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Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

Small Group and School Age Child Care licenses allow you to care for up to 10 children in a community-based setting outside the home. If you want to start a program and get a license, contact your local Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) office.

Department of Early Education and Care

The Details   of Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

What you need   for Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

You need a Small Group and School Age Child Care license if you want to care for up to 10 children regularly outside of your home. To get your license, you need to meet certain health, safety, educational, and operational requirements, including:

Fees   for Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

Name Fee Unit
Provisional Small Group and School Age Child Care License $150 each
Small Group and School Age Child Care License Renewal $175 each

How to apply   Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

To begin the licensing application process, you need to attend a Potential Provider meeting. Visit the Massachusetts StrongStart Professional Development System to find a Potential Provider meeting.

If you wish to apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care program license, you must do so through EEC's Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD) system. To obtain a new user account on LEAD, contact the regional EEC licensing office that is closest to where you intend to operate your program.

All required application materials must be submitted to EEC through LEAD. Once your complete application is received by EEC, a licensor will contact you to schedule a licensing visit. 

More info   for Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

License exemption

In some cases, a program that meets specific criteria may be exempt from EEC licensure. Before you open your program, please contact your local EEC office to find out if your program is required to have a EEC license to operate.

Contact   for Apply for a Small Group and School Age Child Care license

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