Department of Early Education & Care

Thomas L. Weber, Acting Commissioner

Welcome to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) website.   Whether you are a parent, family member, provider, educator or community leader, this website will provide you with information and resources to help support the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens.

EEC’s mission is to support all children in their development as lifelong learners and contributing members of the community, and to support families in their essential work as parents and caregivers.  We are responsible for the licensing and regulation of approximately 11,000 family, group and school-age child care providers, as well as nearly 700 residential care programs and adoption/foster care placement agencies.  We also administer financial assistance for over 50,000 children to access high-quality early education and out-of-school time programs that support their developmental success, provide additional parenting resources and services for families, and support the professional development of educators in the early education and care field. 

Access to high-quality early education and care is a top priority of the Patrick-Murray Administration.  Our young children are our future.  Their success as individuals is critical to our success as a Commonwealth.  

Thank you for visiting and for your interest in our work on behalf of children and families.

For more information sign up for email updates.

The Department of Early Education and Care is deeply saddened by the traumatic events that occurred at the 2013 Boston Marathon.  Your children, students, relatives, or other members of your community may understandably have questions or concerns in response to this tragedy.  There are several resources available that are designed to offer social and emotional support to those who need assistance with processing, understanding, or coping with tragedies or grief.  We hope that these materials may be of some assistance to you or someone you know who is affected by this tragedy.  Our thoughts and concern are with everyone affected during this very difficult time.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) has revised the Procedures for the Drop-Off and Pick-Up of Children by Transportation Providers, and Parent/Program Notification - 6.06 CMR 7.13 which went into effect December 12, 2011. Please be advised that the revised policy will become effective October 1, 2012.