ECE programs to suspend operations March 23
Governor Baker announced today that all early care and education programs will suspend operations effective March 23 in response to the public health emergency in Massachusetts. This order covers both home- and center-based child care providers and programs and will be in effect through April 6.
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care is working on a process to exempt ECE programs that “serve vulnerable children and the children of families who are required to work to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens.”
If you are a provider and are interested in operating an Exempt Emergency Child Care Program during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, please fill out this Google form.
This is a fast-moving and fast-changing situation. For the latest updates, you can check the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s FAQ for ECE providers.
You can also check back for updates on our news page and the Facebook pages of our Professional Development Centers (linked to below).
Additional Resources
Most recent message from MA EEC Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy (sent on Wednesday, March 18 at 3:27pm)
Guidance for ECE providers facing COVID-19-related questions and concerns, including scenarios in which a member of a child’s household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, a staff member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and public health departments are reporting sustained community-based transmission of COVID-19.
List of EPA-approved disinfectants for cleaning ECE program areas.
StrongStart Professional Development Center Facebook pages