Like any business, running a childcare center requires thorough preparation. In today’s environment it is vital that Safety and Emergency Preparedness be a prominent part of your daily concerns. Of course, all staff members should be trained in First Aid and  CPR, but there is much more to be concerned about.

Emergency Preparedness requirements

In Missouri, all Child Care Facilities are required to have an Emergency Plan that meets the requirements listed in licensing rules of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 19 CSR 30-62.087 for Fire Safety and in 19 CSR 30-62.090 for Disaster and Emergency Preparedness.

These regulations include the requirement for all staff to be trained and participate in emergency drills and exercises at least four times each year.  Specific staff members must be identified as those who will implement and execute the emergency plan during drills and during  actual emergencies

What Training Should Be Completed 

While knowing how to take care of children is essential for running a childcare, staff must also  be prepared for all types emergencies. The best way to maintain a high level of preparedness is to ensure that all staff receives regular scheduled training for these types of disaster and emergency situations.

• Emergency First Aid and CPR training is required for all staff members at any child care facility.

•  Fire Safety training that includes conducting at least one fire drill each month, recognizing and preventing fire hazards, and training in the use of portable fire extinguishers. 

• Emergency Evacuation and Sheltering in Place while maintaining close Accountability of all children at all times.

• Violent Intruder, Active Shooter training that includes the Run, Hide, Fight doctrine, Shelter in Place, and Lockdown procedures must all be included in the training schedule.

• Emergency planning and training for natural disasters such as Tornadoes, Earthquakes, and Flash Flooding should be included in the planning and exercises that are required.

• Hazardous Chemical accidents, Power failures, and Carbon Monoxide exposure recognition are also very important issues to prepare for.

Command Solutions specializes in training Child Care providers with these types of training programs. All of these programs are certified for Missouri Professional Development Clock Hours.

Make sure your childcare staff is thoroughly trained and prepared for any emergency by contacting Command Solutions. They provide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and crisis management  and leadership training programs to businesses in the St. Louis, MO, metro area. Call them today at (314) 803-7418 to have them host a class at your facility, and visit their website to learn more about their CPR training and many other safety training courses.