Disaster Planning and Preparedness in Early Childhood and School-Age Care Settings

All adults who are responsible for the care of children should be prepared for disasters. This guide provides caregivers, educators, and program staff with preparation tips and step-by-step responses to disaster situations that are based on national standards and best practices to keep children safe.
About the Author: Charlotte M. Hendricks: Dr. Charlotte Hendricks, president and founder of www.childhealthonline.org, has promoted health education for young children, parents, and teachers for over 30 years. She pioneered research and curriculum development for preschool health education based on the principle that adults are responsible for children's health and safety; however, young children need to explore their work and begin to develop decision-making skills and healthy habits to promote lifelong health. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Kentucky University, and a doctoral degree from Indiana University. Her formal education focused on health and safety, program evaluation, and research in early childhood health education.

Her career began in 1980 with a district health department, and continued with experience in higher education, Head Start, and national research projects, including coordinating one of ten national Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood. Recognized as a leader in her field, she often presents for Head Start programs, as well as at state and national conferences. Her high-energy presentations illustrate her knowledge of research and national standards, while providing practical and cost-effective solutions to issues facing parents, teachers, and child caregivers.

She is editor of Healthy CHILDCare magazine and a reviewer for journals of national professional organizations, and she uses innovative methods to reach adults with health and safety messages. Hendricks has written several curricula and resource materials and developed numerous training modules for early childhood settings, including resources for state and national organizations, such as the National Association for Education of Young Children, the American School Health Association, and the California Department of Education.

In addition to child health and safety, Dr. Hendricks provides both training and consulting on topics such as community assessments, developing policy and procedures manuals, communicating effectively with parents, staff training methods, and preparing for program reviews.

Michele B. Pettibone: Michele B. Pettibone is a research associate working with Healthy Childcare Consultants, Inc., and the co-owner of PBMAST Services, LLC. Her experience includes extensive online research and analysis of Head Start community assessments, as well as emergency preparation work for high-risk industries. She holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Miami University.