massachusetts is a great business endeavor whether you have years of experience working with children or are just starting out. In order to run a compliant business, however, you’ll need to understand all of the licensing requirements for childcare providers in the state.
This article will cover the different types of childcare licenses in the state of Massachusetts, licensing requirements, and steps to take to apply for the right license for your business.
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) recognizes three categories of childcare providers that are required to have a license: Family childcare programs, group and school age childcare programs, and residential and placement programs.
Family childcare programs are defined as child care that takes place in a provider’s home. These types of programs can provide care for up to six (6), eight (8), and ten (10) children under 14 years old. A licensed family childcare provider may care for up to 10 children if they employ an approved family childcare assistant in their program.
Group and school-age childcare programs provide early education and care for young children on a regular basis outside of the provider’s home. Small programs can enroll up to ten (10) children, while large programs can enroll more than ten children, and each will have different requirements for licensing. Some programs begin as a small group and the daycare business expands into a large group. They are typically housed at locations within their communities, such as school buildings.
Residential programs and placement agencies are a category that is quite different from the others because it provides care under different circumstances. The residential programs include temporary shelters that provide specialized care and group care programs that may be community group homes or approved private schools for students with special needs. Temporary shelters cannot provide care for longer than 45 days, while group care can provide care for more than 45 days. These programs require a residential license if they are going to care for one or more children (without relation) on a 24-hour basis.
Placement agencies include foster care placement agencies and adoption agencies. These programs require a placement license and must be incorporated in Massachusetts as a non-profit corporation before licensure.
Certain providers are exempt from licensure because they meet certain criteria. If your childcare program doesn’t meet exemption criteria, you are required to apply for a license and be approved before you start a daycare center . A few types of programs that qualify for exemption are:
The childcare program licensing requirements will differ depending on the category. There are, however, a few requirements that will apply to every childcare provider. Take all of these requirements into account as you write a business plan for your daycare or preschool. Applicants for any program are required to complete the following for licensure:
If you are going to start a preschool in your home, there are minimum age and education or training requirements that you must meet in order to apply for a family childcare provider license. The requirements for a licensing applicant are:
There are also requirements for the home in which a family childcare provider holds their program. These requirements are set in order to ensure children are in a suitable, safe environment. The main requirements are:
There are also requirements for the staff-to-child ratio. Different numbers of children will require the help of an approved family childcare assistant. The requirements are:
Applicants for licensure of group or school-age childcare programs must provide certificates of passing physical facility inspections, such as building, fire, water source, and lead paint. Large group programs must complete the group and school-age program potential provider training. These programs must also meet certain health, safety, supervision, and training standards. These include:
Follow the steps listed below to apply for the appropriate childcare license. All applications for any childcare license in Massachusetts will be subject to non-refundable application fees. These fees may also be due upon an address change, change in capacity, or licensing renewal. Once you complete these steps and receive a license, you can utilize childcare marketing strategies to grow your business and thrive as a childcare program.
To apply for a family childcare provider license, the first step is to contact your local EEC office. Each office has resources and staff to help guide you through the entire application process.
The EEC offers in-person help at their local offices and a variety of online documentation so you are fully informed of all the regulations and policies your program needs to meet. For more information, review the following:
Before applying for a family childcare license, the applicant must complete the family childcare potential provider training on the Massachusetts StrongStart Professional Development System. This training must be completed in addition to first aid and child and infant CPR courses relevant to the age groups of the children that will be in your care.
Most of the application consists of submitting documentation. All of the following documentation will be required with your application:
After all of your documentation is submitted with your final application, the EEC will contact you when they receive it.
If the EEC determines your application is satisfactory, then they will provide you with a pre-licensing checklist. Then, they will schedule a visit to your home. After the visit, you’ll hear from an EEC representative about whether your application is approved.
To apply for a small group or a large group childcare program, contact your local EEC office. Each office has resources and staff to help guide you through the entire application process.
Applicants must complete the potential provider training course on the Massachusetts StrongStart Professional Development System. Parts one and two of the training must be completed within 90 days of each other.
Contact your local EEC licensing office to obtain a new user account on EEC's Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD) system. This is where you will be able to complete and submit the application.
The EEC offers plenty of online documentation for you to fully understand the requirements, policies, and rules for childcare programs. For more information, review the following:
In your application submitted through LEAD, you must include written plans for staff orientation, staff supervision, diapering and toileting, staff meetings, personnel policies, referral services, enrollment procedures and a non-discrimination statement, and avoiding the suspension and termination of a child.
Large group programs must also provide financial documentation, a health care policy, and procedures for the transition of a child. You must also include building inspection certificates and proof that the educator and administrator requirements are met.
If the EEC determines your application is satisfactory, then they will contact you to schedule a licensing visit of your facility. After the visit, you’ll hear from an EEC representative about whether your application is approved.
Once you receive your license, choose a name for your childcare program, and open for business, the next step is remaining compliant. The ECC provides extensive documentation on licensing regulations, forms, policies, and technical assistance for all three categories of childcare programs. These documents provide applicants with the information you will need to run a compliant program.
Family childcare programs and group and school-age childcare programs share certain requirements to be in good standing. The Massachusetts EEC states that the licensee must meet the following standard requirements to remain compliant as a family childcare program or a group and school-age program:
The EEC may issue a provisional license to a group and school-age program that has not or is not complying with all applicable regulations as long as it is still operating in a way that adequately protects the health and safety of the children in care. A provisional license is valid for six months and can be renewed one time for no more than six additional months. A regular license must be renewed after every two years.
The main purpose of a childcare program is to provide a comfortable, safe environment for children when they are away from their families. It can be difficult to stay organized and complete all the tasks required to run a successful business. A great way to manage it all is to utilize a tool like brightwheel’s center management software that helps you streamline your center’s admissions process, record keeping, reporting, and more.
As you go through the licensing process, you may come across grants or other funding resources that can help fund your childcare business. A grant is an often overlooked financial resource given by a government agency or private foundation that does not need to be repaid. This makes them an attractive funding option if you are looking to expand or enhance the quality and accessibility of your program.
Grants provide funding that can be used towards a variety of purposes, such as improving facilities, purchasing new equipment or materials, or offering professional development opportunities for staff. The available resources vary by state so it is crucial to research and understand the grants for childcare providers in Massachusetts to make informed decisions about which ones to apply for.
Whether you are planning to open a family childcare program or a group or school-age childcare program, the first step is to understand the rules and regulations. With careful planning and utilization of all available resources, you’ll be ready to start the journey to becoming a licensed childcare provider in Massachusetts.
