The perspectives of preschool teachers regarding their ability to respond to various crises in the childcare center

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of preschool teachers regarding crisis preparedness in independently funded childcare centers. This study was based on the integrated model of school crisis preparedness and intervention proposed by Jimerson, Brock, and Pletcher. This study examined how preschool teachers describe the effect of crisis preparedness drills and training on their ability to handle school crisis events prior to, during, and following a center crisis. Qualitative data for the study were gathered during one-on-one interviews conducted with 15 preschool teachers working in independently funded childcare centers across a Western state of the United States. Preschool teachers indicated that some aspects of crisis preparedness drills and training have increased their ability to handle school crisis events while other aspects appear insufficient, both in anticipation of and during a real emergency. Results from this study may inform preschool center directors about the type of training that preschool teachers have, want, and need, in order to best prepare these teachers to respond to a school crisis event and keep children safe.