Childcare & Education

If you plan to bring your children to the U.S., arrange childcare or schooling early, as costs, quality, application processing times, and waiting lists vary. Children often participate in various after school activities (music, art, sports, etc.), which can help them adapt and make friends more easily.

This list is a starting point for you to plan childcare, schooling, and activities while in the U.S.

BU Children’s Center

The Children’s Center is a nonprofit, University owned and operated childcare center, serving children ages eight weeks to five years old. They also offer referral services and a variety of other resources to support families of the Boston University community.

BU Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec)

BU’s main athletic center on the Charles River Campus offers an array of activities for children, including swimming, soccer, dance, and gymnastics. Details about classes, schedules, and fees are on the FitRec site.

MA Child Care and the MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)

The MA Child Care website lists childcare providers and schools—both public and private—in Massachusetts and also features news related to parenting, community bulletin boards for parents, child health information, and activities for children.

Boston Parents Paper

This publication provides ideas for classes, entertainment, schools, special events, where to buy children’s clothes or furniture, and more.

YMCA of Greater Boston

This large and well-known activity center provides many sporting activities for adults and children.