Licensed Daycare in Salem, Massachusetts
57 licensed daycares in Salem, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.
Salem listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.
Daycare in Salem: what parents should know
Families in Salem can choose from 57 licensed childcare providers, with Family Daycare 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).
About 63% 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 Salem report capacity for roughly 1,785 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Salem childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Salem
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 Salem 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
- 31 kids
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Salem
Largest licensed centers in Salem
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Salem licensed centers
Page 1 of 2Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Salem, Massachusetts?
What's the average daycare cost in Salem?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Salem daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Salem?
How do I verify a Salem daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Salem
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 Salem
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Salem, 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 57 Licensed Centers in Salem
Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).