First Circle Learning Center

NEEDHAM, MACenter-based CareLicensed

3.5based on state inspection data
Capacity141
Est. price$2,033/mo

Contact information

Address165 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA, 02492

CityNEEDHAM, MA 02492

Phone(781) 455-7144

Operating details

Capacity141

SubsidiesY

License dateJuly 3, 2023

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 12/3/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High8
  • Medium-High14
  • Medium3
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

165 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA, 02492, NEEDHAM, MA 02492

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. This facility has supervision-related findings on its state record - ask specifically how ratios are maintained during transitions, outdoor play, and nap time
  2. Ask what changed after their most recent supervision citation and how compliance is monitored now
  3. This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
  4. 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: 12/3/2025

  • High4
  • Medium-High7
  • Medium2
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2025

  1. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1112/3/2025

    7.11(12)(i)

    Educators keep at least one hand on the child at all times when the child is being changed on an elevated surface; Domain: Health and Safety. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  2. Medium riskStandard 7.1112/3/2025

    7.11(12)(d)

    a common changing table or diapering surface is not used for any other purpose; Domain: Infection Control. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0712/3/2025

    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. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1112/3/2025

    7.11(10)(c), 7.11(10)(d), 7.11(10)(f), 7.11(10)(g), 7.11(10)(h), 7.11(10)(i), 7.11(10)(j), 7.11(10)(m), 7.11(10)(l) — Infection Control/Hand Washing

    Infection Control/Hand Washing The licensee must ensure that educators and children wash their hands with liquid soap and running water, using friction, in accordance with DPH guidelines. Hands must be dried with individual or disposable towels or automatic hand blow-dryers. The use of common towels is prohibited. Educators and children must wash their hands at least at the following times:, In addition, educators must wash their hands:, The licensee must ensure that equipment, materials, items or surfaces (including floors, walls and clothing used for dramatic play) are washed with soap and water and disinfected as needed to maintain a sanitary environment., All floors used by children must be swept and/or vacuumed daily., All eating surfaces must be washed and disinfected before and after each use., Where applicable, the following items, equipment and surfaces must be washed and disinfected after each use:, 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., The following must be washed and disinfected at least weekly:, The following items must be monitored for cleanliness and washed and disinfected at least daily: Domain: Health. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1112/3/2025

    7.11(05)(d)(04) — Emergency medications readily available

    Emergency medications readily available emergency or life-saving medications, such as asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, for any children for whom they have been prescribed; Domain: Medication. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  6. High riskStandard 7.0412/3/2025

    7.04(04)(a)(01), 7.10(01), 7.10(02), 7.10(03), 7.10(04), 7.10(09) — Attendance Recording and Group Sizes/Ratios

    Attendance Recording and Group Sizes/Ratios daily attendance records indicating each child’s attendance, including arrival and departure times;, The licensee must maintain sufficient numbers of qualified staff to promote the health, safety, growth and development of each child. Assignment of staff must take into account the physical environment, requirements of the activities children are engaged in, and the developmental levels and behavioral traits of children in care., Ratios: The program must have the number of educators necessary to:, Staff to Be Included in Ratios., Multi-Age Grouping. A group of children ranging in age from birth through thirteen years (or sixteen years, if such children have special needs), may be assigned on an ongoing basis to a single group, provided all provisions of 606 CMR 7.10(4) are met. The Multi-Age Grouping ratios and group sizes specified at 606 CMR 7.10(4)(d – h) may be used by:, Additional Provisions for Large Group and School Age Child Care. Domain: Care of Children. Renewal - Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  7. High risk8/19/2025

    Non-compliance identified during complaint investigation

    Non-compliance identified during complaint investigation No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect Domain: Complaint investigation. Complaint Investigation. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected

2024

  1. Medium riskStandard 7.0611/26/2024

    7.06(01)(c) — Sufficient amount and variety of equipment and materials3

    Sufficient amount and variety of equipment and materials3 The licensee must ensure that: Domain: Care of Children. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  2. High riskStandard 7.0411/26/2024

    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 operator’s 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. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1111/26/2024

    7.11(10)(c), 7.11(10)(d), 7.11(10)(f), 7.11(10)(g), 7.11(10)(h), 7.11(10)(i), 7.11(10)(j), 7.11(10)(m), 7.11(10)(l) — Infection Control/Hand Washing - R Apr 2025

    Infection Control/Hand Washing - R Apr 2025 The licensee must ensure that educators and children wash their hands with liquid soap and running water, using friction, in accordance with DPH guidelines. Hands must be dried with individual or disposable towels or automatic hand blow-dryers. The use of common towels is prohibited. Educators and children must wash their hands at least at the following times:, In addition, educators must wash their hands:, The licensee must ensure that equipment, materials, items or surfaces (including floors, walls and clothing used for dramatic play) are washed with soap and water and disinfected as needed to maintain a sanitary environment., All floors used by children must be swept and/or vacuumed daily., All eating surfaces must be washed and disinfected before and after each use., Where applicable, the following items, equipment and surfaces must be washed and disinfected after each use:, 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., The following must be washed and disinfected at least weekly:, The following items must be monitored for cleanliness and washed and disinfected at least daily: Domain: Health. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0711/26/2024

    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. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  5. High riskStandard 7.0411/26/2024

    7.04(07), 7.04(08)(b), 7.06(05)(b), 7.10(09)(a)(05) — Children's Records - R Apr 2025

    Children's Records - R Apr 2025 Children’s Records. The licensee must maintain an individual written record for each child that includes:, For school age children, the licensee may accept either:, The licensee must obtain parental consent prior to contacting any outside social, educational or health care resource or service provider on behalf of an individual child. If such direct contacts are made by the program, the licensee must maintain a written record of such contacts and the results of such contacts., Whenever a child is considered for assignment in a fixed age group outside his chronologically defined age group, the licensee must: Domain: Administration. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  6. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0411/26/2024

    7.04(17)(p)(04) — Evacuation procedures posted at each exit

    Evacuation procedures posted at each exit next to each exit, emergency and evacuation procedures. Domain: Emergency Preparedness. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected

Showing the 25 most recent of 29 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.

25Total Violations
0Recent Violations
(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

$2,033/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: NEEDHAM
  • Capacity: 141
  • Type: Center-based Care
  • Years in operation: 3

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