Back to State RatiosMassachusetts
MA Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Massachusetts childcare programs are regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The state has some of the most stringent ratio requirements in the country.
Updated July 2026·8 min read
Massachusetts Ratio Requirements
The Massachusetts EEC sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under 606 CMR 7.00. Massachusetts is known for having lower ratios (more staff per child) than many other states.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-15 months) | 1:3 | 7 |
| Toddlers (15-33 months) | 1:4 | 9 |
| Preschool (33 mo - 4 yrs) | 1:10 | 20 |
| Preschool half-day option (33 mo–school age) | 1:12 | 24 |
| Kindergarten (entering 1st grade next year) | 1:15 | 30 |
| School-Age | 1:13 | 26 |
Source: Massachusetts EEC, 606 CMR 7.10 fixed-age groups (full-day preschool 1:10 / max 20; kindergarten 1:15 / max 30)
Key MA Compliance Points
- Lead teachers must have EEC certification (Teacher, Lead Teacher, or Director credentials)
- Ratios must be maintained during all hours of operation, including outdoor time and transitions
- Massachusetts uses months (not years) to define age groups more precisely
- Programs must maintain attendance records documenting compliance
MA Licensing Resources
For official Massachusetts childcare licensing information:
Nearby State Resources
If you operate centers in multiple New England states, check these guides:
Automate MA Ratio Compliance
CentreCareOS automatically monitors your staff-to-child ratios against Massachusetts EEC requirements. Get real-time alerts before violations occur.
- Pre-configured with MA EEC ratio requirements
- Real-time compliance dashboard
- Audit-ready historical reports