Creating Safe Spaces for Young Children: Emergency Preparedness in Early Childhood Settings

In this episode, we talk with Andrew Roszak, an international expert in disaster preparedness and emergency management, specializing in early childhood settings. Andrew shares insights from his journey, starting as a firefighter and paramedic to becoming an attorney and advocate for safety in schools and childcare centers. He provides practical advice for early childhood education professionals on how to prepare for various emergencies, from natural disasters to cybersecurity threats, and sheds light on how to conduct drills without traumatizing young children.
What You’ll Learn:

• The Importance of Preparedness: Why creating safe spaces in early childhood settings is essential and how gaps in preparedness can impact the well-being of children.
• Types of Emergencies and Threats: From natural disasters like tornadoes and wildfires to modern-day challenges such as cybersecurity threats, Andrew discusses the wide range of emergencies childcare centers need to prepare for.
• Age-Appropriate Emergency Drills: How to implement emergency preparedness drills that are age-appropriate, non-traumatizing, and effective, with specific strategies to reduce fear while teaching crucial safety skills.
• Cybersecurity in Childcare Settings: Understanding the rise of cyber threats against childcare facilities and why centers need to safeguard their digital infrastructure.
• Tips for Educators and Administrators: Practical, low-cost steps that childcare professionals and administrators can take today to improve safety, including the use of familiar games to practice drill skills and the importance of clear communication.

• Books by Andrew Roszak:
• Preschool Preparedness for an Active Shooter (shop.gryphonho...)
• Preschool Preparedness for an Emergency (shop.gryphonho...)
• Preschool Preparedness After a Disaster (shop.gryphonho...)
•

• Institute for Childhood Preparedness: Website (icp.us)
• Free Online Training Resources: Courses covering emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and more, available on the Institute’s website.
About Our Guest:
Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P, is the Executive Director of the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. With a background as a paramedic, firefighter, attorney, and emergency preparedness advisor, Andrew’s expertise lies in helping schools and childcare centers plan and train for various emergencies. His dedication to creating safe learning environments has made him a leader in the field of early childhood safety.
Tune in to Learn:
Prepare your center, safeguard young children, and gain the tools needed to foster a culture of safety and preparedness in your classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode equips you with actionable strategies to protect the children in your care.