Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect

Little Hands Big Hearts Preschool staff are mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect as defined in the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 section 51A.  In cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) office is immediately notified.  LHBH staff is required to report all suspected abuse cases by phone within 24 hours and a written report within 48 hours.      Subsequently, any staff member suspected of child abuse shall be immediately suspended until the Department of Children and Families investigation is completed and for such further time as the Department of Early Education and Care requires.

The Department of Children and Families
810 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 520-8700
The Child Abuse Hot Line is (800) 792-5200

 EEC RESPONSIBILITY

Chapter 28A, Section 10 and subsequent amendments to the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates to the EEC the legal responsibility of promulgating and enforcing rules and regulations governing the operation of Little Hands Big Hearts Christian Preschool program.

Department of Early Education and Care
360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, 3^rd Floor
Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843
(978) 681-9684