In a world where early learning environments face increasingly complex safety challenges, one organization continues to set the national standard for preparedness, compassion, and impact. Evergreen Awards is proud to honor the Institute for Childhood Preparedness (ICP) with the Best Emergency Preparedness Training for Early Childhood in the United States of 2025.

This award celebrates ICP’s unmatched dedication to protecting young children and supporting the educators who care for them—through trauma-informed, age-appropriate training that prepares early childhood professionals to respond to emergencies with clarity and confidence.

Child-Centered Safety, Ground-Up Design

Unlike traditional safety programs retrofitted from K–12 or corporate settings, the Institute for Childhood Preparedness was built specifically for the early childhood sector. Founded in 2018 by public health expert, attorney, and former paramedic Andrew Roszak, ICP remains the only organization in the country solely focused on emergency preparedness training for children ages 0–5 and the professionals who serve them.

ICP’s approach is refreshingly different: its training modules integrate child development theory, regulatory alignment, and real-world emergency response experience—creating a framework that protects children without instilling fear. Whether it's natural disasters, active threats, or reunification planning, ICP delivers tools that empower educators at every level.

A Family-Led Mission Rooted in Firsthand Experience

ICP is led by a rare father-son team:

• Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P – former firefighter/paramedic turned public health leader

• Ronald Roszak – a 20+ year law enforcement veteran

Together, they have personally led trainings, conducted site assessments, and developed response protocols for programs in all 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories, and overseas military installations. Their combined backgrounds bring together tactical expertise, legal understanding, and emotional intelligence—a powerful mix that educators across the country trust.

“This isn’t K–12 training stuffed into a preschool classroom. We built every aspect of our program specifically for early childhood environments—because safety looks different when you’re caring for infants and toddlers.”
— Ronald Roszak, Senior Advisor

Impact-Driven Partnerships & Trusted Recognition

ICP’s effectiveness is underscored by its partnerships with national leaders in childhood education and mental health. From Sesame Workshop to U.S. Military Child and Youth Programs, ICP collaborates with organizations committed to trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate content.

ICP’s training solutions have helped thousands of child care providers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, CCR&Rs, and state agencies create safety plans, improve emergency communication, and strengthen organizational readiness.

Resources That Build Real-World Readiness

A few of ICP’s standout offerings include:
✅ Hands-on active shooter and workplace violence training tailored for early childhood
✅ Site-specific facility safety assessments and emergency operations planning
✅ Customized tabletop exercises for staff and multi-agency response teams
✅ IACET-accredited professional development courses and CEUs
✅ A proprietary line of walkie-talkies built specifically for child care centers
✅ The Preparing for the Unexpected book series—a three-part guide for early childhood emergency preparedness

These resources are more than theoretical—they are actively shaping the way early childhood educators respond to crisis events.

“Every day, educators are asked to do more with less—and yet, they show up with courage and love. We’re here to support them with practical solutions that actually work in the real world.”
— Andrew Roszak, Founder & Executive Director

A Culture of Preparedness That Saves Lives

ICP’s impact goes beyond checklists and drills. It fosters a lasting culture of safety—one that supports children, staff, and families before, during, and after emergencies. Its trauma-informed strategies help mitigate long-term harm, and its practical tools ensure that programs don’t just “comply,” but truly prepare.

“We can’t always prevent disasters—but we can be ready to respond when they happen. Our job is to give early childhood professionals the tools and confidence to act quickly, calmly, and effectively.”
— Andrew Roszak

2025 Recognition and Beyond

By earning the Best Emergency Preparedness Training for Early Childhood in the United States of 2025, the Institute for Childhood Preparedness affirms its role as the nation’s most trusted authority in early childhood safety.

Through rigorous training, expert leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our youngest learners, ICP continues to redefine what preparedness looks like in preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers across the country.

Learn more about the Institute for Childhood Preparedness:
Website: childhoodpreparedness.org
Instagram: @childhoodpreparedness
Facebook: facebook.com/ChildPrepared
YouTube: ICP Channel
Walkie-Talkie Solutions: walkietalkies.us
Alternate domain: icp.us