Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Care Programs in Michigan: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Abstract

Introduction:Historically, the child care industry has been unprepared for emergencies. A previous study identified gaps in Michigan’s child care programs’ emergency plans. Study objectives were to reassess programs’ preparedness plans after the introduction of state-mandated emergency plans and to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on programs’ operations.Method:A 29-question survey was sent to ~500 child care programs across Michigan in 2020 to assess emergency plans and response to COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods.Results:Overall, 346 programs (70%) responded. Most (92%) reported having a written plan, but one-third reported having no infectious outbreak plan pre-pandemic. One-third of programs lacked plans for special needs children (vs. 40% in 2014); 62% lacked plans for child reunification (vs. 60% in 2014); 46% reported staff received no preparedness training. COVID-19 impacted programs substantially: 59% closed, 20% decreased capacity, and 27% changed disinfecting protocols. Several themes related to the pandemic’s effect on programs were identified: 1) changes in learning 2) changes in socialization 3) increased family burden 4) financial challenges 5) lack of guidance.Conclusion:Significant preparedness gaps remain among Michigan’s child care programs, suggesting the need for increased support and the addition of emergency preparedness to programs’ quality ratings.