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Deanie Wimmer reporting
School violence across the country has raised awareness in emergency planning. Even daycares in Utah are required to prepare youngsters for modern-day emergencies.
I learned something at my own son's child care center, that many parents may not realize. Even our youngest children are practicing drills against dangers that weren't an issue when we were their age.
"Whistle. Ok kids, what do we do? Put down our toys and line up at the door."
Toddlers are learning how to get out of their day care center, if they had to flee for safety.
"Hold hands, let's go."
This isn't an ordinary fire drill.
In past eras, kids prepared against nuclear attacks, earthquakes and natural disasters by doing similar drills like these. But images of school violence are on many providers' minds as they prepare kids for something they hope they'll never need.
"It's something that you have to have these days, unfortunately."
Sharon Pierce, Owner: "If a parent were to stop and think about it, it's definitely something you want your child care provider to be prepared for."
Cody Craynor, Utah Dept. of Health: "Nowadays, we are aware of those things and we want to prepare for those."
State regulators require daycare centers to hold regular evacuation drills, not in response to any emerging threat, but in an overall effort to keep children safe.
Cody Craynor, Utah Dept. of Health: "The drills are a key component on being able to do that."
So providers help kids learn basic skills, without scaring them, and hope the discussion continues at home.
Mindy Krall, Center Director: "It gets them ready for the real world. It gets them to have an idea, what the reality is."
We checked and state records show most Utah care centers comply with the drills.
If you'd like to check your own care center's record, click here.
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