Save the Children Working to Restore, Reopen Florida Child Care Centers in Wake of Hurricane Ian Destruction

Humanitarian Organization also Setting Up Child Play Spaces in Emergency Shelters, Providing Learning and Play Activities for Kids Out of School, and Delivering Essential Supplies to Families in Hardest Hit Areas

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Oct. 11, 2022) — More than 200 early education and child care centers across Florida were forced to shutter their doors in the wake of destructive Hurricane Ian, and Save the Children is working with state partners to help these centers quickly rebuild and reopen, so kids can return to learning and their normal, reassuring routines.

The global humanitarian organization will provide funding to help child care centers repair the damage from the powerful storm, and replace lost food supplies, books, learning materials and toys. It will also give child care providers technical guidance and support to seek additional resources to assist their recovery – including aid from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), state and federal child care subsidies, and licensing support.

“One of the first steps of recovery for children after a disaster is being able to once again interact and play with kids their own age, and resume a normal routine,” said Militza Mezquita, who is leading Save the Children’s Hurricane Ian response programming.  “That is why it is so important to reopen these child care centers, so children can stay engaged and focused on learning during this difficult time – and parents can get back to work.”

Save the Children is also setting up safe play areas in emergency shelters supporting families in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ian. The child-friendly spaces – run by trained, caring experts – give kids an opportunity to play, take their minds off the storm and help them regain a sense of normalcy. Parents also benefit from a chance to rest, and get help starting their family’s recovery.

In addition, the global nonprofit is working with local partners to provide daily learning and play activities at a camp for elementary-school age kids in the greater Charlotte County area whose schools are currently closed due to the impacts of the storm.

“Disasters can be a very scary and stressful situation for kids. Their homes might be destroyed, they might not know when they'll get back to school or see their friends,” Mezquita added. “In moments like these, it’s invaluable that kids get a chance to be kids again, to help them begin to cope.”

Save the Children has also been working to provide critical emergency supplies to children and families who need them most after Hurricane Ian, including water, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, and comfort items for kids, such as blankets and stuffed animals.

As the national leader in protecting children in emergencies, Save the Children has been supporting children’s most critical needs in emergencies along the Gulf Coast since 2005, including Hurricanes Irma and Michael. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Michael, Save the Children coordinated emergency distributions of child-centric supplies, set up child-friendly spaces in evacuation shelters, helped child care centers recover, and provided social and emotional support programs to help children and their families cope and build resilience.

By contributing to Save the Children’s Hurricane Ian Relief Fund, you will help provide desperately needed relief to families impacted by the devastating storm. To learn more about Save the Children, please go to www.SavetheChildren.org.

Save the Children believes child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.