Emergency Preparedness

For Everyone

What to know

Emergencies and disasters can happen any time. Early care and education (ECE) providers are a key part of the infrastructure in any community, whether in a childcare center, family home, or individual care.

A group of young children playing with chalk on the sidewalk.

Plan and prepare

Taking steps early can help protect the students in ECE programs. ECE providers can play a role by planning and preparing for emergencies, protecting young children by caring for them during emergencies, and by helping children cope and recover after an emergency.

Toddler taking caregiver's temperature
Protect students in ECE programs by planning and preparing for emergencies.
Content Source
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: September 29, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: September 29, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.