<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Institute for Childhood Preparedness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Preparing teachers, early childhood providers, parents and communities for emergencies, active shooter events and disasters. ]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 09:20:41 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Eight Children Alone During a Fire: A Close Call That Demands Our Attention]]></title><description><![CDATA[On the afternoon of March 12, police and firefighters responded to a structure fire at Arbor Square Apartments in North Charleston, South Carolina. When emergency responders entered the unit, they discovered eight children inside with no adult present . The apartment's fire suppression system had already extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived. The apartment's resident, 29-year-old Janaina Ferreira, arrived a short time later with several additional children. Authorities determined...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/eight-children-alone-during-a-fire-a-close-call-that-demands-our-attention</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b9ef4b9f707efd84e2e681</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:31:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/14dede_c50face466e44415b3fefb4e599120db~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[In the News: ICP Featured in HBO’s New Documentary Thoughts &#38; Prayers]]></title><description><![CDATA[In August 2023, the Institute for Childhood Preparedness began working with filmmakers Zackary Canepari and Jessica Dimmock on a documentary exploring active shooter preparedness in the United States. We granted their team unprecedented access to our active shooter, de-escalation, and situational awareness training sessions—allowing them to observe how we approach this critical and sensitive topic in early childhood environments. After months of coordination, interviews, filming, and...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/in-the-news-icp-featured-in-hbo-s-new-documentary-thoughts-prayers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69249d0b3ba9ce1c9251d461</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:19:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/14dede_4c92adf49f5b421bb21dd5a19c0f13e8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building a Culture of Safety: Reflections from the Head Start California Health Institute]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P Founder, Institute for Childhood Preparedness November 4, 2025 When I walked into the room for my “Culture of Safety” session at the Head Start California Health Institute in San Jose , I was thrilled to see nearly every seat filled. The atmosphere was warm and full of energy. People came ready to listen, learn, and share what it really means to build a culture of safety in early childhood programs. The Health Institute brings together early childhood...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/building-a-culture-of-safety-reflections-from-the-head-start-california-health-institute</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690ac220757e81902ced0b57</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:07:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d95048_8c3e9031885e4062ad4190b43c242079~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where Families With Young Children Can Find Food Help During the Federal Shutdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[When federal funding stops, families feel it first—especially those with infants and preschoolers. Right now, the shutdown has disrupted key nutrition lifelines that millions depend on. Some states are stepping in, and food banks are doing incredible work to fill the gaps. But these stopgap measures can’t replace the steady, reliable programs that keep children healthy. What’s Happening with SNAP and WIC SNAP (food stamps): Courts and state agencies have scrambled to keep some benefits...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/where-families-with-young-children-can-find-food-help-during-the-federal-shutdown</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690d0af6988cdeb684fbfe18</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 21:22:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d95048_c17c5eda5fa0481d86a5a9f8e403d275~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_932,h_622,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>hayley521</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Families]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thanksgiving brings together family, friends, and food — but it can also bring some hidden hazards if we’re not careful. Between hot stoves, sharp knives, long drives, and overnight stays, there are plenty of opportunities for accidents. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe, stress-free, and memorable holiday.  Kitchen Safety The kitchen is the hub of Thanksgiving festivities, but it’s also one of the most common places where accidents happen. Hot pots, sharp...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-families</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690bb58196a2942ab279b49a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:45:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d95048_ad7ca066be884b88a460d7f79cf29e6d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_715,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>hayley521</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Little Tummies: What Childcare Providers Need to Know About Food Safety]]></title><description><![CDATA[When parents drop their children off at a childcare program, they assume the meals and snacks provided will be safe. Yet, recent...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/protecting-little-tummies-what-childcare-providers-need-to-know-about-food-safety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d584cb33046323d15bd7e2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:00:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d95048_fb4d6b8e11a445e4af74000339648707~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_707,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>hayley521</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lessons from the Utah Valley University Tragedy: Why Reliable Communication is Non-Negotiable in Early Childhood Preparedness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Posted by the Institute for Childhood Preparedness | September 23, 2025 In the wake of heartbreaking events, it's our duty at the...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/lessons-from-the-utah-valley-university-tragedy-why-reliable-communication-is-non-negotiable-in-ear</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d2dec0a14cb1a1a09e1d51</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:41:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/14dede_16c2b506ed4c4d6c8980820f63acc359~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ICP Walkie Talkies Shine as Top Pick for Families in Mom Does Reviews!]]></title><description><![CDATA[We're thrilled to announce that our ICP Walkie Talkies have been spotlighted in a glowing feature on Mom Does Reviews, hailed as the...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/icp-walkie-talkies-shine-as-top-pick-for-families-in-mom-does-reviews</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b4c774fc7bbf1758982b9a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:09:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/14dede_7c96a30724a44895b488b7a35828eb4f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_736,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Walkie Talkies for Bachelor Parties: How They Made Our Epic Vegas Weekend Seamless]]></title><description><![CDATA[Picture this: Eight guys descending on Las Vegas for a bachelor party over a holiday weekend. Chaos ensues—pool parties at TAO Beach,...