BOSTON (WWLP) - A new report from the state auditor is looking into issues on what she says are serious within the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). New bill would gradually phase out tobacco products State Auditor Diana DiZoglio says these issues are putting children at risk and must be addressed with urgency. The responsibilities of the EEC include licensing childcare programs, providing financial assistance for childcare services to families with low incomes, providing parenting support to families, and providing professional development opportunities to employees in the field of early education and care, according to Mass.gov. The report details several issues in the EEC department, including missing background checks on employees and programs, late or altogether missing investigations into child abuse and neglect claims, and missing training on language access, sexual exploitation, and LGBTQ inclusivity.  DiZoglio says of the abuse and neglect reports the office analyzed 45 percent of investigations were completed late, an average of 130 days past the deadline. “Our Early Education and Care audit has identified serious issues that put children at risk,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “These concerns must be immediately addressed so children are protected. We urge the Administration to respond with the urgency that this matter requires and look forward to our post-audit review in six months to track progress on our recommendations.” The EEC licenses 9,000 childcare-related programs which support around an average of 55,000 children daily. Local News Headlines Town of Agawam rescinds open burning ban City of Westfield to hold annual tree lighting at new location Southampton man found not guilty of 2022 manslaughter National Cake Day: Where to get the best cake in western Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.