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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.

  1. Create Your IPM Plan: Develop comprehensive indoor and outdoor IPM plans that document your facility's approach to pest management.
  2. File With MDAR: Submit your completed IPM plans to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
  3. Maintain On-Site: Keep a copy of your IPM plans on-site and accessible at your facility.
  4. Update As Needed: Review and update your IPM plans regularly to reflect changes in practices or products used.

Make Your IPM Plan Online

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: Common in kitchens and food service areas
  • Cockroaches: Found in dark, warm areas with food sources
  • 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 Requirements

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.

  1. 1
    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 
  2. 2
    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 
  3. 3
    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 
  4. 4
    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.

    We 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

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. Post Notices: Post notices in common areas 2 working days prior to application and keep them posted for at least 3 days after application.
  3.  Mark Treated Areas: For outdoor applications, ensure that treated areas are marked with appropriate signage for at least 3 days after application.
  4.  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.

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.

Additional Resources

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

Talk With Our Local Team

Call (774) 418-4908 or send the form below, and we’ll connect you with a team member who can walk you through your options and help you choose a plan that fits your needs.

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