Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all public and private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29, 2020, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. The order does not apply to residential special education schools.
“This was a difficult decision for the Administration, but a necessary one,” said Rep. Gordon. “We will not be in a position where we can assemble the number of people to make a classroom experience worthwhile by the end of the school year. While I understand the disappointment of our students, teachers, and parents, I am heartened at how many have expressed their understanding that we are facing down a lethal virus, and the best way to do that is keeping our distance.”
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will issue updated guidelines for schools to support remote learning efforts through the duration of the school year, including expanded STEM learning, and will prepare recommendations to strengthen summer learning opportunities for students. In addition to the resources provided by local school districts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education assembled a list of Educational Resources for Students and Families for parents and students who are adapting to school closures.
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) established a list of approved Emergency Child Care programs to serve families of first responders, medical personnel and essential workers during this time. These Emergency Child Care programs approved by EEC will continue operating. Currently, there are 523 emergency child care programs statewide serving families of essential workers. To find an emergency provider, residents can use EEC’s search tool here. For essential workers seeking childcare in Burlington and Bedford, The Learning Cottage Preschool and Daycare in Burlington is a designated emergency provider.
To support families of essential workers and families with children who have special needs, EEC and Care.com have partnered to assist currently unemployed child care workers and provide skilled in-home care. Care.com is offering both eligible families and child care workers free 90-day premium memberships, which is accessible here.
If residents have questions or concerns regarding these or any of the State’s efforts to combat COVID-19, Rep. Gordon will host another virtual office hours session on Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m. Constituents from Bedford, Burlington, and Wilmington’s Precinct 3 are asked to email [email protected] for call-in information. Residents can also find updates from Rep. Gordon on Facebook at facebook.com/StateRepKenGordon or on his COVID-19 page at repkengordon.org/covid-19.
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