Licensed Daycare in Dorchester Center, Massachusetts
24 licensed daycares in Dorchester Center, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Dorchester Center listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Dorchester Center: what parents should know
Dorchester Center has 24 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 67% 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 Dorchester Center spans 2+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 67% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Dorchester Center providers are approved for approximately 642 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Dorchester Center childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Dorchester Center
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 Dorchester Center 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
- 26 kids
Program types in Dorchester Center
Largest licensed centers in Dorchester Center
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Dorchester Center licensed centers
Page 2 of 2Tap 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 Dorchester Center, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Dorchester Center?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dorchester Center daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Dorchester Center?
How do I verify a Dorchester Center daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Dorchester Center
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 Dorchester Center
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Dorchester Center, 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 24 Licensed Centers in Dorchester Center
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).