Emergencies have always been a threat. Recently however, concerns have increased about security because of criminal acts by non-custodial parents, individuals, and terrorists. While child care providers have always planned for fires, power outages and storms, criminal behavior and terrorism events have increased interest in the vulnerability to chemicals, biological threats, and explosive/radiation threats. Children have special vulnerabilities in disaster situations because of their size and providers must know how to react if a threat becomes a reality.

The Pike County agent presented a 2 hour program, using information adapted from ECELS - Healthy Child Care Pennsylvania, The PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Twelve child care providers attended the program. Of these, 100% indicated they learned what they thought they would based on the training goals; 100% thought the level of training was just right; 92% thought they would use a lot of the information they learned from the training; and 92% rated the training as excellent. Comments from participants included: “ I learned how to better plan and prepare for an emergency situation;” “In an emergency, follow through with a plan and always put the safety of the children first;” I will make sure I have the equipment and information on hand in case of an emergency.”

Do lessons at home -- when it’s convenient and you have time. This is what many Pike County child care providers did in 2003. County providers were given the opportunity to earn 2-hour and one-hour training credits which helped them meet the requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and PA Pathways. Providers were given the opportunity to participate in mail based and web based lessons which consisted of a workbook, instructional video, and assignment questions. Completed assignments were returned by mail or sent electronically to Better Kid Care for review by an early childhood instructor. Upon successful completion of each lesson, participants received a certificate awarding appropriate training credits.

Eighty-two requested learn-at-home videos, another thirty-five ordered educational information kits, while four providers registered for the web based trainings.