Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Child Programs Minimum Requirements, Part 4

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

As we continue to follow Governor Charlie Baker's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts we have been sharing the administrations minimum guidelines for reopening child and youth programs. This is the fourth installment.

While it is our hope that the information we have, and will continue to share, is beneficial to the business community of the Commonwealth it is important to note that this particular topic is intended to help parents as well. This blog (and past blogs) should be used as a baseline for parents to use when choosing a provider to ensure that the environment they are placing their children into is indeed a safe one.The following highlights the minimum requirements for group sizes and staffing ratios. 

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

Minimum Requirements - Group Size and Staffing Ratios

These requirements apply to all child and youth-serving programs, including recreational summer programs, recreational summer camps for children, municipal or recreational youth programs not traditionally licensed as camps, family child care, and center-based child care. As more is learned about the virus guidelines are updated accordingly. Those charged with planning to reopen child and youth programs should check the both the Massachusetts department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the CDC website regularly to make sure that they are following the latest guidance. 

Programs that are unable to must make the following changes to their operations or remain closed and reopen at a later date.

Group Sizes

Group sizes must be restricted to a maximum of 10 children. If additional adults are required to support supervision of children during breaks, they must be assigned to only one cohort of children and not between cohorts. Guidance to maintain these group sizes includes the following:

1. Children must remain with the same group each day and at all times while in care.
   1. When suitable to children’s ages and developmental level, siblings in attendance at the same time must be kept in the same group.
   2. Groups must not be combined at any time.
2. The same staff must be assigned to the same group of children each day for the duration of the program session (if weekly or monthly) and at all times while in care. Staff must not float between groups either during the day or from day-to-day, unless needed to provide supervision of specialized activities.

Required Staffing Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes

In order to provide the level of supervision required to adhere to the following health and safety requirements, the following child-to-staff ratios must be maintained at all times during the program day. Number of adults assigned to each cohort of children should be minimized, appropriate to the needs of the program and the children. Most importantly, adults should not move between cohorts of children. The following guidance does not apply to caring for children with special needs.

1. Infant (Birth – 14 months)
   1. 1 adult for every 3 infants or 2 adults for every 7 infants
   2. Maximum group size 7
2. Toddler (15 – 32 months)
   1. 1 adult for every 4 toddlers or 2 adults for every 9 toddlers
   2. Maximum group size 9
3. Preschool ≥33 months (not yet attending Kindergarten)
   1. 1 adult for every 10 preschoolers, however, it is recommended to have the maximum number of adults possible
   2. Maximum group size 10
4. School Age (Attending Kindergarten and up)
   1. 1 adult for every 10 school age children
   2. Maximum group size 10
5. Family Child Care and Multi-Age** (All Age Groups)
   1. 1 adult for every 6 children or 2 adults for every 8 children
   2. Maximum group size 8

** Multi-age groups may include no more than three children younger than two years old, including at least one toddler who is walking independently. Additional children must be older than 24 months. 

Supporting Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs will require unique supports in programs that may make it less possible to practice physical distancing and will require ample staff support to carry out the necessary hygiene practices. Programs must ensure that the program is adequately staffed and that staff are prepared and properly trained to accommodate children’s needs.

1. Staff-to-child ratios must be higher for programs serving children with special needs, given their need for more individualized attention.
2. Groupings for children with special needs must be assigned based on the developmental level of the child and the impact of the disability on the child with regard to their ability to adhere to PPE requirements and physical distancing rather than their chronological age.
3. Smaller groups must be formed where the child requires more hands on assistance and a higher number of staff required to care for the children.
4. Some children with special needs will require 1:1 assistance.
5. Programs must refer to individual treatment plans or IEPs when assessing required ratios.

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, FDA, OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified SERVPRO Clean

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!