EEC’s Proposed Regulations An Overview A new approach to Group, School-Age and Family Child Care Regulations

An important note about this presentation: This presentation reflects proposed changes to the EEC licensing regulations for group, school age, and family child care programs. Several changes that EEC originally considered have been withdrawn in response to providers’ comments during the informal review period. For the complete draft of the proposed regulations, please go to www.eec.state.ma.us. These regulations will go to formal public hearing in the winter of 2008. Please watch for the hearing dates and locations at www.eec.state.ma.us. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

Building From The Work Of Our Legacy Agencies- OCCS and ELS Family Child Care Current Regulations Promulgated 10/12/2003 Group & School Age Child Care Current Regulations have been In place since 1997 Standards implemented 2003 for Public Schools & Community Partnership Programs Pre-K Standards

Our Values for this Work Children and families first! Maintain or increase quality; Carefully consider the effect of all changes on providers or programs. Keep the Tri-lemma in balance; Take the best from our current regulations and standards; Align regulations across program type when possible ; Research regulations and standards from other states, NAEYC, Head Start, NIOST, NAFCC, and the military care system; Make regulations consistent with those of other state agencies where needed.

Quality, Affordability and Access Push and Pull Every change recommended by the committee was based on weighing its impact on each leg of the Tri-lemma. Quality, Affordability and Access

Regulation Review Process Timeline Board provides input on alignment approach Dec.2005/Jan. 2006 EEC develops draft regulations January 2006-March 2007 Board update on draft regulations March 2007 Intensive informal external review process May-August 2007 Revisions to draft August - October 2007 Presentation to the EEC Advisory November 2007 Board vote to send out for public comment November 2007 Implementation preparation Fall 2007 - Spring 2008 Public Hearings Winter 2007/08 Board vote on final regulations after revisions Winter 2007/08 Technical assistance/training Spring/Summer 2008 New regulations take effect Fall 2008

Informal Review Period: May through August 2007 A great response to EEC’s outreach for informal comments! Meetings: 21 across the state attended by over 1,000 people Electronic Survey: 389 people completed the on-line survey E-mail: over 130 comments U.S. Mail: received 86 letters

Highlights The proposed changes, your feedback, and our response The titles of the following slides refer to sections in the draft regulations. For details about a proposed change please refer to that section in the draft.

7.02: New Definitions Educator– the new umbrella term referring to all early education and care staff It includes all Family, Group, and School Age staff.  It makes it easier to read the regulations. It's what staff do every day. Lead Teacher Teacher Assistant Teacher Director I, II Program Administrator Site Coordinator Group Leader Assist. Group Leader Family Child Care Provider Certified FCC Assistant Regular FCC Assistant Individual titles will still be used when a requirement (like qualifications) pertains to a specific type of educator. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

Large Group and School Age Care 7.02: New Definitions There are three program types in the proposed regulations. Family Child Care Up to 10 children, infants to school-age, in a residence (includes FCC, FCC+, and LFCC under one license type). NEW! Small Group and School Age Care Up to 10 children but not in a residence. Large Group and School Age Care 11+ children includes both group and school age under one license type. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.03 Licensure NEW! Small Group and School Age Child Care EEC has developed a hybrid! Combines elements of family child care and group/school age child care. Creates new options for the care of a small number of children. The proposed regulation change will accomplish the following: Allows care for 10 or fewer children in a non-residence, like a church, community center, or clinic The regulations are less restrictive than group child care to reflect the nature of a smaller group Works well for the provider whose home may not be suitable for family child care Works well for a community agency that needs a small on-site program for staff or clients EEC developed a hybrid because sometimes it makes sense to combine the best of two worlds. This is the perfect solution for the qualified person who wants to care for ten or fewer children outside of a home setting. EEC is giving more choices for parents and the early childhood field. Community Services Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.03 Licensure – Family Child Care Continues to allow family child care in an occupied residence. NEW! Allows family child care in: a building attached to the residence of the licensee (garage). an unattached building on the land of the licensee’s primary residence. a vacant unit in a duplex if the licensee resides in the other unit of the residence. an unoccupied apartment in a residence of up to three stories (three separate dwelling units) if the licensee lives in one of the units. Of course, Family Child Care providers can continue to conduct care in their own primary residence. They just have some new options! Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

NEW! Plan to avoid suspension and termination of children through: 7.04 Administration NEW! Plan to avoid suspension and termination of children through: Parent meetings, Referrals, Supports (consultant, training, staffing), Behavioral intervention plans. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

