| License type | Large family child care home |
| Regulating agency | Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — Licensing and Certification Unit |
| Regulatory code | 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs) |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 12–14 children with assistant (verify with MA EEC) |
| Assistant required | Yes — when group exceeds small home limit (typically 8+ children) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required; background check + pre-licensing orientation |
| Annual training | Both provider and assistant required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Massachusetts large family child care home: Capacity rules
Large family child care homes in Massachusetts use a capacity model with staffing tiers. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the ages of children in care, under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs).
Large family child care homes require a licensed assistant provider when the group exceeds the single-provider limit. For programs serving fewer children, see the Massachusetts small family child care home page.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 children | Provider alone | Small family home rules typically apply; verify with MA EEC |
| 9–12 children | Provider + assistant provider | Assistant must be approved by MA EEC; infant limits apply |
| 13–14 children | Provider + assistant provider | Additional capacity criteria may apply; verify with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care |
| Own children | Counted in total | Both provider’s and assistant’s own children under specified age count toward capacity |
Massachusetts large family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Operator requirements
The licensed provider of a large family child care home in Massachusetts must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation. No Director Permit is typically required. The provider must hold current CPR and pediatric first aid certification.
Assistant provider requirements
The assistant provider must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete CPR and first aid training. In most states, the assistant must be specifically identified and approved by the licensing agency as part of the license. An unapproved adult cannot fill the assistant role when the group exceeds the single-provider limit.
Annual training requirements
Both the provider and assistant provider must each complete continuing education hours annually as required by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Contact MA EEC for the current training hour requirement and approved topics.
Massachusetts large family child care home: Facility requirements
The physical environment standards for large family child care homes in Massachusetts are similar to small homes but must accommodate a larger group, under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs).
| Setting | Provider’s primary residence — same requirement as small family child care home |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area; must safely accommodate the larger licensed group |
| Space assessment | MA EEC will assess whether the home can safely accommodate the licensed capacity during the pre-licensing inspection |
| Sleeping arrangements | Appropriate sleep surfaces for all infants in care; safe sleep environment required |
| Assistant living arrangements | The assistant provider does not need to reside at the home but must be present whenever the group exceeds the single-provider limit |
How to get a large family child care home license in Massachusetts
The large family child care home licensing process in Massachusetts is administered by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Follow these general steps:
- If expanding from a small family child care home, notify MA EEC of your intent — you must apply for a new or modified large family home license.
- Identify your assistant provider and submit their information to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — the assistant must complete background checks and CPR/first aid.
- Complete the MA EEC application for a large family child care home license including all required disclosure forms.
- Schedule and pass an updated home inspection that evaluates the home’s capacity for the larger group.
- Obtain any updated local zoning or fire permits if your jurisdiction requires them for the expanded capacity.
- Receive your large family child care home license from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care specifying the approved capacity and the named assistant provider.
Licensing contact: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — Licensing and Certification Unit.
Official resource: https://eec.state.ma.us/pub/licensing
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Frequently asked questions: Massachusetts large family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Massachusetts
Also in this guide: Massachusetts Childcare Center Requirements, Massachusetts Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Massachusetts Preschool Requirements