Provider Preparedness Tool: Strengthening Child Care Homes and Spaces for Emergencies

Two children play with colorful shape blocks and a shape-sorting house at a table, with an adult nearby.

In recent years, severe weather and natural disasters in the U.S. have become more frequent. Floods, hurricanes (including both wind damage and flooding), wildfire, ice storms, and extreme heat pose growing risks to communities, especially those already facing economic or housing instability.

Home Grown and LISC created this preparedness tool for HBCC and small scale center-based provider preparedness: taking proactive steps before a disaster to reduce harm and impact from severe weather and natural disasters. Recovery begins after the immediate danger has passed and focuses on rebuilding, reconnecting, and regaining stability. Both preparedness and recovery are essential to building resilience, especially for HBCC providers who serve as a vital link in the support system for communities.

Mi nombre es Gladys Jones y soy la directora ejecutiva de ECE on the Move. También soy líder en el cuidado infantil, defensora y una persona que vive con una discapacidad.
My name is Gladys Jones, and I'm the Chief Executive Officer of ECE on the Move. I'm also a child care leader, an advocate, and a person living with a disability.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, the field of early childhood education has an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between Black women’s caregiving labor and the American social economy.