Licensed Daycare in Springfield, Massachusetts
471 licensed daycares in Springfield, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Springfield listings updated August 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Springfield: what parents should know
Families in Springfield can choose from 471 licensed childcare providers, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 86% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Massachusetts license at indexing time, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Licensed care in Springfield spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 86% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Springfield providers are approved for approximately 7,795 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Springfield childcare by the numbers
The Springfield childcare landscape
Springfield anchors early childhood in western Massachusetts, with a strong community Head Start network and the state's subsidy and quality systems. Massachusetts is high-cost throughout, which makes the free and subsidized routes especially worth pursuing here.
Free and public pre-K
Massachusetts funds preschool through district programs and state partnerships, delivered with Springfield Public Schools and community providers. For income-eligible infants and preschoolers, HCS Head Start operates an extensive Head Start and Early Head Start network across Springfield and the Pioneer Valley.
Subsidies and quality
Massachusetts helps eligible families through Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) vouchers and contracted slots, accessed via local resource agencies — apply early, since demand is high. Ask each provider about its quality participation and any NAEYC accreditation.
How licensing works
Child care in Massachusetts is licensed and inspected by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Licensing status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Springfield is below Boston but still high-cost — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,400–$1,800/month. Forest Park and the East Forest Park area are family-dense; the central and north-end neighborhoods carry more subsidized and community-based options; and nearby Chicopee and Holyoke add capacity.
When to start looking
District pre-K and Head Start enroll ahead of the fall — apply in spring. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists; Massachusetts infant supply is tight.
Childcare costs in Springfield
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 Springfield 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 overviewQuick 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
- 16 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Springfield?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Springfield
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Springfield
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Springfield? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Springfield? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Springfield licensed centers
Page 4 of 5Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Springfield, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Springfield?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Springfield daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Springfield?
How do I verify a Springfield daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Springfield
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programEEC Child Care Financial Assistance can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(617) 988-6600 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Official license searchChildcare resources for Springfield
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Springfield, Massachusetts are compiled from official Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 471 Licensed Centers in Springfield
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).