Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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.

   Official government source

   Free to apply (reimbursement program)·4–8 weeks to enroll

   Free to apply (reimbursement program)

   4–8 weeks to enroll

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.

   Official government source

   Free (no licensing fee)·3–6 months (full application and inspection process)

   Free (no licensing fee)

   3–6 months (full application and inspection process)

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.

   Official government source

   $25–$50/person·1–3 weeks per person

   $25–$50/person

   1–3 weeks per person

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.

   Official government source

   No direct cost (administrative compliance)·Ongoing

   No direct cost (administrative compliance)

   Ongoing

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.

   Official government source

   $500–$3,000 (varies by project scope)·4–8 weeks

   $500–$3,000 (varies by project scope)

   4–8 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $100–$400·2–4 weeks

   $100–$400

   2–4 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $150–$500 (includes lead inspection if required)·2–4 weeks

   $150–$500 (includes lead inspection if required)

   2–4 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,000·6–12 weeks

   $200–$1,000

   6–12 weeks

Official Sources

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
• Boston Inspectional Services Department
• Boston Public Health Commission
• Massachusetts EEC — Background Record Checks
• Massachusetts Immunization Requirements — Child Care

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