The Children's Center
METHUEN, MA·Center-based CareLicensed
Contact information
Address35 LOWELL ST, Methuen, MA, 01844-3638
Phone(978) 685-6469
Operating details
Capacity99
SubsidiesY
License dateJuly 29, 1992
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 2/3/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High11
- Medium-High12
- Medium2
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
35 LOWELL ST, Methuen, MA, 01844-3638, METHUEN, MA 01844-3638
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has supervision-related findings on its state record - ask specifically how ratios are maintained during transitions, outdoor play, and nap time
- Ask what changed after their most recent supervision citation and how compliance is monitored now
- This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
- This facility has safety-related findings on its state record - ask how the cited hazards were corrected and when emergency drills were last run
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/3/2026
- High5
- Medium-High7
- Medium1
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High riskStandard 7.072/3/2026
7.07(02), 7.07(03) — Building Inspection and Fire Inspection
Building Inspection and Fire Inspection Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Fire Inspection. Every program not located in a residence must submit evidence of compliance with applicable fire codes. Domain: Physical Facility - Indoors. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected
2025
- High riskStandard 7.042/4/2025
7.04(17)(k) — Staff meeting documentation
Staff meeting documentation Staff Meetings. In programs with four or more staff the licensee must develop and follow a written plan and must document regular staff meetings of at least two hours per month to consult with educators on program issues; program planning; policies and procedures; parent communication; implementation of the regulations; childrens behaviors and meeting the individual needs of children. Domain: Administration. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.072/4/2025
7.07(01), 7.07(13)(g) — Staff monitor environment for hazards-Hazardous items not accessible to children
Staff monitor environment for hazards-Hazardous items not accessible to children The licensee must ensure that the physical facilities are safe, clean, in good repair and free from hazards and clutter. The licensee must monitor the environment daily to identify and remove or repair any hazards that may cause injury to children. Exits and evacuation routes must be kept clear of obstructions., Educators must ensure that all hazardous objects, including but not limited to matches, lighters, toxic materials, sharp objects, plastic bags and purses are locked or inaccessible to children. Domain: Physical Space (Indoor & Outdoor). Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.112/4/2025
7.11(10)(c)(03) — Staff and children wash hands: after toileting or diapering
Staff and children wash hands: after toileting or diapering after toileting or diapering; Domain: Health. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - High riskStandard 7.112/4/2025
7.11(10)(o), 7.11(10)(n), 7.11(10)(j), 7.11(10)(i), 7.11(10)(h) — Proper sanitizing techniques; Bottles labeled and out of children's reach
Proper sanitizing techniques; Bottles labeled and out of children's reach All disinfectant solutions must be stored in accordance with manufacturers instructions and in a secure place out of the reach of children., The disinfectant solution used to disinfect child care items, equipment and surfaces must be either a bleach solution prepared by the licensee in accordance with EEC guidelines or a commercially prepared disinfectant that has been registered as a sanitizing solution by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Registration by the EPA will be indicated on the product label. Commercially prepared solutions must be used in accordance with manufacturers directions., Toys mouthed by children must be set aside and stored after each use and may not be used by another child until they are washed and disinfected., Where applicable, the following items, equipment and surfaces must be washed and disinfected after each use:, All eating surfaces must be washed and disinfected before and after each use. Domain: Health. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - High riskStandard 7.112/4/2025
7.11(02)(j), 7.11(02)(l) — Documentation of medication administration; Current consent for medications
Documentation of medication administration; Current consent for medications Each time a medication is administered, the educator must document in the childs record the name of the medication, the dosage, the time and the method of administration, and who administered the medication, except as noted in (k) below., All medications must be administered in accordance with the consent and documentation requirements specified below: Domain: Health. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.112/4/2025
7.11(07)(h) — Evacuation drill log, all groups
Evacuation drill log, all groups The educator must hold practice evacuation drills with all groups of children and all educators from each floor level of the approved space at least monthly. Drills must be held during different times of the program day, and must use alternative exits. The educator must document the date, time, exit route used, number of children evacuated and effectiveness of each drill. Domain: Emergency Preparedness. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.072/4/2025
7.07(13)(d), 7.07(01), 7.07(02), 7.07(10) — Indoor Space
Indoor Space All play equipment, fences and structures must be free of entrapment hazards., The licensee must ensure that the physical facilities are safe, clean, in good repair and free from hazards and clutter. The licensee must monitor the environment daily to identify and remove or repair any hazards that may cause injury to children. Exits and evacuation routes must be kept clear of obstructions., Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Indoor Space. The indoor space must be clean, safely maintained, well-ventilated and well-lit, of sufficient size for the children served, and must encourage play and learning. Domain: Physical Facility - Indoors. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.072/4/2025
7.07(10)(p), 7.07(10)(o) — Electric outlets covered, no frayed electrical cords. Carbon monoxide detector.
