Find a daycare in Boston, MA

Find daycares in Boston, MA

Find daycares in Boston, MA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
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Find daycares in Boston, MA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
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Top 10 daycares in Boston, MA

Parents agree: these Boston daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Meeting House Child Care Center

Meeting House Child Care Center

5.0(1)
37+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
Sarah S. says, "Our family has been with Meeting House for 5 years and two children -- the staff are excellent educators and communicators, and the community of families has been such an amazing source of support and camaraderie." Read more
Elizabeth Peabody House

Elizabeth Peabody House

129+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
The Elizabeth Peabody House, founded in 1896, is a renowned non-profit community organization in Somerville, Massachusetts. It offers a preschool program that promotes learning through a holistic curriculum. The house also provides after-school care for school-aged children, which includes activities like sports, arts and crafts, cultural events, and homework assistance. Known for its multicultural learning environment, the Elizabeth Peabody House is committed to helping children develop emotionally, academically, socially, and physically.
MTC Family Childcare

MTC Family Childcare

24+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
At MTC Family Childcare, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for your little ones to thrive. Based in the heart of Boston, MA, our intimate setting ensures that each child receives personalized attention and care. Our experienced team focuses on fostering social, emotional, and educational development through engaging activities and learning experiences. With a commitment to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, MTC Family Childcare is where your child can grow, learn, and play with confidence. Join us in building a strong foundation for your child's future.
Family Daycare "My Six Butterflies"

Family Daycare "My Six Butterflies"

10+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
Hilda De Luyo, located in Randolph, MA, is a licensed home daycare that offers educational experiences for up to eight children. The daycare focuses on providing personalized care, ensuring each child's unique needs are met. It is a go-to choice for parents seeking quality childcare services in the local community. Family Daycare "My Six Butterflies", based in Randolph, Massachusetts, is dedicated to educating children of all abilities and backgrounds. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, including cooking, music, and phonics, in a warm and welcoming environment. It accepts children from 2 months to 5 years of age.
Imagination Station Early Learning Center (Revere)

Imagination Station Early Learning Center (Revere)

Serves Boston, MA
Founded in 2016, Imagination Station Early Learning Center, based in Revere, MA and servicing the surrounding areas, offers high-quality childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 7 years. They provide a safe and nurturing environment with a professional team of staff. Full-time and part-time slots are available, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks included in the tuition. The center also offers a curriculum that includes letters, colors, shapes, music, rhymes, sensory play, and practical life skills, along with a "Gross Motor Room" for sports and games.
Little Ladybug Daycare

Little Ladybug Daycare

5.0(3)
Serves Boston, MA
Mel G. says, "We feel incredibly lucky to have found this daycare for our son. From the very beginning, Rhina has shown such genuine care, warmth, and dedication—not just to his wellbeing, but to his development and happiness ♥️ Every morning, he wakes up excited to go, and it means the world to us knowing he's spending his days in a place where he feels safe, loved, and encouraged to grow. The atmosphere is always cheerful and welcoming, and it's clear how much thought and heart goes into everything Rhina does. Thank you for creating such a nurturing environment—we couldn’t ask for a better place for our child!" Read more
Angeles Family Child Care

Angeles Family Child Care

7+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
Located in Everett, Massachusetts, Heydi Torres is a reputable home-based daycare and early learning service provider. With a focus on outdoor activities, children enjoy nature walks to nearby parks, promoting physical activity and socialization for gross motor skill development. At the same time, ANGELesfamily child care offers a bilingual program for children aged 3 months to 4 years, licensed by the state of Massachusetts. This blend of services ensures a nurturing and educational environment for all children.
Ms. Gen's Neighborhood Together Juntos

Ms. Gen's Neighborhood Together Juntos

5.0Exceptional(6)
4+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
Milagros A. says, "My kids adore Auntie Gen, they thoroughly enjoy visiting her place to play and learn. Knowing that my girls are well-cared for in her presence brings me immense peace of mind." Read more
Patricia Bergantino

Patricia Bergantino

5.0Exceptional(6)
13+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
Kyla B. says, "Tricia is a warm, loving, kind and professional person. She always welcomed my daughter with a big smile, each morning, and showed genuine interest in her well being. Tricia is organized and always sends daily communication about Aliyah's day at school. She also provides a safe and loving environment for all of the children who attend her child care center. From an anxious mother's point of view, I have always felt confident that my daughter was safe and well taken care of while I am at work. Aliyah is excited to attend Tricia's and see her friends each day. I highly recommend this child care center and Tricia!" Read more
Kind Words Daycare

Kind Words Daycare

8+ years in business
Serves Boston, MA
I have a home daycare and work with kids from the ages of 6 months to 13 years old! I am lisenced 8 years and work with eec. I also have CPR training and First Aid! In my daycare kids will get to know each other make crafts enjoy there time! But most Importantly have FUN!

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

Reviews for Boston daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Boston area.
Laura C.
This Daycare was a backup for my son while his other teacher was on vacation when it was time to leave to go back to my son’s other school he didn’t want to. He loved this daycare so much that I ended up changing him to it little ladybug daycare miss Rena was great when I first went there she show me around showed me everything very clean very organized very professional. I would recommend this Daycare to anybody and her mom is great as well. Such a big help.
Little Ladybug Daycare
Brayeli L.
I am incredibly grateful for the care and attention my child receives at Ms.Gen’s Neighborhood. The owner is not only responsible and reliable but also incredibly friendly and approachable. It’s evident that she genuinely loves and cares for all the children, creating a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive. She goes above and beyond to ensure the kids are not only happy but also engaged in learning and development. I truly feel at ease knowing my child is in such capable and loving hands. I highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a place where their child’s well-being and happiness are the top priority.
Ms. Gen's Neighborhood Together Juntos
Alyse D.
Tricia is kind, creative and energetic. Everything you could ever want in a caretaker for your child!
Patricia Bergantino
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