By Mr. Petersen of Marblehead, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1983) of Douglas W. Petersen for legislation to regulate the admittance to pre-school or school age child care programs.  Municipalities and Regional Government.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Douglas W. Petersen

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act relative to child care programs.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary any pre-school or school age child care program licensed by the department of early education and care that has experienced an average daily attendance rate during the previous 12 months falling below 90% of its licensed capacity may admit or enroll at any one time up to 105% of its overall licensed capacity, provided that (a) no more than 100% of the overall licensed capacity of the program is actually in care at any one time, (b) all applicable group staff/child ratios are maintain at all times, (c) all applicable maximum group sizes are maintained at all times, and (d) the program has developed a written plan for the care of children in the event that a number of children presenting themselves for care exceeds the program’s overall licensed capacity or any applicable staff/child ratios or group sizes, and such plan is provided at enrollment to parents or guardians