BOSTON — "Balancing life in a pandemic has been challenging for all of us," said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito (R – Massachusetts).
More information came today from Gov. Charlie Baker and the commissioner from the Department of Early Education and Care. Monday, it was announced that day cares can begin steps to reopen as part of Phase 2. Today, more guidance as to how to do that.
"Child care will look different," said Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy of the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care.
Related: 25 Investigates: Mass. day cares to reopen during Phase 2, if they meet health & safety criteria
Reopening requirements include:
- Drop-offs on a staggered schedule
- Temperature checks for staff and children before they’re allowed to enter the child care space
- Face coverings for ages 2 and up will be required, but there will be exceptions such as when outdoors, eating and napping
- A maximum of 10 children or a maximum of seven infants in each room
- Children and staff need to remain in the same group. Staff should not float between groups either during the day or day-to-day
"We want providers to have conversations with parents, [and] collaborate on how to put in place protective measures that meets children's developmental needs, as well as their safety," said Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy.
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The EEC will be sending providers a form that needs to be filled out to make sure it meets reopening guidelines. The department told Boston 25 that no in-person inspection will be needed in order to get the green light.
As for a date, the governor said this Saturday he’ll provide more information on Phase 2 reopening.
>>>PREVIOUS: 25 Investigates: State’s plan to reopen day cares may exclude infants, internal document shows
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