Worcester Head Start Closes Due to Asbestos Discovery
Parents of students at the 389 Millbury St. center may be relocated to alternative sites starting Oct. 27.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Child Care
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Worcester Public Schools has closed the Millbury Street Head Start center at 389 Millbury St. following the discovery of asbestos fibers. The building was shuttered on Oct. 26 to facilitate necessary cleaning and remediation after routine maintenance work caused the disturbance.
Why it matters
The school closed to prioritize student and staff health after test results confirmed the presence of asbestos in basement and hallway areas. District officials acted to ensure the environment is safe before allowing children to return to the facility.
Asbestos fibers were identified in the gymnasium, a hallway, and a staff-only room at the 389 Millbury St. building. District officials received the positive test results on Oct. 24 following maintenance work on Oct. 20.
The players
Worcester Public Schools
The local district responsible for managing the city's educational facilities and ensuring building safety for students.
The details
The facility closure followed an incident on Oct. 20 when routine maintenance work inadvertently disturbed insulation. After test results confirmed the presence of asbestos on Oct. 24, district officials notified state authorities and initiated safety protocols. The building is now undergoing thorough cleaning and additional testing to meet safety standards.
Timeline
Oct. 20, 2026: Maintenance work disturbed insulation in the gymnasium.
Oct. 24, 2026: Initial test results confirmed the presence of asbestos fibers.
Oct. 26, 2026: The Millbury Street Head Start building closed.
Oct. 27, 2026: Potential student relocation to Greendale or Mill Swan Head Start.
The Home Front
The school's response to the asbestos detection follows procedures mandated by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. This event highlights the ongoing necessity for strict maintenance oversight in older public buildings to prevent accidental exposure to hazardous materials.
Parents of students at the 389 Millbury St. site should prepare for potential relocation to the Greendale or Mill Swan Head Start centers starting Oct. 27. Ensure you monitor official district communications for updates regarding the status of the building and reopening timelines.
The takeaway
If you manage property with older insulation, always ensure contractors are aware of potential asbestos risks before performing maintenance. For families affected by this specific closure, monitor updates from Worcester Public Schools regarding the potential transition to alternative head start locations.
Further reading
For more on navigating local education services, visit the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telegram & Gazette.
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