The Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires all licensed childcare homes and facilities in Kansas to have emergency preparedness plans for medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires and other safety hazards. This requirement applies to licensed day care homes, group day care homes, preschools, childcare centers and school-age programs for children and youth.

While most facilities have a basic preparedness plan, more in-depth emergency preparedness training is essential. That's why the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment developed the Child Care Prepared program. This program fulfills regulatory preparedness requirements while further developing the facility or home's emergency capabilities. The program is open to licensed childcare facilities and homes in Johnson, Miami and Franklin counties in Kansas.

Childcare providers enrolled in the program must submit facility-specific plans, complete preparedness-specific training and participate in a tabletop exercise. The exercise allows providers to test their new or updated plans in a low-risk environment before implementing plans facility-wide. Each facility or home receives a certificate of recognition and is featured on JCDHE's social media and website after completing the program.

Email childcareprepared@jocogov.org for more information.