Electric outlets covered, no frayed electrical cords. Carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Approved carbon monoxide detectors must be located and maintained in the program in accordance with the provisions of the state fire safety code and guidelines., Electrical outlets. All electrical outlets within the reach of children younger than school age must be made inaccessible by use of a safety device or covering that prevents access to the receptacle openings. If the covering is a shock stop, it must be of adequate size to prevent a choking hazard. All electrical cords must be arranged so they are not a hazard to children. Electrical cords must not be frayed or damaged. Domain: Physical Facility - Indoors. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium riskStandard 7.062/4/2025
7.06(01)(c), 7.06(01)(b) — Sufficient materials & equipment visible, available, and accessible
Sufficient materials & equipment visible, available, and accessible The licensee must ensure that:, The licensee must have evidence of a plan describing how program activities support and engage children through specific learning experiences. Such plan must be appropriate to the ages and development of the children served, to the length of the program day and to the program objectives. As appropriate, children must participate in the development of the plan, and the plan must provide for: Domain: Curriculum and Activities. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 7.072/4/2025
7.07(13) — Equipment is clean, safe, secured, and poses no hazard.
Equipment is clean, safe, secured, and poses no hazard. Safety Requirements for Equipment, Materials and Furnishings. The licensee must only use indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, furnishings, toys, and games that are appropriate to the ages, needs and developmental level of the children enrolled. They must be sturdy, safely constructed and installed, non-tippable, flame retardant, easily cleaned, and free from lead paint, protruding nails, rust, and other hazards that may be dangerous to children. Domain: Curriculum and Activities. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - High riskStandard 7.042/4/2025
7.04(05)(a), 7.04(05)(b), 7.04(05)(c), 7.09(09) — Staff Records - R Apr 2025
Staff Records - R Apr 2025 documentation that the employee has the qualifications required under 606 CMR 7.09, including, but not limited to, health records, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(11);, copies of licenses, certifications and registrations held, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle operators license (if the staff member transports children) and EEC educator qualification;, documentation of orientation, training and professional development, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(15)(d-f), 7.09(16)(c) and 7.09(17)(a), and 7.11(1), 7.09 (18)(d), and 7.09(19)(b),as applicable;, All educators must attend an orientation to early education and care approved by the Department. Domain: Administration. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected - High riskStandard 7.042/4/2025
7.04(07) — Children's records and checklist - R Apr 2025
Children's records and checklist - R Apr 2025 Childrens Records. The licensee must maintain an individual written record for each child that includes: Domain: Administration. Enhanced Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).
Not corrected
Showing the 25 most recent of 33 records on file; the full history loads with the interactive view.
Safety & Compliance Analysis
This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.
(Past 6 Months)
Parent Recommendations
Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:
- Review the detailed violations listed above.
- Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
- Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
- Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.
Estimated monthly cost
$2,361/month
This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.
Typical prices in Massachusetts run about $1,933/month for infant care at a center (federal median) — see daycare costs in Massachusetts by age group.
About this daycare
- Location: METHUEN
- Capacity: 99
- Type: Center-based Care
- Years in operation: 34
What parents actually pay
No parent-reported prices yet. If your child attends here, you can be the first to add one.
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