Page 43 - Creating a Community of Resiliency

Preparedness and Response Readiness: Providers
“We are really good at bringing in the fire fighters and police officers for the children. But parents need that too because they are so busy that the last thing they want to think about is disaster. Bring in the community and have an orientation for parents at the center (during parent orientation night.)”
 English-speaking, center-based provider (CCRC-Antelope Valley)
“The RR agencies such as Options could provide emergency and disaster preparedness trainings to
providers and parents.”
 Chinese-speaking, family child care provider (similar statement came from the Spanish- speaking family child care group)
Involve Parents in Activities
“I should have a parent advisory group that can help me plan and gather resources in the area to help me in the event of an emergency. The more communication with parents the better because they communicate with other parents. They need audio and visuals to get the message across. Community people need to come in and let them know what they can do.”
 English-speaking, center-based provider
“Give them a sense of belonging and they will take it seriously. Nominate a captain, get t-shirts,
make it a fun social group for parents, also being prepared.”
 English-speaking, center-based provider “Have parents do fire drill during parent orientation.”
 English-speaking, center-based provider
Partners during an Emergency
Early care and education providers discussed other providers and child care centers in their communities, local schools, and community churches as potential or current partners during emergencies or natural disasters. While churches were discussed across all four of the focus groups as potential partners, some of the providers in the Chinese-speaking group indicated they would not partner with the local churches.f In addition, providers in the Spanish-speaking group discussed some of the challenges in partnering with local schools . A provider indicated that should an emergency arise, the school will close down, not allowing the children at the school to leave freely nor allowing an influx of other children. Therefore, clear arrangements would have to be made with the schools prior to an emergency to ensure that using the local schools as places for shelter or evacuation are viable options. FCC providers discussed the fire department, neighbors, and family as current or potential partners. Who the providers would partner with would also depend on when the emergency occurs.
f CCRC did not have an opportunity during the focus group session to clarify why the Chinese speakers would not partner with churches.
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