Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

$1000 -- $6000 4–8 months 9 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Boston / Suffolk County Requirements

4 requirements
1

Boston Inspectional Services Department — Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

A daycare facility in Boston must obtain a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy from ISD confirming the space is approved for child care use (Use Group I-4 or E under the MA State Building Code). Includes review of occupancy load, egress, toilet facilities, and compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR.

$500–$3,000 (varies by project scope)4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Boston Fire Department — Fire Safety Inspection

All child care facilities in Boston must pass a fire safety inspection by the Boston Fire Department before opening. Inspectors review fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, exit signage, and emergency lighting. A Certificate of Inspection is issued upon approval.

$100–$4002–4 weeks
Official government source
3

Boston Public Health Commission — Child Care Environmental Inspection

The Boston Public Health Commission reviews child care facilities for environmental health compliance, including lead paint testing, sanitation standards, and indoor air quality. Lead inspections are particularly important for facilities in older Boston buildings.

$150–$500 (includes lead inspection if required)2–4 weeks
Official government source
4

Boston Zoning Board of Appeals — Special Permit (if required)

Depending on the zoning district, a child care center may require a Special Permit from the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals. Child care centers are allowed as-of-right in some districts and require special permits in others. Verify with the Boston Planning and Development Agency.

$200–$1,0006–12 weeks
Official government source

Massachusetts State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — Child Care Program License

All child care programs in Massachusetts serving 1 or more children (other than the operator's own children) must be licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The license requires background checks, staff qualifications, facility inspections, and policy submissions. This is the primary license.

Free (no licensing fee)3–6 months (full application and inspection process)
Official government source
2

Massachusetts CORI and SORI Background Checks

All child care employees and household members over 15 (for home-based care) must complete Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks through the MA EEC's system. Checks must be renewed every 3 years.

$25–$50/person1–3 weeks per person
Official government source
3

Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Child Immunization Compliance

Massachusetts child care programs must ensure all enrolled children comply with the state immunization schedule. Programs must maintain records and submit annual immunization compliance reports to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

No direct cost (administrative compliance)Ongoing
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required to hire employees and file payroll taxes. Obtained free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Licensed child care centers in Massachusetts may participate in the USDA CACFP for meal reimbursements. Administered through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Provides significant funding for qualifying programs.

Free to apply (reimbursement program)4–8 weeks to enroll
Official government source

Official Sources

Related Guides