Page 33 - Creating a Community of Resiliency

Preparedness and Response Readiness: R&R Agencies
“If it were a huge disaster, I imagine you would have to share referrals. For example, if families were stuck on one side of town. We don’t have a shared referral system so would only be able to refer them to providers within our system.”
“We get a hard drive of all of the center facilities in Los Angeles County through licensing, could use that as a back-up.”
“We could be a clearing house for information that comes—here is where providers can go to for information—like The Dome in Katrina.”
“If there were a pandemic, we could probably get the word out to providers and parents fairly quickly if we needed to get information out.”
“Having the internal systems in place. For example, our phone system will have texting feature if providers needed.”
R&R Agency Potential Partners
Several R&R staff indicated that they would partner with local universities, other community- based organizations such as those providing mental health services, and other early care and education providers. However, who they partner with would also depend on the extent of the emergency. CCRC identified this topic as an area for further exploration; therefore, it was discussed to a greater extent in the working sessions facilitated by Save the Children, resulting in an increase in awareness of partners by R&R staff (see “Establishing a Foundation for Emergency Preparedness with the Los Angeles County R&R Agencies” chapter).
The Role of the R&R Agency in Supporting Early Care and Education Providers
The R&R staff sees R&R agencies playing roles in the following areas:
 Resources and recommendations, including referrals during the aftermath of an emergency to help providers rebuild their businesses
 Training and education for providers
 Resources during emergency
“We should play a major role. Definitely before, we’re not doing a lot of follow up or consistency. During—there’s work to be done there. But after, we could play a big role there. For example, one or two days later they may need referrals.”
“The role of the R&R agency, the role of the [CCALA]—if there is a need to disseminate information for providers—we should be thought of like licensing. Providers are going to call us because they know us—we could play a role in giving out information countywide to share with providers.”
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