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Massachusetts Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Massachusetts. Massachusetts also administers a state-funded preschool program — Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start — with additional requirements.

Massachusetts Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with MA EEC)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group 20
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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)
State-funded program	Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start

Massachusetts preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Massachusetts must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs).

Massachusetts state-funded preschool: Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	20	30 months–5yr = 1:10 max 20 (606 CMR 7.10)
State-funded preschool (Massachusetts Universal Pre-K)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs), Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Always verify current ratios with MA EEC.

Massachusetts preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Massachusetts childcare center license require a director meeting Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s qualification standards under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Massachusetts must meet minimum education requirements set by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Massachusetts-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Massachusetts

Private preschool programs in Massachusetts follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care center license (private preschool) or Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care — Licensing and Certification Unit. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs).
For a state-funded preschool: contact MA Dept of Early Education and Care (EEC) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

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 preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Massachusetts need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Massachusetts that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20. Contact Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Massachusetts preschool teacher need?

Massachusetts preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Massachusetts preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care in Massachusetts, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of 20. For state-funded programs (Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Massachusetts Universal Pre-K and who qualifies?

Yes — Massachusetts administers Massachusetts Universal Pre-K (UPK) pilot; Head Start. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Massachusetts?

Kindergarten in Massachusetts is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00 (Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Group Child Care Programs) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: Massachusetts Childcare Center Requirements, Massachusetts Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Massachusetts Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care at https://eec.state.ma.us/pub/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.