| Date: | 09/02/2021 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Department of Early Education and Care |
| Regulatory Authority: | MGL c. 15d, §§ 3, and 8 |
| Official Version: | Public comment notice for emergency regulations 606 CMR 7 |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
In accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Board of Early Education and Care (EEC) has
proposed amendments, on an emergency basis, to 606 CMR 7.00 pursuant to its authority
under c. 15D §§ 3 and 8. The proposed amendments are sought on an emergency basis to
protect health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. These amendments make
specific, discrete changes to 606 CMR 7.00. These changes are as follows:
606 CMR 7.09(20) (new subsection): (20) In the event the Commissioner of the
Department determines there is a significant workforce shortage of early educators, and
such shortages prevent programs from obtaining the appropriate staffing necessary to meet
the health and safety needs of children, the Commissioner of the Department shall have the
authority to revise and/or rescind any educator qualifications and professional development
requirements under subsections 606 CMR 7.04 and 7.09 to address this need.
606 CMR 7.11(1)(a)(2): CPR must be renewed prior to the expiration date listed on the
CPR course completion certificate (current regulation requires renewal annually).
606 CMR 7.11(9): Management of Infectious Diseases (addition of new subsections (c)
and(d):
(a) The program must follow exclusion policies for serious illnesses, contagious
diseases, and reportable diseases in conformance with regulations and recommendations
set by the Division of Communicable Disease Control, Department of Public Health.
(b) The licensee must notify all parents in accordance with Department of Public
Health recommendations when any communicable disease or condition has been
introduced into the program.
(c) Educators must follow the recommendations of the Department of Public
Health regarding the use of insect repellents.
(d) The program must follow all applicable Department policies and requirements
pertaining to the prevention of serious illnesses, contagious diseases, and reportable
diseases.
EEC will accept comments on the proposed regulations via e-mail to
thomas.b.myers@mass.gov or by mailing to Thomas B. Myers, Acting General Counsel,
Department of Early Education and Care, Legal Unit, 50 Milk Street, 14th Floor, Boston,
MA 02109 until 5:00 p.m., September 30, 2021. To obtain a copy of the proposed
regulations, please visit EEC's website at www.mass.gov/eec or e-mail
thomas.b.myers@mass.gov.