Licensed Daycare in Dorchester, Massachusetts
217 licensed daycares in Dorchester, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Dorchester listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Dorchester: what parents should know
Dorchester has 217 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 81% 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 spans 5+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 81% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Dorchester's licensed centers hold about 4,359 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Dorchester childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Dorchester
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 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
- 20 kids
Program types in Dorchester
Largest licensed centers in Dorchester
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Dorchester licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Each 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 Dorchester, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Dorchester?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dorchester daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Dorchester?
How do I verify a Dorchester daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Dorchester
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
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Dorchester, 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 217 Licensed Centers in Dorchester
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).