Building a Culture of Safety: Reflections from the Head Start California Health Institute

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 professionals from across the state to focus on health, safety, and wellness in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. It was inspiring to see so many health managers, directors, and educators in one space — all committed to protecting children, supporting families, and building stronger communities.

I’ve spent my entire career focused on keeping people safe. From my time as a firefighter and paramedic to years working in government and now leading the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, I’ve seen how preparation saves lives. After a decade of working side by side with early childhood teams, one thing is clear: you already live preparedness every day. You show up for kids, for families, and for each other. The goal is to turn that instinct into a consistent, confident system.

Preparedness Is a Culture, Not a Checklist

A culture of safety isn’t something you can build by filling out forms or keeping binders on shelves. It’s created through daily practice, leadership, and communication that reinforce calm, capable action.

During our discussion, I emphasized that preparedness is about progress, not perfection. Every small improvement — checking communication systems, clarifying roles, or refreshing emergency contact lists — adds a layer of protection. Those layers matter most when time and clarity are critical.

Empowerment Over Fear

We tackled serious topics like active threats, reunification, and emergency communication. But the focus was never on fear. It was about empowerment.

You don’t need to be a police officer or a security expert to make a difference. Every person in a program has a role to play. Front desk staff, teachers, and volunteers all help create safer environments when they know what to do and how to respond.

When we practiced examples of effective communication and quick decision-making, the engagement in the room was incredible. People asked thoughtful questions and shared how they’ve handled challenging situations in their own centers. That openness — learning from one another — is what truly builds a culture of safety.

I closed with one of my favorite reminders: Don’t be scared, be prepared. When adults feel confident and capable, children feel secure.

Practical Steps You Can Take

Here are three things you can do right now to strengthen safety in your program:

1. Review your emergency plan with fresh eyes. Make sure the information is current and realistic.

2. Practice short drills and rotate who leads them. Everyone should have the opportunity to take charge and learn.

3. Talk about safety often. The more these conversations happen, the more comfortable staff and families will feel.

   
   

Preparedness is never a one-time project. It’s a mindset that becomes part of your daily operations. It grows stronger when leaders prioritize it and when everyone understands they are part of the safety team.

Thank You, California

To everyone who attended the session — thank you for your enthusiasm, insight, and dedication. Your participation made the discussion dynamic and inspiring. Seeing a full room of professionals who care deeply about keeping children, staff, and families safe reminds me why this work matters so much.

If you’d like to learn more or schedule a training tailored to your program, visit www.childhoodpreparedness.org.

Together, we can continue building safe, strong, and prepared early learning communities across the country