As we mark the 20th anniversary and National Preparedness Month in September, we’re reminded that extreme weather can happen anytime - and anywhere. Massachusetts experienced three heatwaves between June and August this year alone. For family childcare providers, who care for some of our youngest and most vulnerable residents, being prepared for extreme weather has become increasingly urgent.
With a generous grant from Verizon, United Way of Massachusetts Bay has partnered with United Way Worldwide to launch United We Prepare — a national initiative designed to help individuals plan for natural and man-made hazards like extreme heat caused by climate change. Through the Climate Ready Learning: Tech Tools & Training Workshops, powered by Verizon and United Way, family childcare providers through our Shared Services entrepreneurship program will receive the tools and training they need to prepare, adapt, and stay safe.
“This summer was extreme, hot and extreme with several weather changes,” says Lilly Baez, a family childcare provider participating in United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s first of three workshops. “I signed up for the program because I would like to know how to help my families and my babies.”
At each of the workshops, Lilly and more than 100 other family childcare providers will receive a “business community kit”. Each kit includes essential tools like laptops, tablets, and downloadable print materials to help providers stay connected and better support families during climate-related emergencies.
Yalennys Velasquez, another program participant, says the training has been especially important as weather patterns become less predictable. “Especially this month of August, where you know, we were expecting it to be the hottest month of the year, and we have some days that have been cold,” she says.
For Velasquez, the training has been transformative not just for emergency preparedness but also for strengthening her childcare business. “Having this training is helping my business, because now we're living in a digital environment where everything is computers and apps,” she explains.
To expand our outreach, United Way is also partnering with Boston’s Office of Early Childhood in supporting their Keeping Kids Cool Initiative. This collaborative effort will equip vulnerable Boston families, and the family childcare providers who serve them, with essential resources and innovative technologies to withstand and recover from the increasing impacts of extreme weather events. On Friday, August 29th, pediatricians from Boston Children’s Hospital will hold a family info session on how heat affects children’s health and development, and the signs of heat-related illness. They will also share simple and affordable ways to keep kids safe, and local resources available.
“By centering families and family childcare providers in frontline communities, this partnership empowers residents to have a real voice in the decisions that affect them and their children,” says Melinda Weber, VP Shared Services.
Through initiatives like Climate Ready Learning, United Way of Massachusetts Bay is helping childcare providers protect the children they care for, strengthen their businesses, and build more resilient communities. To learn more about United Way’s Climate Ready Program go to unitedwaymassbay.org/united-we-prepare.
