MA Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Massachusetts childcare programs are regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The state has some of the most stringent ratio requirements in the country.
Massachusetts Ratio Requirements
The Massachusetts EEC sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under 606 CMR 7.00. Massachusetts is known for having lower ratios (more staff per child) than many other states.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-15 months) | 1:3 | 7 |
| Toddlers (15-33 months) | 1:4 | 9 |
| Preschool (33 mo - 4 yrs) | 1:10 | 20 |
| Kindergarten (5-6 years) | 1:12 | 24 |
| School-Age (6+ years) | 1:13 | 26 |
Source: Massachusetts EEC, 606 CMR 7.00
Key MA Compliance Points
- Lead teachers must have EEC certification (Teacher, Lead Teacher, or Director credentials)
- Ratios must be maintained during all hours of operation, including outdoor time and transitions
- Massachusetts uses months (not years) to define age groups more precisely
- Programs must maintain attendance records documenting compliance
Important Note
Massachusetts requires CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) background checks for all staff. Fingerprint-based national checks are also required.
MA Licensing Resources
For official Massachusetts childcare licensing information:
Nearby State Resources
If you operate centers in multiple New England states, check these guides:
Automate MA Ratio Compliance
CentreCareOS automatically monitors your staff-to-child ratios against Massachusetts EEC requirements. Get real-time alerts before violations occur.
- Pre-configured with MA EEC ratio requirements
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