BOSTON (WWLP) – A new report from the state auditor is looking into issues on what she says are serious within the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
New bill would gradually phase out tobacco products
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio says these issues are putting children at risk and must be addressed with urgency. The responsibilities of the EEC include licensing childcare programs, providing financial assistance for childcare services to families with low incomes, providing parenting support to families, and providing professional development opportunities to employees in the field of early education and care, according to Mass.gov .
The report details several issues in the EEC department, including missing background checks on employees and programs, late or altogether missing investigations into child abuse and neglect claims, and missing training on language access, sexual exploitation, and LGBTQ inclusivity.
DiZoglio says of the abuse and neglect reports the office analyzed 45 percent of investigations were completed late, an average of 130 days past the deadline.