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This page, EEC Programs PROTECT Act Resources, is offered by
Department of Early Education and Care

EEC Programs PROTECT Act Resources

Links to PROTECT Act resources related to EEC-licensed programs.

On August 5, 2026, Governor Healey signed the PROTECT Act, which established new protections related to civil law enforcement, including federal civil immigration enforcement, in sensitive community settings.

The law intends to ensure that children and families can continue to access early education and care programs without fear that those settings will be used to carry out civil immigration arrests.

These new requirements of this law go into effect on September 1, 2026.

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Child Care Providers Policies

Emergency Preparedness in Child Care Programs, Open PDF file, 556.37 KB (English, PDF 556.37 KB)

Residential and Placement Programs Policies

Interactions with Civil Law Enforcement - R&P, Open PDF file, 480.03 KB (English, PDF 480.03 KB)

Additional Resources

PROTECT Act One Pager, Open PDF file, 3.31 MB (English, PDF 3.31 MB)

E0650 Recommendations for Schools (Including Higher Ed and Child Care Providers), Open PDF file, 445.27 KB (English, PDF 445.27 KB)

PROTECT Act Info Session - EEC Slides, Open PDF file, 2.31 MB (English, PDF 2.31 MB)

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