Groundwork

There are several agencies involved in childcare subsidies. It can be confusing to know who is responsible for what. Here's a guide.

The Agencies

EEC — Department of Early Education and Care

EEC runs the whole childcare financial assistance program. They set the rules, the rates, and the policies. You probably won't interact with EEC directly unless you're filing an appeal or a special request.

Think of EEC as: The headquarters. They make the rules, but your local office handles the day-to-day.

CCR&R — Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

Also called Family Access Administrators. This is your main point of contact. Your CCR&R is the agency that:

  • Processes your application
  • Determines if you're eligible
  • Issues your voucher
  • Handles your renewals (reauthorizations)
  • Answers most of your questions
  • Helps you find childcare providers

There are different CCR&Rs in different parts of the state. When you apply, you'll be connected to the one that serves your area.

Think of your CCR&R as: Your caseworker's office. When in doubt, call your CCR&R.

In Metro Boston, your CCR&R is Childcare Choices of Boston (cccboston.org). You should reach out to them with any and all questions you may have.

DTA — Department of Transitional Assistance

DTA runs TAFDC (cash assistance) and SNAP (food assistance). If you receive TAFDC or SNAP, DTA can potentially issue you a referral for childcare assistance. This referral gives you priority access — you don't have to wait on the general waitlist. You will first need to qualify for the referral through DTA's requirements.

You interact with DTA if: You're receiving TAFDC or SNAP and need childcare to support your work or training activities.

Think of DTA as: A separate agency that can open a side door into the childcare system for you.

DCF — Department of Children and Families

DCF handles child welfare cases. If your family has an active DCF case, DCF can issue a referral for childcare assistance. Like DTA referrals, this gives you priority access.

You interact with DCF if: Your family has an active DCF case or is transitioning out of one.

DHCD — Department of Housing and Community Development

DHCD runs homeless stabilization and diversion programs. If you're experiencing homelessness, a DHCD-funded program can certify your housing status, which qualifies you for priority access and fee waivers.

You interact with DHCD if: You need certification of homelessness to access childcare assistance.

Mass 211

Not an agency that runs the program, but an important resource. Call 211 to get connected to your local CCR&R, find childcare providers, or get general information about available services.

How They Connect

Here's how information flows between these agencies:

DTA ──referral──→ CCR&R ←──referral── DCF
                    ↑
                    |
              Family applies
                    |
                    ↓
               EEC (oversight, appeals, policy)
  • Families interact mostly with their CCR&R
  • DTA and DCF send referrals to the CCR&R when their clients need childcare
  • EEC oversees the whole system and handles appeals
  • Providers interact with their CCR&R for reimbursement and attendance tracking

Who Do I Call?

I need to... Contact
Apply for childcare assistance Your local CCR&R or call Mass 211
Ask about my application or voucher Your CCR&R
Report a change (income, address, job) Your CCR&R
Schedule my reauthorization Your CCR&R
Ask about my TAFDC or SNAP referral DTA
Ask about my DCF referral Your DCF social worker
Appeal a denial or termination EEC — eecsubsidymanagement@mass.gov
Get general information or referrals Call your CCR&R or Mass 211
Ask about the waitlist Call your CCR&R or Mass 211
Get legal help with an appeal GBLS (Greater Boston Legal Services) or local legal aid

Next Steps

Content last verified against EEC policy: April 2026

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