Our response to the covid-19 state of emergency in Massachusetts
We understand that this is a scary time for everyone. But as we teach our young children, we can get through anything if we work together, and that’s how we’re going to get through this.
Here’s what you need know about how we’re responding to the covid-19 state of emergency in Massachusetts as well as the latest news from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care on the topic.
We have cancelled all in-person events, including training, through April 6. Large events, such as conferences and professional development days, scheduled for April have been postponed.
Any online training will take place as scheduled. We are working to convert as many of our trainings to online as possible.
Below is the latest information from the Department of Early Education and Care on covid-19 guidance for early educators.
>Each school district will make its own informed decision regarding school closure. We encourage you to monitor your local school district and public health board for updates.
>MA EEC encourages all programs to review their emergency preparedness plan and engage staff in conversations around potential emergency scenarios. Please also review your daily protocols on handwashing, cleaning, and disinfecting to limit the spread of illness.
>MA EEC is in the process of reviewing EEC regulations and policies in order to address questions and concerns. Clarification regarding licensing, billing, and notification issues will be forthcoming over the next several days. In the interim, we have outlined initial responses to the most Frequently Asked Questions.
>MA EEC has drafted a sample letter to that you can send to your parent community with updates about covid-19. You can download it at this link.
If you plan to close your program, it must be reported in writing within 24 hours to:
• Your local department of health
• Your EEC licensor or the licensor of the day in the appropriate regional office;
• If you are a subsidy recipient, notify CCR&R
>You must also work with your EEC licensor if you temporarily close or move your location due to the emergency situation. Please see MA EEC's FAQ for further clarification.
>The precautions to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect against covid-19. Everyone should be reminded to:
• Greet children each morning upon arrival to evaluate their health status.
• Wash hands upon arrival and frequently throughout the day. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unable to wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve (not with hands).
• Stay away from people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home when they are sick.
We encourage you to implement and share the most recent information from the DPH and the CDC, listed below.
• DPH has created a website updated constantly with the latest guidance, including printable fact sheets in multiple languages.
• For specific questions for your community, please contact your local board of health.
• Information related to schools and child care, visit the CDC website.
• Additional guidance can be found on EEC’s Strong Start Professional Development System in the module on Infectious Diseases and Immunizations.
Our StrongStart Professional Development Centers will also be posting updates to their Facebook pages, which are linked to below.