BCAT News

Governor Charlie Baker announced two new rapid test programs for Early Education Care centers on Wednesday.

“To help educators safely do their jobs and to help families access care we are rolling out two new testing options for early education centers today,” he said. “A rapid testing program for kids and teachers who may have COVID symptoms and rapid testing system for cohorts or classes.

Under the symptomatic rapid testing program children and staff who show symptoms can take a rapid test and if they’re negative, they can stay in care.

“This will help quickly isolate any infected staff and students,” Gov. Baker said.

“Under the rapid cohort testing program, close contacts of a confirmed positive case can stay in care provided they test negative for five days.

“This will eliminate the need to quarantine these close contacts, which in some centers can translate into an entire classroom,” Baker said.

Distribution of these tests will be free and supported by Neighborhood Villages, a non-profit working with the state. Centers must be enrolled with Neighborhood Villages to receive the test, a process that is also free. Tests are scheduled to be provided starting the week of January 31. The tests are part of the 26 million tests the governor announced last week.

According to officials, there are over 7,500 childcare centers in the state that are eligible to receive these tests. The tests will be provided to all types of childcare, both centers and those in private homes. The tests will be available for any child over the age of two.

Distribution of these tests will be free and supported by Neighborhood Villages, a non-profit working with the state. Centers must be enrolled with Neighborhood Villages to receive the test, a process that is also free.

Gov. Baker said he believes these programs will have a big impact on early education in Massachusetts.

“We expect the rapid test program to be a game changer for many folks in early education and care as the vast majority of kids they serve are under the age of five and therefore can’t be vaccinated at this point in time,” he said. “We know it can be extremely disruptive for so many parents, caregivers and kids to have to pull kids out of care, especially not knowing whether in fact they’re positive or not.”

Early Education and Care Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy said she wanted to thank all educators who have worked with this age group throughout the pandemic.

“Throughout the pandemic I have been inspired by the dedication of the childcare sector, continuing to show up providing vital services to families despite difficult circumstances,” she said.

Aigner-Treworgy added that keeping young children in school is beneficial both for the students and because it helps parents get to work.

“The impact the pandemic has had on this sector has been profound , not to mention the impact on the children and families we serve,” she said. “It is now more important than ever that we help keep children in care – learning, playing, napping and working with their friends. That’s why we are so excited to launch these testing for childcare expanded options.”