Anyone acting in a supervisory capacity requesting volunteers to take care of infants and preschool children displaced by Hurricane Katrina need to provide at least:
1. More than adequate adult to child ratios.
2. Books, art supplies, toys to cuddle and toys to play, puzzles, dress-up clothes and a source of music. Play is essential to children's well-being. Play is to a child as work is to an adult.
3. A structured day for the children, but a variety of choices the children can make within that structure. Children as well as adults become afraid when there is chaos. Children feel safe when limits are set and adults are calm.
4. One trained person who knows how to supervise and has experience in a childcare setting.
5. A minimum of transitions that the children have to deal with. Most children do not do well if their caregivers keep changing and their environment is unstable.
6. If at all possible, a consistent group of adults, especially with the infants.
7. Gloves for diapering, toileting, and food service.
8. One trained person who knows infant/child First Aid/CPR.
Shelter staff may be able to access knowledgeable caregiver volunteers from local universities and technical vocational facilities.
The National Coalition for Campus Childcares at www.campuschildren.org (NCCCC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children/www.naeyc.org (NAEYC) would be helpful in networking.
posted by Moni @ 9:17 PM
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