As I think about this highly relevant and important question, I am reminded of some of what I learned as the basics of the work with young children, their families and those who serve them. First and foremost, the importance of building high quality relationships, grounded in trust and respect for each other. Then the responsibility of doing everything possible to create and continuously improve the development of safe environment at the site early childhood education program.
I think this means observing and listening to the children, especially following a situation that resulted in a lockdown at the facility or where someone influential in the life of the child experienced a lockdown. Then responding to questions the child might have, guiding the children through the process to understand their behavior, as they react to the lockdown, and successfully work through the impact the experience had on them. This can mean providing experiences where the children engage in art activities to express their feelings about being in lockdown.
I believe, ultimately, I want to find the way to reassure the children they are in a safe environment at the Early Childhood Education facility where adults care about them and are doing what is necessary to keep them safe.
I had the opportunity to work in a neighborhood where there was a fair amount of violence, including the use of guns that resulted in serious injuries and sometimes the death of an individual. I found the children in the ECE Center showed an amazing ability to be resilient and responded well to reassuring words from the early childhood education staff, who the children trusted, and then continued to go about their work in the room.
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Robert Gundling, Ed.D.
Better Futures LLC
Senior Consultant
Washington, DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-02-2019 01:43 AM
From: Patricia Jack
Subject: Lock down procedures - appropriateness
I would rely on city, county and state resources on how to shelter in place. If they google Florida shelter in place, the search reveals resources.
The main thing is for the organizer to remain calm and follow the basic steps such as locking the doors, turning the lights off, turning the ac/heat off, covering windows and vents. Gathering the children in a safe place. Does FL licensing have regs on it? Basic first aid, water, and food sources?
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Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV
Original Message:
Sent: 11-01-2019 01:19 PM
From: Catherine Twyman
Subject: Lock down procedures - appropriateness
Hello
I had a faith-based child care provider reach out to me for assistance with conducting intruder on campus/lock downs and what would be the most appropriate procedure for children ages 2-5.
I am out of suggestions and welcome any advice.
Thanks in advance!
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Dr. Catherine Twyman
Early Childhood Education
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach FL
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