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Licensed Daycare in Dorchester, Massachusetts

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Dorchester, Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 217 licensed childcare centers in Dorchester, 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.

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

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 Dorchester?

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 .

Looking for daycare in this area? Below is the full list of licensed providers as reported by the state's child care regulator.

217

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$2,300/mo

Massachusetts avg infant

1:3

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Dorchester

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 Dorchester 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: 20 kids

ZIP codes covered

02121 75 02124 73 02125 45 02122 26 02127 2

Program types in Dorchester

Dorchester

2 years - 12 years Cap 10

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Dorchester, Massachusetts?

Our directory lists 217 licensed childcare centers in Dorchester, 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 Dorchester?

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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Dorchester?

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 Dorchester 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.