Advocates seek landlord‑right fixes to expand home‑based childcare (H255)

Boston — Advocates for home‑based childcare and graduates of a childcare entrepreneur training program told the committee that landlord refusals and HOA rules prevent trained, licensed educators from opening licensed family childcare programs in their homes, shrinking the supply of culturally and linguistically responsive care.

"At least 70% of Lele participants are renters," Marjorie McLean, program director for the Leaders for Equitable Local Economies childcare entrepreneur training program, told the committee in support of H255. She said many aspiring providers are multilingual women of color who face landlord resistance based on perceived insurance and property concerns.

Speakers described cases in which graduates were denied landlord approval or blocked by homeowners associations despite completing training and licensing. A Lele graduate named Rosalina was cited as an example who was initially denied a landlord's approval over insurance fears but later opened a program after advocacy and education.

Proponents said expanding home‑based programs is a rapid, cost‑effective way to add childcare slots, especially for immigrant and bilingual families. The bill would clarify zoning rules, address landlord liability concerns and affirm the ability of renters and condo owners to operate licensed childcare in many settings, they said.

Committee members did not vote on the measure during the hearing; advocates offered to provide written testimony and data and asked for a favorable report to unlock more licensed slots.