Apply for a Family Child Care provider license

Next steps

1. Step 1: Register in the Professional Qualifications Registry

   Applicants must register in the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) Professional Qualifications (PQ) Registry. 

   • For new applicants, visit the PQ Registration page 
   • If you have a PQ number already, you can learn how to navigate and access your account on the PQ Instructions page. 

   PQ Registration  

2. Step 2: Create an Account in StrongStart Learning Management System (LMS)

   The StrongStart learning management system has mandatory and supplemental training for early education and care program staff including Potential Provider Training and the EEC Essentials course.

   Learn how to register for a StrongStart account  

3. Step 3: Complete all Pre-Service Trainings

   All Family Child Care Educators must take the following trainings online at EEC’s StrongStart Learning Management System.

   • FCC Potential Provider Training Part 1 (PPT1)
   • FCC Potential Provider Training Part 2 (PPT2)
   • EEC Essentials 2.0 (for FCC and Center Based Educators) Training

   Educators must also be certified in First Aid and Current Certification in Child and Infant CPR. Online courses for First Aid and CPR are not accepted, completed training must include a demonstration of skills with a certified instructor. 

   Go to StrongStart to enroll in the potential provider trainings  

4. Step 4: Attend a Potential Educator Meeting

   Attend a “Potential Educator Meeting” (PEM) held at one of EEC’s regional offices. To sign up, visit StrongStart and register to attend or call your regional office. You can find contact information here.

   Register for a potential educator meeting on StrongStart 

5. Step 5: Get Set Up in the Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD)

   Fill out the LEAD Portal Request Form or call your EEC Regional Office to request an “Invitation” to set up a profile in the LEAD Portal. You will be asked to share your name as it appears on your government issued ID, address, phone number, email, and date of birth. Once you receive the log in, and you will need to set up a password which will allow you to submit your application for a Family Child Care license.

   Fill out the LEAD Portal Request Form  

6. Step 6: Prepare Documentation for the Application

   Gather your documentation for the application, you will need to include:

   • Proof of First Aid and CPR certification
   • Proof of a Physical Exam within the last year indicating you are in good health and able to care for children. The form must include documentation of immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella.  (You can find PDF of the Medical Form here or under Resources in LEAD Portal). Please note that telehealth physicals are not accepted. 

7. Step 7: Submit Your Application

   Submit the Family Child Care Application online through EEC’s LEAD Portal. Make sure to:

   • Upload all required documents into the Document Library in LEAD (Document Library Training Video)
   • The physical environment (outdoor and indoor child care space) must be ready  

8. Step 8: Submit Operation Documents

   In addition to the application itself, EEC also requires the following documentation to be submitted through the LEAD portal: 

   • A signed Tax Certification Form (a link to the form is e-mailed once the application is submitted in the LEAD Portal)
   • Background Record Check (BRC) Consent Forms for:
     • All household members 15 years old or older.
     • All persons regularly on the premises during child care hours who are 15 years old or older must go through the BRC. When submitting a request for a BRC the name you use must match the name on the person’s government issued ID.

   Keep in mind:

   • Each individual is required to have an individual unique e-mail address.  BRC Forms are e-mailed to each person requiring the background check.
   • Parents or guardians must sign the consent for children under 18. If a foster child is a household member, the consent will be signed by the legal guardian.
   • The BRC includes a criminal record check in Massachusetts and out of State; a check through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for investigations that supported allegations of Abuse/Neglect; a National Fingerprint check, MA Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and a National Sex Offender Registry Board Name/Address Check approval.
   • More information about Background Record checks can be found here.

9. Step 9: Pre-Licensing Visit

   A Licensor will conduct a scheduled Pre-Licensing Visit to your program.  Make sure that prior to scheduling your pre-licensing visit, your space is set up to receive children, with all materials and equipment ready and available.  You should have an adequate supply of toys, materials and equipment for the number and ages of children you intend to care for.  You can reach out to your licensor for guidance if you have questions.

10. Step 10: Licensing Visit Follow Up

    After the pre-licensing visit, your licensor will update your LEAD Portal with notes from the visit. Within 2 weeks of the visit, you will need to respond to any follow up items and complete a corrective action plan, noting any corrections made to issues identified during the Pre-licensing visit. 

11. Step 11: Post Your EEC License

    Once all appropriate documentation is received and approved, the License will be issued via email. You will need to post the license where it is visible for parents, and you are ready to open the doors of your program.