The Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) in Child Care Training provides early educators with information and tools to prepare for many types of emergencies. The EPR in Child Care Training addresses NC Child Care Rules on emergency preparedness, current best practice recommendations, and guidance on completing the online EPR Plan. The EPR Plan template can be found on the North Carolina Emergency Management website. The training is presented in a 2 hour and 30 minute session. NC Child Care Rules require that a designated individual from all licensed centers and family child care homes complete the training and submit a facility EPR Plan. Be prepared! Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Each participant will receive 2.5 CHC for attending and completing all required coursework.

Angela Pate is the School Age Technical Assistance Consultant and Trainer for the eastern region of North Carolina.  She earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and has worked in the early education field for over 10 years.  Prior to working with the School Age Initiative, she served as a lead teacher and assistant administrator in a licensed facility, as well as a Programs Specialist and School Age Specialist providing technical assistance and professional development to early educators throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Angela and her husband have 7 children and 9 grandchildren and spend their non-working hours caring for and having fun with them.  One of their favorite activities to do as a family is camping, which they try to do as often as possible, especially near water.  Angela's passion is mentoring early educators and is delighted to be working alongside the school age workforce to support everyone in improving the quality of care and experiences for school age children

Karen’s personal information:

Family demographics: Originally from West Virginia, has 1 sister, lives in Kings Mountain.  Recently had a very small, private wedding ceremony and married Jeff Presnell, but kept the name Karen Darby, on Tuesday, 2-22-2022.  Karen has no children of her own but enjoys spending time with Jeff’s grown children and grandchildren.

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, biking, flower gardening, painting, willing to try anything outdoors at least once.

Outside interests: Teaches an adult swimming class for the City of Shelby, Certified Aqua Fitness Instructor, Volunteers in the community and senior center

Future plans/aspirations: An on-going goal is to be a published author (of more than just an article or blogpost), bring the on-demand learning platform/courses to the level of recognition of a statewide project/be viewed as a statewide project director or advance to a higher position in SW, if applicable and available. 

Contact Karen at darby.karen@swcdcinc.org

Andrea McClure is a Quality Enhancement Specialist for Southwestern Child Development Commission. She is a native of Haywood County and lives in Clyde with her husband and two children. She have a BS degree from Western Carolina University. Andrea found a passion working with children as a group leader and then as a director of a School-Age program. She has also worked as a Child Care Subsidy Specialist and School Age Specialist at SWCDC. She has also has experience in the public schools as a teacher assistant. Andrea provides Technical Assistance to Region 8.