State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has raised concerns over several critical issues within the Early Education and Care (EEC) department that she says are putting children at risk. DiZoglio is calling for immediate action to address the problems, which include lapses in background checks, delayed or missing investigations into child abuse and neglect claims, and insufficient training in key areas such as language access, sexual exploitation, and LGBTQ inclusivity.
The EEC is responsible for licensing childcare programs, providing financial assistance to low-income families, supporting parenting initiatives, and offering professional development for early education staff, according to Mass.gov. However, DiZoglio’s report reveals significant gaps in the department’s operations that compromise the safety and well-being of children under its care.
One of the most troubling findings is the delay in investigations into child abuse and neglect reports. DiZoglio’s office analyzed 45 percent of these cases and found that investigations were completed, on average, 130 days past the mandated deadline.
“These issues put children at risk,” DiZoglio said in a statement. “We need immediate action to ensure their protection. The Administration must respond with the urgency this situation demands. We will follow up in six months to review progress on our recommendations.”
The EEC currently oversees approximately 9,000 childcare programs, serving an average of 55,000 children daily.
The auditor’s office is calling on state officials to address these concerns and implement necessary reforms to safeguard children and improve the quality of early education services in Massachusetts.
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