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

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

3 Our Values 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.

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

5 Regulation Review Process Timeline Board provides input on alignment approachDec.2005/Jan EEC develops draft regulations January 2006-March 2007 Board update on draft regulationsMarch 2007 Intensive informal external review process May-August 2007 Revisions to draft August - October 2007 Presentation to the EEC AdvisoryNovember 2007 Board vote to send out for public comment November 2007 Implementation preparation Fall 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

Outreach to providers and programs on the proposed changes Meetings: 21 across the state attended by over 1,000 people Survey: 389 people completed the on-line survey over 130 comments U.S. Mail: received 86 letters

7 Highlights The proposed changes, your feedback, and our response

8 The Proposed Regulations have Three Program Types 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.

9 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.  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.

Licensure Family Child Care: more locations of care allowed

Administration NEW! Plan to avoid suspension and termination of children Parent meeting Referrals Supports (consultant, training, staffing) Behavioral intervention plan.

12 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

Curriculum and Progress Reports read with all children daily60 minutes of physical activity daily planned, organized and flexible transitions

Curriculum and Progress Reports Progress reports for all children in care, regardless of age or setting

Physical Facility Requirements Fall Zones for Outdoor Play? Too much, too soon! Impact absorbing material under swings, slides, and structures was mandated in group child care regulations in Comments: Much concern about cost and the effect on FCC homes and school age programs housed in public schools. EEC will:  Continue active monitoring of playground safety.  Help programs achieve over longer period of time.  Provide technical assistance on alternative outdoor play options.

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 Integrated Pest Management Plans

17 New Section: 7.08 Family Involvement  Support partnerships with parents  Offer pre-enrollment meeting  Provide written information about program (parent handbook)

Staff Qualifications and Development No qualification changes now In development:  competency-based qualifications  system for on-going professional development  EEC Registry and annual registration

Staff Qualifications and Development  Professional development hours  Family Child Care: 10 hours per year professional development  Small and Large Group: 5, 12 or 20 hours per year, depending on work schedule  25% must address diverse learners  NEW! Mandatory orientation to the field

20 MA Early Education and Care and Out of School Time Workforce Development Task Force  Collaboration by EEC, UWMBMV, 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

Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision  Changes based on type of group and ages of children  Multi-age Groups  Fixed Age Groups  Mixed Age Groups

Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision NEW! Group assignment can be based on developmental factors not just age

Ratios, Group Sizes and Supervision  School age staff to child ratios will stay 1:13!  Supervision appropriate to ages, development, behaviors and activities of children Supports growing independence Protects children

Health and Safety 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 Administration of Medication

25  To minimize the risk of SIDS… Back to Sleep…always! No pillows, comforters, stuffed animals Update program policy Train Staff Inform Parents  Care for no more than 12 hrs. in Health and Safety  Tooth brushing: Many program concerns. EEC will provide technical assistance rather than require.

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 If you provide or contract for transportation…

27 Comments from the EEC Advisory… Progress reports: Consider a different name so educators are not put off by the concept. Transitions: Ensure that information goes with a child changing programs or starting school. Curriculum: The proposed regulations should underscore the importance of play. Fall Zones: Consider phasing them in as programs add new equipment or playgrounds. will kick off the formal comment process!

28 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 !