Family-Led Institute for Childhood Preparedness Sets New Standard for Early Childhood Emergency Training
Institute for Childhood Preparedness is the only U.S. organization focused on active shooter and emergency preparedness training designed for early childhood environments.
Empowering Early Childhood Professionals to Protect Our Littlest Learners
In a time of increasing concern over school safety and active shooter incidents, the Institute for Childhood Preparedness (ICP) is transforming how early childhood professionals prepare for emergencies. Founded in 2018 by Andrew Roszak, a former firefighter/paramedic, attorney, and public health expert, ICP is the only organization in the United States solely focused on providing trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate emergency preparedness training for early childhood settings.
With a mission to equip educators with the tools, confidence, and skills to act swiftly and calmly during crises, ICP is making a tangible impact on child care centers, Head Start programs, and early education environments nationwide.
A Family-Led, Responder-Driven Approach
What sets ICP apart is its unique leadership: a father-son team with decades of combined experience in public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response. Founder Andrew Roszak and his father, Ronald Roszak, a retired law enforcement officer with over 20 years of service, share a deep commitment to protecting young children. Together, they’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team of first responders, public health professionals, and early childhood educators dedicated to improving emergency readiness where it matters most.
Most emergency preparedness programs are designed for K–12 or adult settings and then adapted for preschool environments. ICP takes a different approach by creating content specifically tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from the very beginning. “Caring for infants and toddlers requires a unique approach,” said Ronald Roszak. “That’s why we developed every aspect of our program with these environments in mind, ensuring it meets their specific needs.”
Training That Meets the Needs of Children and Educators
ICP’s training is not simply about ticking boxes or completing checklists; it is about building a comprehensive safety culture that sticks. The programs are grounded in child development theory, ensuring that all practices are developmentally sound and designed to empower both educators and the children they care for. Unlike generalized safety programs, which often rely on fear-based tactics, ICP’s trauma-informed training fosters a sense of security and confidence among educators, helping them respond to crises effectively without instilling unnecessary fear in children.
ICP’s comprehensive services include child-centered active shooter and workplace violence prevention training, customized tabletop exercises, multi-agency drills, facility safety assessments, and emergency operations planning. In addition, ICP is a provider of IACET-accredited continuing education and virtual courses, ensuring that professionals in the field can access ongoing learning opportunities.
Real-World Impact Across the Nation and Beyond
ICP has conducted training and safety assessments in all 50 U.S. states, over 32 Tribal Nations, as well as U.S. territories and international settings. Their reach extends to a wide range of early childhood environments, including child care centers, Head Start programs, Pre-K and elementary schools, and military Child and Youth Programs. This breadth of impact highlights the organization’s expertise and commitment to improving safety in diverse settings.
In addition to its work with early childhood programs, ICP collaborates with national organizations to ensure that its content remains trauma-sensitive and developmentally appropriate. Through these partnerships, ICP aims to build a culture of safety and preparedness that meets the specific needs of young children and their caregivers.
Empowering Educators with Tools for Action: Walkie Talkies Built for Child Care
As part of its mission to provide practical, real-world tools, ICP recently launched encrypted, unlimited-range walkie-talkies—specifically designed for early childhood environments. Unlike traditional radios, these devices don’t rely on Wi-Fi, repeaters, or short-range signals. Instead, they use cellular networks to deliver plug-and-play communication with crystal-clear audio and built-in privacy controls.
“We wanted to eliminate the communication gaps that put staff and children at risk,” said Roszak. “Our radios are simple, secure, and work right out of the box—whether you’re in a preschool, church, or construction site.”
Already used in childcare centers, summer camps, family travel, and events, the walkie-talkies are gaining momentum for their ease of use, 5-day battery life, and ability to talk from one end of the United States to the other. Learn more at walkietalkies.us.
A Culture of Safety: ICP’s Commitment to the Future
In a world where emergencies can happen at any time, ICP’s commitment to providing child-centered, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate training has never been more critical. As the only organization in the United States focused exclusively on early childhood emergency preparedness, ICP is working to ensure that every early learning environment is a safer place—for children, families, and staff alike. Their motto—Don’t Be Scared. Be Prepared.—serves as a reminder that, while we cannot prevent disasters, we can take the steps necessary to respond effectively when they occur.
About the Institute for Childhood Preparedness
Founded in 2018, the Institute for Childhood Preparedness is a U.S.-based organization that focuses on providing active shooter and emergency preparedness training tailored to the unique needs of early childhood environments. ICP works with child care centers, Head Start programs, Pre-K schools, and military Child and Youth Programs to develop customized safety protocols, conduct site assessments, and offer trauma-informed training. ICP’s mission is to equip early childhood professionals with the tools and confidence needed to respond to emergencies and protect the children in their care.
Website: www.childhoodpreparedness.org
Alternate Domain: www.icp.us
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Andrew Roszak
Founder and CEO
Email: andy@icp.us
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Organization: Institute for Childhood Preparedness
Contact Person: Andrew Roszak
Website: http://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/
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Country: United States
Release Id: 08082531923