Licensed Daycare in Arlington, Massachusetts
46 licensed daycares in Arlington, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Arlington listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Arlington: what parents should know
There are 46 licensed childcare providers on record in Arlington, with Center Based Care the most common type (about 63% 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 Arlington spans 3+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 37% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Arlington report capacity for roughly 2,627 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Arlington childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Arlington
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 Arlington 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
- 57 kids
Program types in Arlington
Largest licensed centers in Arlington
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Arlington licensed centers
Page 2 of 4Each 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 Arlington, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Arlington?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Arlington daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Arlington?
How do I verify a Arlington daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Arlington
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 Arlington
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Arlington, 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 · May 2026 · methodology
Search 46 Licensed Centers in Arlington
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).