State-Sourced

Licensed Daycare in Amherst, Massachusetts

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Amherst?

Statewide averages in Massachusetts run roughly $2300/month for infants and $1640/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Amherst?

Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every listing here has a current license on file with the state. Use the filters to narrow by age group or program type.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$2,300/mo

Massachusetts avg infant

1:3

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Amherst

ChildCare Aware reports the Massachusetts average full-time cost at $2,300/month for infant care and $1,640/month for preschool. City-level prices in Amherst vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Massachusetts families may also qualify for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600).

Full Massachusetts licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
Infant ratio: 1:3
Toddler ratio: 1:4
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 48 kids

ZIP codes covered

01002 16 01003 1

Program types in Amherst

All Amherst licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

A Licensed Center

All About Learning

Amherst

School Age (5+) Cap 76

A Licensed Center

Amherst Montessori School

Amherst

School Age (5+) Cap 83

C Licensed Center

Capacidad - Fort River School

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 120

C Licensed Center

Center for Early Education and Care - UMass/Amherst

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 87

C Licensed Center

Community Action @ Amherst Community Child Care

Amherst

School Age (5+) Cap 64

C Licensed Center

Cushman Scott Children's Center

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 45

H Licensed Center

Hampshire College Early Learning Center

Amherst

School Age (5+) Cap 36

M Licensed Center

Mark's Meadow After School Day Care

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 99

P Licensed Center

Prime Time at Crocker Farm Elementary School

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 99

R Licensed Center

Renaissance School Inc.

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 20

S Licensed Center

Spring Street Preschool

Amherst

2 years - 12 years Cap 16

W Licensed Center

Woodside Children's Center

Amherst

School Age (5+) Cap 41

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Amherst, Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 17 licensed childcare centers in Amherst, Massachusetts, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Amherst?

Statewide averages in Massachusetts run roughly $2300/month for infants and $1640/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Amherst daycares?

All licensed Massachusetts centers must meet the state minimum: 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Amherst typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Amherst?

Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Amherst daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.