New Section: 7.05 Interactions Among Educators and Children Based on recent research in brain development and interactions Emphasizes and institutionalizes existing "best practice" Aligns Massachusetts standards with other national quality standards Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.06 Curriculum and Progress Reports read with all children daily 60 minutes of physical activity daily planned, organized and flexible transitions Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.06 Curriculum and Progress Reports Progress reports for all children in care, regardless of age or setting Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.07 Physical Facility Requirements Fall Zones for outdoor play in all programs? Too much, too soon! Impact absorbing material under swings, slides, and structures was mandated in group child care regulations in 1998. EEC will continue requiring fall zones for group child care programs. Informal Comments: Much concern about cost and effect on FCC homes and school age programs housed in public schools. Rather than proceed with this proposal, EEC will: Continue active monitoring of playground safety Help FCC and school age programs achieve over longer period of time. Provide technical assistance on alternative outdoor play options.

7.07 Physical Facility Requirements Water Safety Second adult for swimming or boating * Adult familiar with pump switch Lifeguard * Doesn’t include wading pools Carbon monoxide detectors Lead paint notification for Family Child Care homes Integrated Pest Management Plans Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

New Section: 7.08 Family Involvement Support partnerships with parents Offer pre-enrollment meeting Provide written information about program (parent handbook) Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.09 Staff Qualifications and Development No qualification changes now In development: competency-based qualifications system for on-going professional development NEW! EEC Registry and annual registration Recommendations from the MA Early Education and Care and Out of School Time Workforce Development Task Force . Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

MA Early Education and Care and Out of School Time Workforce Development Task Force Collaboration by EEC, United Way of MA Bay and Merrimack Valley, and Schott Fellowship Broad based membership from business, education, training, government Recommend achievable, actionable next steps to EEC Advise EEC on long term workforce development plan 4 Committees: Articulation/Transfer Agreements/Credit for Prior Learning EEC Orientation Core Competencies Credentialing and Career Lattice

7.09 Staff Qualifications and Development Professional development hours Family Child Care: 10 hours per year professional development Small and Large Group and School Age: 5, 12 or 20 hours per year, depending on work schedule 25% must address diverse learners NEW! Mandatory orientation to the field For all staff entering the field Importance of profession Professional development supports Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.10 Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision Changes based on type of group and ages of children: Multi-age Groups infant thru school age Fixed Age Groups all the same age group Mixed Age Groups infant/toddler toddler/preschool preschool/school age Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.10 Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision NEW OPTION! Group assignment can be based on developmental factors, not just age. Decisions for group assignment must consider factors like the child’s developmental level, the group composition and parental input. Up to two (younger or older) children may be placed in a fixed age group on this basis. Programs may choose whether to do this or not. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.10 Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision Informal Comments: Don’t change the school age staff to child ratio to 1:15! Ratio will stay 1:13. Supervision appropriate to ages, development, behaviors and activities of children Supports growing independence Protects children Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

NEW! Individual Health Care Plans for children with chronic conditions 7.11 Health and Safety NEW! Administration of Medication Training in the “5 Rights” of medication administration Training by a licensed health care practitioner Trained educator always on the premises All educators trained to recognize side effects NEW! Individual Health Care Plans for children with chronic conditions Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

7.11 Health and Safety Tooth brushing To minimize the risk of SIDS… Back to Sleep…always! No pillows, comforters, stuffed animals Update program policy Train staff Inform parents Providers cannot care for more than 12 hrs. in 24. Tooth brushing Informal Comments: Many concerns. EEC will provide technical assistance rather than require this. Please Note: These are DRAFT proposals that have been authorized by the EEC Board to be sent out for formal public comment and hearing during the winter of 2008.  All input from the public comment and hearing period will be reviewed prior to promulgation of any final regulations.

If you provide or contract for transportation… Clarifies that existing RMV requirements apply to all a written plan for safety and supervision of children appropriately licensed drivers car seats, safety carriers, restraints or seat belts emergency communication system

EEC wants to hear from you….. How you can comment on the proposed regulations: Testify at one of EEC’s public hearings, to be held at locations throughout the state Submit written testimony to EEC during the public comment period. For details on where and when, watch the EEC homepage: www.eec.state.ma.us

An Opportunity For Educators And Families These new regulations will: Give educators more flexibility to support quality and accountability; Help all educators grow as our field of early education and care evolves; Align care for children across all settings and developmental stages; Give educators more ways to improve access and continuity for children and families. Thank you !