Baker signs executive order to help with child care for remote learning children

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order on Friday allowing students to learn remotely in child care programs during a normal school day.

The order will allow both after-school programs and out-of-school programs the ability to operate during typical school hours.

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education will allow child care programs to offer supervision for children while in remote learning.

Students from kindergarten up to 14-years-old can participate. Students up to 16-years-old are allowed if the student has special needs.

Massachusetts is also allowing a parent to supervise children from no more than five families in a non-paid capacity.

COVID-19 protocols must be adhered to in both settings.

Education Secretary James Peyser made a statement on the issue.

“We all want our children to get back into school as soon as possible and we applaud the schools and districts that are making the extra effort to bring their students back in some form. At the same time, we know that remote learning will be part of the educational experience for many students this fall, so it’s critical that we enable parents, after-school providers, and community organizations to offer additional childcare options and learning supports when students are unable to attend school in person.”