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!
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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
Create Your IPM Plan
Develop comprehensive indoor and outdoor IPM plans that document your facility's approach to pest management.
File With MDAR
Submit your completed IPM plans to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Maintain On-Site
Keep a copy of your IPM plans on-site and accessible at your facility.
Update As Needed
Review and update your IPM plans regularly to reflect changes in practices or products used.
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 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
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
Information for the Outdoor IPM Plan
Essential information to include in your outdoor IPM plan.
Mass Pesticide Bureau Consumer Information
Official information from the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau.
Indoor Pest Management Guidelines
Best practices for managing pests indoors at schools and daycares.
Standard Written Notification Requirements
Information about notification requirements and forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Act
Answers to common questions about CPA compliance.
Massachusetts Best Management Practices (BMP) Resources
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.
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.
Greenhouse IPM Best Management Practices
Comprehensive checklist and guidelines for integrated pest management in greenhouse settings, applicable to school greenhouses and indoor plant areas.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Contact Our Experts
- (800) 391-2560
- [email protected]
- 549 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605
- (800) 391-2560
- info@fordshometown.com
- 549 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
(Changes Seasonally)