February 2025

Here's "The Scoop!"

TA Tip: Strengthening Your Child Care Program's Emergency Operations Plan

We hope you're having a wonderful start to 2025 as you embark on your personal and professional goals. Beginning the year with fresh ideas and setting new objectives can be invigorating, but it also demands energy and focus to truly feel good about your progress. It’s important to keep in mind that amidst this excitement, it can be easy to overlook or procrastinate on crucial responsibilities.

One of the most critical areas of focus is ensuring the safety of our children and compliance with Child Care Licensing Unit rules and regulations. One vital task you should prioritize is reviewing your program's Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). This plan outlines the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, such as natural disasters, illness outbreaks, or other unforeseen incidents. Establishing a committee to review your EOP is an effective strategy, especially if you include input from families. This collaborative approach not only helps in developing and refining your plan but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the safety of children and staff.

Now is the ideal time to engage with your staff and families to ensure they understand their roles during an emergency. Assess your current EOP for clarity and comprehensiveness, and check that it reflects any changes based on enrollment, new guidelines, or lessons learned from past experiences. Ensure your plan includes clear communication channels, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information. Additionally, make sure all staff members review the updated EOP, and remember to have them sign and date to acknowledge their understanding of the procedures. This step is crucial to ensure that everyone is informed and prepared.

Child Care Aware of NH is here to support child care programs in improving emergency preparedness through our Progressive Training and Technical Assistance Program We assist programs in developing their Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan, plus guide them through practice Emergency Response Drills so they’re better equipped for any emergency.

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Julie Choiniere,

Training and Technical Assistance Specialist

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your practices, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide

Resources for Providers

We have several weeks of winter weather ahead, so here is a great resource from HeadStart.gov to read and ensure you are prepared. 

Resources for Families

Whether you’re preparing for the unexpected or recovering from it, your reassurance and comfort hold great power to soothe children—even on the scariest, toughest days. Watch the video from our friends at Sesame Workshop to learn more about preparing for an emergency.