Licensed Daycare in Lawrence, Massachusetts
487 licensed daycares in Lawrence, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Lawrence listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Lawrence: what parents should know
Lawrence has 487 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 93% 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 Lawrence spans 5+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 93% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Lawrence's licensed centers hold about 6,979 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Lawrence childcare by the numbers
The Lawrence childcare landscape
Lawrence is a heavily Latino Gateway City north of Boston, and Spanish-language care is the norm rather than the exception. A long-running community-action agency runs much of the local Head Start, and Massachusetts's subsidy and quality systems apply citywide.
Free and public pre-K
Massachusetts funds preschool through district and state-partnership programs, delivered with Lawrence Public Schools and community providers. For income-eligible infants and preschoolers, the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council operates the area's Head Start and Early Head Start — and bilingual programming is widely available.
Subsidies and quality
Massachusetts helps eligible families through Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) vouchers and contracted slots, accessed via local resource agencies. Apply early — demand is high — and ask each provider about home-language support and any NAEYC accreditation.
How licensing works
Child care in Massachusetts is licensed and inspected by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Licensing status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Lawrence is more affordable than Boston but still carries Massachusetts pricing — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,300–$1,700/month. Licensed family child care homes — abundant here — are usually the lowest-cost option, and many operate in Spanish.
When to start looking
District pre-K and Head Start enroll ahead of the fall — apply in spring. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists, and confirm bilingual availability directly with the provider.
Childcare costs in Lawrence
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 Lawrence 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
- 14 kids
Program types in Lawrence
Largest licensed centers in Lawrence
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Lawrence licensed centers
Page 5 of 33Each 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 Lawrence, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Lawrence?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lawrence daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Lawrence?
How do I verify a Lawrence daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Lawrence, 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 487 Licensed Centers in Lawrence
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).