Massachusetts Children's Protection Act (CPA) Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide for Facility Managers

 

With FHS, compliance is automatic. We help you meet Massachusetts Integrated Pest Management (IPM) regulations, health and safety codes, and everything else your facility needs to stay fully IPM compliant.
Enjoy an effortless and paper-free compliance experience!

Overview of the Children's Protection Act

The Children's Protection Act (CPA) requires that every school (including day care and school aged child care programs licensed under the Office of Child Care Services) in Massachusetts adopt, develop, and maintain an indoor and outdoor Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan on site.

Important Date

This law has been in effect since November 1, 2001.

Who Needs to Comply?

  • Public and private schools
  • Day care centers
  • School-aged child care programs
  • Any facility licensed under the Office of Child Care Services

Why This Matters: The CPA was established to minimize children's exposure to pesticides in places where they learn and play. Proper compliance not only fulfills legal requirements but also creates safer environments for children.

How Ford's Hometown Services Helps You Comply

As your pest management provider, Ford's Hometown Services helps ensure your facility remains IPM compliant with all CPA requirements. We provide all necessary notifications, use only approved products, and work with you to maintain proper documentation for your IPM plans.

IPM Plan Requirements

Every facility covered by the CPA must develop and maintain both indoor and outdoor Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans. These plans document your approach to pest management while minimizing pesticide use.
Number 1

Create Your IPM Plan

Develop comprehensive indoor and outdoor IPM plans that document your facility's approach to pest management.

Number 2

File With MDAR

Submit your completed IPM plans to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

Number 3

Maintain On-Site

Keep a copy of your IPM plans on-site and accessible at your facility.

Number 4

Update As Needed

Review and update your IPM plans regularly to reflect changes in practices or products used.

The online tool simplifies the process of creating IPM compliant plans.

Ford's Hometown Services Tip: When creating your IPM plan, be sure to include all pest control products that may be used at your facility. We can provide you with a list of all products we use for your specific pest management needs to include in your plan.

Indoor Pest Control Requirements

Indoor pest control in schools and childcare facilities requires careful planning and adherence to CPA regulations. Understanding these requirements helps you maintain effective pest management while ensuring compliance.

Ants

Ants

Common in kitchens and food service areas

Cockroaches

Cockroaches

Found in dark, warm areas with food sources

Rodents

Rodents

Mice and rats in storage areas

Indoor Pest Control Requirements:

  • All indoor pesticide applications must be included in your Indoor IPM Plan
  • Standard notification procedures must be followed for all non-exempt applications
  • Only low-impact pesticides may be used when school or daycare is in session
  • Applications must be performed by licensed professionals

Important: Indoor pest control should prioritize non-chemical methods first, including proper sanitation, exclusion techniques, and structural repairs to prevent pest entry and harborage.

How Ford's Hometown Services Ensures Compliance

Our licensed professionals follow all CPA requirements for indoor pest control. We:

  • Provide all required notifications before treatment
  • Use only approved products listed in your IPM plan
  • Prioritize non-chemical control methods whenever possible
  • Maintain detailed records of all applications
  • Offer guidance on preventative measures to reduce pest problems

Outdoor Pest Control Applications

Outdoor pest control applications, including tick and mosquito treatments, require strict adherence to specific criteria. Following these requirements is essential for compliance with the CPA.

Step 1: Submit Official Request

The request must be mailed or faxed on letterhead from a school or town department with authority over the property.

  • Include a contact name and number for coordination

Step 2: Verify IPM Plan

The school or daycare must have an IPM plan filed with Mass DAR.

  • The products to be used must be included as part of the IPM plan on file

Step 3: Post Notices

Two types of notices are required:

  • A notice must be posted in a common area 2 working days prior and at least 3 days post application
  • The property to be sprayed must be posted at least 3 working days post application

Step 4: Notify Parents (If in Session)

If the school or daycare is in session, notification must be given to all parents 2 working days prior with the date of the application.

