Hey D.C. childcare teachers, if these past few years have taught us anything, one thing should be glaringly clear: natural and manmade disasters can happen anywhere and at any time! Just within this last decade alone, the United States has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, and these are likely to continue. When emergencies occur, those most vulnerable are our youngest citizens, children under 5 years of age, are you prepared?
It is interesting to note that childcare-aged children are separated from their parents during the hours when emergencies are likely to occur due to being under the care of their early childcare providers. On average, during a normal work week, young children spend more than 36 hours a week in childcare. Regardless of whether they are licensed or unlicensed, large, or small, center-based or a family childcare home, when a local, state or national emergency occurs a childcare program may be impacted. Regrettably, childcare programs are particularly vulnerable to disasters since children at this age are not able to protect themselves from harm.
Parents depend on childcare programs to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their children while they are at work. Communities depend on childcare so emergency personnel will be available to protect residents during emergencies.
Emergency preparedness training at work, at home, and in the community is everyone's responsibility. Making sure you are ready to keep yourself and the children in your care safe when disasters strike is of the utmost importance. As a trusted and loved figure in children’s lives, you are also on the front lines of helping children recover and heal after disasters.
We here at H&H Child Care Training can provide you and your program with the necessary emergency preparedness training that state and federal agencies require. Click on our website to register for your next class today!
