State-Verified

Licensed Daycare in Wakefield, Massachusetts

22 licensed daycares in Wakefield, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Massachusetts licensing records.

22
Licensed Centers
11
Family Homes
$2,300/mo
Massachusetts avg infant
1:3
State infant ratio

Wakefield listings updated May 2026 from official Massachusetts records.

Daycare in Wakefield: what parents should know

Our directory lists 22 licensed childcare providers in Wakefield, Massachusetts, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 50% 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 50% 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 Wakefield report capacity for roughly 747 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Wakefield childcare by the numbers

22
Licensed providers
747
Licensed child seats
11
Family child care homes
1+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Wakefield

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 Wakefield 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 overview

Quick 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
33 kids

ZIP codes covered

Largest licensed centers in Wakefield

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Wakefield, Massachusetts?
Our directory lists 22 licensed childcare centers in Wakefield, Massachusetts, sourced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Wakefield?
Statewide averages in Massachusetts run roughly $2300/month for infants and $1640/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Wakefield daycares?
All licensed Massachusetts centers must meet the state minimum: 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Wakefield typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Wakefield?
Massachusetts families can apply for EEC Child Care Financial Assistance (intake: (617) 988-6600). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Wakefield daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Wakefield

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

EEC Child Care Financial Assistance can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(617) 988-6600 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Wakefield, 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 22 Licensed Centers in Wakefield

Free, no signup, verified directly with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

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