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/walkie-talkies-for-bachelor-parties-how-they-made-our-epic-vegas-weekend-seamless</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b4c045fc7bbf1758981610</guid><pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2025 21:44:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/14dede_ccea0a5b68c04f83bcfd7723dbc09574~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Vehicles Hit Classrooms: Preparedness Tips for Early Childhood Programs]]></title><description><![CDATA[A recent incident in Wilmington, Delaware, involved an SUV crashing into the exterior wall of Young Expressions Childcare Services. Thankfully, no children or staff were inside at the time, and the driver sustained only minor injuries (WDEL News). However, for childcare providers across the country, this incident serves as a stark reminder: emergencies don’t always occur inside the building. Vehicle-into-building events are more common than most providers realize. Preparedness must extend beyond]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/when-vehicles-hit-classrooms-preparedness-tips-for-early-childhood-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6887b603065ca46efaeaa621</guid><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_67a1088760134c8ba62f27e96d7040c5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guns, Locks, and Little Learners: Breaking Down Florida’s New Safety Law]]></title><description><![CDATA[Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 1470 (Chapter 2025-58), extending certain school-safety requirements to licensed early childhood education programs (Florida Legislature, 2025). ]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/guns-locks-and-little-learners-breaking-down-florida-s-new-safety-law</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686087ffccc85eb48d0dcf25</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:32:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_26d5c7aadfbe499ab737eb2be96bc788~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sunshine and Storms: What Summer Now Means for Early Childhood Preparedness]]></title><description><![CDATA[by Janifar Kamal Novo ICP 2025 Communications Intern Summer means sunshine, water play, and popsicles for early childhood programs. But...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/sunshine-and-storms-what-summer-now-means-for-early-childhood-preparedness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684da3d25a220fb240552d8c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:30:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_4544621da04a4267b1dfa82f80928d1d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Talk, Respond, Protect: Why Walkie-Talkies Belong in Every Early Childhood Program]]></title><description><![CDATA[by Janifar Kamal Nova ICP 2025 Communications Intern In early childhood programs, educators do much more than teach; they lead, they...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/walkie-talkies-into-emergency-preparedness-in-early-childhood-settings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">684da18fe9bc8e7af04eb22c</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_910217e97b0b4da1b3862eb67868eaa3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Silent Epidemic: Gun Violence in Recent Years]]></title><description><![CDATA[In recent years, a silent epidemic has surged across the United States—an alarming increase in gun violence. This trend has reshaped...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/the-silent-epidemic-gun-violence-in-recent-years</link><guid isPermaLink="false">669eb4a0eefe1fd242d2cea5</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:01:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/317433_28af4f38fffc4781b6713adcc8195d31~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_866,h_604,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Episode Alert: Early Childhood Chats with Mortricia White ]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are thrilled to welcome Mortricia White, MA, Ed.D (ABD), to today's episode of Early Childhood Chats. As the owner of White’s Premier...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/new-episode-alert-early-childhood-chats-with-mortricia-white</link><guid isPermaLink="false">669e8b349d74ecfdb42b021a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:20 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Episode Alert: Early Childhood Chats with Amber Rollins]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are thrilled to announce a brand new episode of Early Childhood Chats, and this one is quite timely as we discuss hot car safety on...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/new-episode-alert-early-childhood-chats-with-amber-rollins</link><guid isPermaLink="false">668c253411f67835b1c19a98</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:00:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_7a92d977ef4c41b8ab6497fc92d63a08~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Special Episode Alert: Early Childhood Chats with Dr. Kelly Currie, MD]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the Fourth of July comes many smiles, memories, and magical moments. However, celebrations with fireworks also bring certain unique...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/special-episode-alert-early-childhood-chats-with-dr-kelly-currie-md</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66842c730014413ab97780b9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:46:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJj-0Vf2J3U&amp;list=PLn0FCJjKO1bgItGCPwSZz7fK_UgKSTYoA" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Episode Alert: Early Childhood Chats with Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are thrilled to announce a brand new episode of Early Childhood Chats, and this one is particularly special! Join us as we sit down...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/new-episode-alert-early-childhood-chats-with-dr-james-c-rodr%C3%ADguez-msw</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6674837d510d508c7ef280f4</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:00:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_8133a05cb24642058415d397bf187541~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ep4. The Future of Leadership in Early Childhood]]></title><description><![CDATA[Today on Early Childhood Chats we sat down Paul Behrman a consultant, trainer and administrator with expertise in leadership, management,...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/ep4-the-future-of-leadership-in-early-childhood</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6670895bb64db5aeaa5833f3</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:17:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_19ed3106e8a04f0589e73cb21bd36154~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Institute Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unlocking Knowledge for Safer Environments: Free Webinars from the Institute for Childhood Preparedness]]></title><description><![CDATA[At the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, we are dedicated to fostering safe and healthy environments for children. To support this...]]></description><link>https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/post/unlocking-knowledge-for-safer-environments-free-webinars-from-the-institute-for-childhood-preparedn</link><guid isPermaLink="false">666a32eea7c0ea14a473f30b</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:15:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6758fa_6d57185202574c0284b1103a85702f8c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_802,h_596,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>ruthkvistad1</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>