Locating Child Care
Early Education and Care
The Department of Early Education and Care publishes a geographically-searchable online directory of licensed child care programs across the state. Visit this link and enter “Cambridge” in the city/town field for a list of all licensed centers and family child care homes in our community.
OEC List of Cambridge Childcare Centers
Here is a comprehensive list of licensed child care centers in the Cambridge area. These programs serve children from infancy through age 4. In childcare centers, children are typically placed with other children their age. Most centers have more than one classroom. This spreadsheet provides basic information like hours, ages served, website, etc. It is a tool to help you get started on finding the best childcare option for your child and family.
OEC List of Family Child Care Providers
Here is a list of licensed family child care providers in the Cambridge area. These programs serve children from infancy through age 6. In family childcare, children are usually in mixed age groups. The setting for family child care is typically the owner of the business home. This spreadsheet provides basic information to get you started exploring this option.
OEC Child Care Information Specialist
If you have questions about either of these resources or want to talk through the options for child care in Cambridge, please be in touch with the OEC Child Care Information Specialist, Yadling Richemond. She can be reached by email yrichemond@cpsd.us or phone 617-349-6885.
Find It Cambridge
Find It Cambridge is an online resource that helps you easily find the activities, services, and resources you are looking for in Cambridge. Our city has an amazing array of opportunities, and Find It Cambridge serves as that one-stop-shop website for those who live, work and play here.
If you have any questions about Find It Cambridge, you can call the Find It Manager, Andrew Liedtka. He can be reached by email (aliedtka@cambridgema.gov) or phone (617-686-2998).
Paying for Child Care
Program-Based Financial Assistance
Some programs provide their own financial assistance to families. Ask each program what they have available and if you qualify. Scholarships, sibling discounts, sliding scale and part-time rates are available in some programs.
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care offers financial assistance to families with low incomes. The Department does not operate child care programs for children.
- There are two types of state assistance programs:
- Vouchers that can be used at different programs – many programs don’t accept vouchers. Vouchers follow the child as the child gets older.
- Contracted slots at specific programs. Many programs don’t have contracted slots. Slots stay at the program and don’t follow the child.
When you apply, you will be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist is very long. Many families apply. There are not enough vouchers and slots for every family who needs one. Financial assistance is available for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
You can apply for state financial assistance at any time.
To apply for financial assistance from the state, call Mass 211 or contact our local Child Care Resource and Referral agency: Child Care Choices of Boston 617-542-5437.
Financial Planning Tips
For more information: Child Care Aware of America has great resources for paying for childcare and budgeting tips.
Preschool
The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP)
The Cambridge Preschool Program (currently known as UPK) is a mixed delivery system funded by the city of Cambridge that will provide access to high quality early education and care for all Cambridge 4 year-olds and many 3 year-olds as well!
- The program will be free for families for a school-day, school-year placement.
- There will be additional costs for extended day and summer programs for most families.
- High-quality state-approved curriculum
- Equitable learning experiences that focus on school readiness and social emotional learning
- Single, centralized online application (paper application will be available)
Special Start
The Office of Student Services’s Special Start Program provides services and programming for young students 3-5 years of age. To be eligible, students must be three years old and be determined to have a disability and in need of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Typically developing peers may participate in an integrated special start classroom by completing an application process. For more information click HERE.
CAAS Head Start
Head Start is a free Federal program for children 3 to 5 years old. Families with low-incomes may qualify. There are a limited number of spaces. Head Start in Cambridge is a full-day, full-year program.
Children must be three years old to start in the program. Apply anytime for Head Start. Go to www.caasomerville.org/head-start or call (617) 623-7370.
