Public health emergency preparedness in the setting of child care.

Many of America's youngest children are enrolled in child care and parents expect their child care providers to be prepared to handle emergencies. Emergency preparedness in child care is complex, complicated further by threats of public health emergencies, including terrorism. Unfortunately, minimal attention has been given to the needs of child care in planning for these emergencies. Involving Child Care Health Consultants promotes child care preparedness that is integrated in to community plans. This article discusses child care emergency preparedness, offering recommendations for consultants working with child care providers.