Ford's Hometown Services will provide you with the Standard Written Notification that includes:

  • Information about the products to be used
  • Chemical specific fact sheets
  • Consumer information bulletins

Tick & Mosquito Control Exemptions

Mosquito larval control is exempted from the CPA providing that:

  • Category 4 products as classified by the EPA are used
  • The products are included in your Outdoor IPM Plan
  • Products labeled for larval mosquito control with a signal word of “Warning” or “Caution” are acceptable

Emergency Applications

Emergency applications are under the jurisdiction of the local Board of Health and/or the Department of Agricultural Resources.

Note: Specific requests for outdoor pest control will be handled on a case by case basis. The requirements must be followed precisely or the application may be delayed or cancelled.

Notification Requirements

The Children's Protection Act requires specific notifications before pesticide applications at schools and childcare facilities. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your facility remains IPM compliant.

Standard Written Notification

As your pest management provider, Ford's Hometown Services will provide you with the Standard Written Notification at least 2 working days prior to any pesticide application. This notification includes important information about the planned treatment.

Your Responsibilities:

Distribute the Notification

Ensure that all employees, pupils, and parents receive the Standard Written Notification at least 2 working days prior to any pesticide application.

Post Notices

Post notices in common areas 2 working days prior to application and keep them posted for at least 3 days after application.

Mark Treated Areas

For outdoor applications, ensure that treated areas are marked with appropriate signage for at least 3 days after application.

Maintain Records

Keep copies of all notifications and application records for at least 5 years.

Ford's Hometown Services Commitment: We make compliance easy by providing all the necessary documentation you need to fulfill your notification requirements. Our team will work with you to ensure all notifications are properly distributed and posted according to CPA regulations.

Additional Resources

These resources provide additional information to help you understand and comply with the Children's Protection Act requirements.

    Information for the Outdoor IPM Plan

    Essential information to include in your outdoor IPM plan.

    View Resource

    Mass Pesticide Bureau Consumer Information

    Official information from the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau.

    View Resource

    Indoor Pest Management Guidelines

    Best practices for managing pests indoors at schools and daycares.

    View Resource

    Standard Written Notification Requirements

    Information about notification requirements and forms.

    View Resource

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Act

    Answers to common questions about CPA compliance.

    View Resource

    Massachusetts Best Management Practices (BMP) Resources

    The following Best Management Practices (BMP) resources provide comprehensive guidelines for pest management in various settings throughout Massachusetts. These documents offer valuable information for facility managers looking to implement effective and IPM compliant pest control strategies.

      Massachusetts Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Toolkit

      Self-assessment checklist and resources for procurement staff, managers, and owners of facilities. Includes comprehensive IPM guidelines for schools and childcare facilities.

      Download PDF

      UMass Lawn and Landscape Turf BMPs

      Best management practices for establishing and maintaining lawns and landscapes, including pest management considerations for turf areas around schools and childcare facilities.

      Download PDF

      Greenhouse IPM Best Management Practices

      Comprehensive checklist and guidelines for integrated pest management in greenhouse settings, applicable to school greenhouses and indoor plant areas.

      View Resource

      Massachusetts Freshwater Mosquito Control BMPs

      Best management practices for mosquito control in freshwater environments, particularly relevant for schools and childcare facilities with water features or wetlands on their properties.

      Download PDF

      Golf Course BMPs for Massachusetts

      While specific to golf courses, these BMPs contain valuable information on turf management and pest control that can be applied to school grounds and athletic fields.

      Download PDF

      Ford's Hometown Services IPM Checklist

      Our customized IPM checklist helps facility managers ensure they're following best practices for pest management in compliance with Massachusetts regulations.

      Request Checklist

      Ford's Hometown Services Commitment: We stay current with all Massachusetts Best Management Practices and incorporate these guidelines into our pest management services. Our technicians are trained in the latest IPM techniques and can help your facility implement these best practices effectively.

      Let our experts help you implement these best practices at your facility.

      Need Help With Your IPM Plan?

      Ford's Hometown Services can help you navigate the Children's Protection Act requirements and ensure your facility is IPM compliant. Our experts are ready to assist you with your IPM planning needs for both indoor and outdoor pest control.

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