Licensed Daycare in Melrose, Massachusetts
21 licensed daycares in Melrose, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Melrose listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Melrose: what parents should know
Our directory lists 21 licensed childcare providers in Melrose, Massachusetts, with Center Based Care the most common type (about 52% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Massachusetts license at indexing time, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
About 48% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Melrose's licensed centers hold about 807 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Melrose childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Melrose
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 Melrose 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
- 38 kids
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Melrose
Largest licensed centers in Melrose
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Melrose licensed centers
Page 1 of 2Each 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 Melrose, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Melrose?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Melrose daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Melrose?
How do I verify a Melrose daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Melrose
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 Melrose
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Melrose, 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 21 Licensed Centers in Melrose
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).