Released: 6/1/2020

From the desk of Governor Charlie Baker

Child Care Preparedness Order

Beginning immediately, any licensed, approved, or exempt child care program that was closed by COVID-19 Order No. 10 and that is not currently operating as an emergency child care program under the authority of COVID-19 Order No. 10 may open its physical workplaces and facilities (“brick-and-mortar premises”) to workers for the purpose of preparing for opening when authorized.

Child care programs that admit workers to begin preparation of their brick-and-mortar premises for opening under the terms of this Order must at all times comply with all generally applicable COVID-19 workplace safety rules and any safety rules issued pursuant to Section 2 of this Order.

Child care programs that commence re-opening preparations under the terms of this Order may not open their brick-and-mortar premises to children and the public generally until authorized to do so by subsequent Order.

Local Services for Children, Youth and Families

Listed below are the resources available to Massachusetts residents. If you need any help connecting to or finding the service that would best meet your needs please reach out and ask!

Email:

CommunityConnections@wachusettcfce.com

Promoting good health and quality of life for children, youth, and their families.

Community Support Line

(800) 882-1435

Toll-free statewide Community Support Line provides information, technical assistance, and resources for families with children and youth with special health needs and the providers serving these families.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)

Financial relief for families caring for children and youth under 22 with large medical and related expenses.

Early intervention Division

Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI) is a program for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years old) who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay.

Pregnancy, Infancy and Early Childhood Division (PIE)

PIE promotes physical, social and emotional well-being and resilience. The Division fosters healthy environments during pregnancy, infancy, and through early childhood.

Women, infants, & Children (wic)

(800) 942-1007

WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.

Wic breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding might be challenging in the beginning, but the benefits last a lifetime! Our breastfeeding services support you every step of the way.

Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention

(MCBDRP)

The MCBDRP supports birth defects monitoring, research, and sharing information aimed at preventing birth defects.

SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps)

You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

Public Housing Assistance Programs

There are different types of housing available for low-income families, elderly persons, and those with disabilities.

Find a licensed Family, Group or School Age Child Care program

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licenses Family Child Care and Group & School Age Child Care programs in Massachusetts.

Home Energy Assistance Programs

DHCD's Energy Programs provide eligible households assistance with home heating services.

Report child abuse or neglect

Learn what to do if you know or suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

addiction & SUbstance Abuse Helpline

Seeking treatment and support is the first step toward recovery. Being in recovery means a life of greater freedom and possibility.