- Department of Early Education and Care
The Department of Early Education and Care is holding a public comment period and a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Residential Programs Serving Children and Teen Parents.
The public comment period will start on Wednesday, November 12 and end on Monday, January 12 at 5:00 p.m. The Department of Early Education and Care will host a public hearing where attendees will each have 3 minutes to share live feedback on Wednesday, December 17 at 3 p.m.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Board of Early Education and Care (EEC) is proposing amendments to its regulations found at 606 CMR 3.00, pursuant to its authority under M. G.L. c. 15D, § 3. The proposed amendments are to the Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Residential Programs Serving Children and Teen Parents.
The primary goals of these revised regulations are to: center the experience of the children and families that are served by these programs; streamline processes to ensure better efficiency and less duplication; minimize the financial impact and added costs to programs; foster the development of a stable and skilled workforce; eliminate provisions, practices, and language that are outdated or no longer applicable; utilize research and evidence-based best practices to inform the revisions and recommended policy changes; and enhance compliance, accountability, and transparency.
At the November 12, 2025, EEC Board meeting, Board Members voted to adopt these regulations in draft form and to provide for a public comment period.
Public Comment Dates: 11/12/2025 - 01/12/2026 (until 5:00 p.m.)
Accordingly, EEC will accept comments on the proposed regulations until 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 2025. You can submit comments via:
- In writing
- Fill out a quick form to share your feedback
- By Mail:
ATTN: RESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS - LEGAL
Department of Early Education and Care
50 Milk Street, 14th Floor,
Boston, MA 02109
- Share live comments at a public hearing (RSVP)
Wednesday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
See the proposed amendments below or by emailing office.commissioners@mass.gov for a copy.
Proposed Amendments
You can review the proposed changes in a clean version, which shows a clean copy of the proposed new regulations or the redline version, which shows a mark up of all proposed changes.
Additional Resources
