Latest information on suspension of ECE programs, plus stay-at-home advisory

In case you missed it, we are sharing a summary of the most recent message from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care on the statewide suspension of early care and education programs in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
 
The suspension applies to both home- and center-based providers, and this EEC page provides information for programs now closed.
 
You can download this notice to put on the doors to your program to explain the order to suspend operations.
 
The only exception is for state-designated emergency child care providers, who are prioritizing serving health care workers, essential state and human service workers, grocery store employees, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, transportation and infrastructure workers, sanitation workers, DCF-involved families, and families living in shelters.
 
As of Sunday, March 23, EEC had approved 300 Exempt Emergency Child Care Providers. EEC will be tracking daily utilization and be working to identify additional providers that can offer emergency drop-in services for children of families working to serve the health, safety, and welfare of the Commonwealth residents.
 
Programs that are interested in becoming Exempt Emergency Child Care Providers but have not yet applied, can still do so. Visit this link for more information.
 
Additionally, as communities work to identify local solutions to support families of employees providing vital health and safety services EEC will be working to support these efforts on a rolling basis.

Information about stay-at-home advisory

Today, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health also issued a stay-at-home advisory for all residents of Massachusetts from Tuesday, March 24 at noon through Tuesday, April 7 at noon. Under this advisory, residents should “stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period.”

People considered at high risk for complications from COVID-19, such as people over age 70 or with underlying health conditions are advised to “limit social interactions with other people as much as possible.”

Information about emergency resources

We know that this is a scary time for many of us who work in early care and education. We aren’t only concerned about our health, but also our finances and the viability of our early care and education programs and small businesses. Below are resources about applying for unemployment insurance, small business loans, and accessing emergency aid including food. 
 
Apply for unemployment insurance
 
Information about small business loans needed due to COVID-19 disruptions in business

Resources for families and young children from the MA Attorney General's office
 
Philanthropy Massachusetts has compiled a list of COVID-10 emergency services available in communities across Massachusetts. Most of these resources have information about how to donate, but some include information on how to access emergency supplies. For example, the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering one-time emergency grants for residents of the Berkshires to pay medical, heating, and grocery bills.  
 
The Greater Boston Food Bank has compiled a list of food banks and emergency food resources across the state, which you can easily find by entering your zip code.
 
Residents of Somerville and Medford have organized a local networks of community aid in which people can sign up to offer assistance with tasks like grocery shopping and also sign up to receive assistance.

Information about on-going professional development training

If you are able to participate in online professional development training, we are continuing to offer free online sessions. Below are some upcoming sessions. 

Stay in touch 

We are sending out emails on a regular basis. If you are not already signed up, but would like to get on our mailing list, please scroll to the bottom of this page for our sign up form. You can also visit the MA StrongStart Professional Development Center Facebook pages for information:

Susan Ryan-Vollmar