Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 606 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE › Title 606 CMR 7.00 - Standards For The Licensure Or Approval Of Family Child Care; Small Group And School Age And Large Group And School Age Child Care Programs › Section 7.09 - Educator Qualifications and Professional Development

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The following requirements apply to all programs, including
				family child care, small group and school age and large group and school age
				child care. Additional requirements for family child care are found at 606 CMR
				7.09(15). Additional requirements for small group and school age child care are
				found at 606 CMR 7.09(16) and (17). Additional requirements for large group and
				school age child care are found at 606 CMR 7.09(17) through (19).
(1) The licensee must ensure that the program
			 is staffed by appropriate numbers of persons with experience and/or education
			 in providing education and care to children from birth to age 14.
(2) The licensee must employ educators who,
			 by prior education, training, experience and interest in fostering development
			 and early childhood education, are qualified to meet the needs of the children
			 enrolled, and who meet the qualifications for their respective
			 positions.
(3) The licensee shall
			 encourage educators to continue their education in their appropriate fields and
			 to maintain open and ongoing communication within the program to enhance the
			 quality of care provided to the children.
(4) All educators must register annually with
			 the Department of Early Education and Care in accordance with EEC policies and
			 procedures.
(5) All educators must
			 possess the qualifications required for their positions in accordance with EEC
			 regulations.
(6) All educators must
			 demonstrate and maintain at all times the physical, mental and emotional
			 ability to care for the children for whom they are responsible in a way that
			 meets the generally accepted physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs
			 of children. Educators must follow good personal hygiene practices at all
			 times.
(7) No educator may
			 regularly care for child care children more than 12 hours in any 24-hour
			 period.
(8) Educators must exercise
			 good judgment at all times and demonstrate an ability to handle emergency
			 situations appropriately.
(9) All
			 educators must attend an orientation to early education and care approved by
			 the Department.
(10)
Evidence of Required Certification, Licensure or
			 Registration
. The licensee must obtain evidence that personnel are
			 currently certified, licensed or registered where applicable laws and
			 regulations require certification, licensure or registration, including, but
			 not limited to, driver's licenses and EEC registration.
(11)
Health Requirements for
			 Educators
. Prior to licensure or employment of any educator the
			 licensee must obtain from a licensed health care practitioner:
(a) evidence that the educator has had a
			 physical examination within one year prior to employment;
(b) evidence that the educator has been
			 immunized in accordance with the recommendations of the Department of Public
			 Health;
(c) a statement of any
			 limitations on the educator in working with children.