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Child Care - Frequently Asked Questions - Massachusetts

This topic provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Child Care in Massachusetts, and includes links to more detailed information available about each item in the FAQ.

How do I find a child care provider in Massachusetts?

There are several ways to find a child care provider near you:

·          On the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care website you can search for child care at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/

·          Get contact and other information about your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency from the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R) - Massachusetts topic.

·          Contact your regional Child Care Resource and Referral Agency by calling the Massachusetts Child Care Resource & Referral Network at 1-800-345-0131, or get more information about Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and a listing on the Internet at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/kr_resource.aspx

What should I look for in a child care provider?

Finding high quality child care is an important decision for many families. Much information is available on the EEC web site at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/

The Massachusetts Regulations for child care are available at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/kr_regulations.aspx

What can a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency do for me?

A Child Care Resource and Referral Agency is able to do a number of things for you including:

·          Provide information about your child care options

·          Provide advice/materials on how to find the right fit for your child and your family when choosing a child care setting

·          Help you locate available child care in your area

·          Provide information about financial assistance for child care, including determining if you are eligible for assistance

·          Provide training and resources for child care providers

For more information about Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, see the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R) - Massachusetts topic.

Am I eligible for financial assistance to help pay for child care?

You may contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency to find out if you are eligible for financial assistance. See:
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R) - Massachusetts

How do I become licensed to provide child care?

In Massachusetts, to provide center-based, school-age, family or residential care, you need an EEC license. To read about how to apply for a license, as well as learn about the EEC licensing requirements, see:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/kr_licensing.aspx

What should a parent look for in selecting a residential program?

Whenever possible, it is helpful to visit the program. Questions you might want to ask to determine if a particular program will meet your child's individual needs include:

·          What services are provided including social, medical, psychological and psychiatric and/or counseling services?

·          What type of child is served at this program?

·          What are the educational or training components of this program?

·          What are the expectations around communication with families (mail, phone, visits)?

·          What are the behavior management rules?

·          What does the building or facility look like? What are the living arrangements?

·          What about transportation? Recreational opportunities? What about meals?

·          What is the required staff to child ratio? How are staff trained?

·          Who do I contact if I have a specific question?

Additional information about choosing a residential program may be found at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/oo_adop_res.aspx

What should I do if I have concerns about my child's program?

As a parent, it is important to stay involved with your child's program. If you have questions or concerns about the care your child is receiving, you should first talk with your provider.

If you feel that your issues or concerns have not been addressed appropriately, you may call the EEC to speak with the licensor for that program regarding the regulations and whether you wish to file a complaint.

If at anytime you feel that your child may be at risk at their program, you should contact EEC immediately.

Contact information for EEC offices may be found in the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) topic.

What is the process for investigating a complaint?

Any questions or concerns about a child's care may be reported to the Office of Child Care Services. EEC investigates every report received and people who report their concerns can request to remain anonymous.

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the complaint, the investigation may be as simple as a follow up phone call or as complex as a multi agency investigation including law enforcement agencies. Each investigation is unique, but each is conducted with safety of children as the priority.

At the conclusion of an investigation, a report may be issued. In general, this report is public record and may be requested from EEC. Information may be redacted that is not public information.

Contact information for EEC offices may be found in the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) topic.

See also

Child Care - Overview - Massachusetts

Child Care - Program Types - Massachusetts

Child Care - Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions - Massachusetts

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care website at:
http://www.eec.state.ma.us/

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