The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Massachusetts Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Massachusetts. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
MASSACHUSETTS Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
51 Sleeper Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02210
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/10/17/606cmr7.pdf
(617) 988-6600
License renewal: Provisional license required for first 6 months. Regular license renewal required once every 3 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per Child
|
|
Infants-15 Mos. |
15-33 Mos. |
33 Mos.- 5 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:3 1 Additional educator for 4-7 infants |
1:4 1 Additional educator for 5-9 infants |
1:10 |
1:15 |
1:13
|
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
7 |
9 |
20 |
30 |
26 | |
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
7 |
9 |
20 |
30 |
26 | |
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
245 sf. |
315 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
910 sf. | |
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per Child
- The play area must be accessible to children with disabilities.
- If the outdoor play area is located on a roof, it must be protected by a barrier at least 7 feet tall and something children can not climb on.
- Porches and decks may be used to meet requirements for outdoor play areas.
- Wading pools must be emptied immediately after used and sanitized between uses and whenever it is contaminated.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
45 |
Children must not be regularly transported for periods longer than 45 minutes on way between their home or school and the child care. |
65 |
A minimum temperature in the child care’s must be at least 65 degrees. |
5 |
If a child care serves any child younger then 5 years old, the licensee must provide evidence of a lead point inspection from the local board of health. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
The licensee must notify the Department whenever a firearm is brought into the family child care home. |  |
Every child care, not located in a residence, must submit evidence of compliance with applicable fire codes. |  |
When children are swimming in a swimming pool, an adult must be immediately available who is aware of the pump location and is able to turn the pump off in an event of an emergency. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019