Looking for child care in Salem? Start with the state’s official search, which lists every licensed program in the city. For free help finding care or paying for it, call Child Care Circuit, the agency the state assigns to Salem families, at (978) 686-4288.

By our editors · Facts checked October 17, 2026

Disclosure: Treehouse Learning Center, which runs childcare and therapy programs in Massachusetts, publishes KidBrief. When we point you to child care, we send you to the state’s official list of every licensed program, and we always label ours. How we make money.

The short version

1. Search every licensed program in Salem

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licenses child care centers, family child care homes and after-school programs. Its official search shows each program’s address, ages served and license status. Type “Salem” and filter by your child’s age.

Before you sign up anywhere, use our tour questions and license check, and read home daycare vs. daycare center.

2. Get free help from Child Care Circuit

Every Massachusetts town has a Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R). The state’s CCR&R search lists Child Care Circuit for Salem:

They can help you find programs with openings and apply for state help paying for care. The service is free.

3. Get help paying for child care

Massachusetts helps eligible families pay for licensed care. You apply online on MyChildCareMA. Our full guide explains the income limits and the waitlist, and what child care costs in Massachusetts helps you budget. The 2026 child care tax breaks can also lower your bill.

4. Head Start near Salem

Free for eligible families. These centers are listed in the federal Head Start Center Locator. Search your address there for others nearby:

  • Pathways for Children Head Start at Horace Mann (Head Start, ages 3 to 5): 79 Willson St, Salem. (978) 281-2400

See who qualifies for Head Start and how to apply.

Treehouse Learning Center (our program)

KidBrief is published by Treehouse, so we label it as ours. It’s one more option to compare with the other programs in the state search.

5. Public preschool in Salem

Salem is one of the districts in the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative. It’s a state grant that helps cities offer preschool to 3- and 4-year-olds in public school classrooms and community programs. Ask Salem Public Schools about preschool and kindergarten registration, which seats are open and the age cut-off.

6. Family programs and playgroups

The state’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) programs run free playgroups, parenting help and kindergarten-readiness events. Search “Salem” in the state’s family resources tool to find the one near you.

Having a baby?

Most Massachusetts parents can get up to 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child. See paid family leave for new parents, and start looking for infant care early, because infant spots fill first.

Nearby: child care in Lynn · child care in Peabody.

Sources

From the team behind KidBrief

KidBrief is published by Treehouse Learning Center, an early education program in nearby Lynn. It’s one of many licensed options for Salem families, so compare it with the others in the state search. Schedule a free tour →