Child care centers in Massachusetts reopen with strict new guidelines - WWLP
By Hector Molina
Child care centers, camps, and other summer programs are back open across the state – for the first time this season.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown schools , many children have spent the last several months cooped up indoors. Now that Covid restrictions are starting to ease up, summer camps and child care centers like Square One in Springfield opened for the first time Monday, but with a different look and more safety measures.
Under the State Department of Early Education and Care’s COVID-19 guidelines, child care centers will only be allowed to accommodate 50 percent of the children served prior to the pandemic.
Some of the safety measures at Square One include fewer toys, which for any kid isn’t ideal but the center is making sure each child has an experience that’s fun education and at the same time, staying safe. Each toy is sanitized after every use and play areas have been spread out. Some safety measures begin before the children walk in the door.