While it’s important to prepare to meet physical needs during an emergency, considering emotional needs is also critical. Staying attuned to the mental health of staff at Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organizations is paramount so that they can support their communities before, during, and after disasters.
As CCAoA’s new position statement, "Making Child Care Strong: The Role of Child Care Resource & Referral Organizations,” points out, effective CCR&Rs are rooted in their community. They provide services that are delivered with local knowledge, input, and participation. The combination of staff having that on-the-ground knowledge and specialized skills enable these professionals to effectively serve their communities. When we ensure these ‘second responders’ have the tools they need for success, then they are able to step in and help communities before, during, and after disasters.
Balancing the needs of clients with personal needs can be challenging and, when you help others who have experienced trauma, it can affect your own mental and physical health particularly if you are dealing with an emergency that has happened happens in your community.
Thinking about CCR&R mental health before, during, and after a disaster
The emergency management cycle includes three phases: preparedness, response, and recovery. CCR&R staff should take steps during the preparedness phase, so they are ready to care for staff mental health during the response and recovery phases.
Typical emergency preparedness steps include establishing emergency plans, conducting emergency drills, creating and maintaining emergency supply kits, and building partnerships. Additional preparedness steps one can take to support mental health include identifying mental health supports and making a self-care plan.
The response phase is when you’re alerted to, and responding to, an emergency. Taking care of your mental health during this time means getting support while you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or confused about an ever-changing situation. Ensuring you are following your emergency plan, and also taking time for yourself and taking care of your needs is essential at this time.
Recovery can take days to weeks, months, or even longer depending on the type of event. This is the time, after the initial response, when you are returning to your “new normal.”. While recovering from an event, you may experience triggers from certain locations, times of year, or even hearing about similar events. Ensure you are taking care of yourself at this time by utilizing self-care, talking to others for support, and recognizing how to deal with triggers. Doing these activities helps you become stronger and more resilient.
By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of emergency preparedness, CCR&R staff can better equip themselves to manage challenges during the response and recovery phases.
New Child Care Aware ® of America (CCAoA) resources
Because of the need for support and tools in this space, CCAoA’s Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery team created resources to support CCR&R staff mental health as they support their communities.
“Supporting CCR&R Mental Health in Response to Emergencies” helps CCR&R staff think about their own mental health before, during, and after a disaster. It provides information and resources CCR&Rs should review ahead of a disaster to ensure staff mental health needs are supported.
This video, “CCR&R Mental Health in Response to Emergencies,” features CCR&R staff who have experienced disasters and provides support and guidance for CCR&R staff. While it was designed to provide information before a disaster, it can also serve as a tool after a disaster.
For more information on child care emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, visit our crisis and disaster resource center or fill out this form to request technical assistance.
By Jillian Ritter, Data Analyst, Research, Child Care Aware of America
