Talking about Hurricane Sandy & Launching NASSAU THRIVES

It’s been almost two years since Superstorm Sandy hit Long Island. For many, the recovery has been slow. Children between the ages of zero to five experience, comprehend and process traumatic events differently than older children. Young children exposed to trauma in natural and other disasters can experience both short term developmental problems as well as long-term effects on their physical and social/emotional well-being.

NASSAU THRIVES (includes a partnership between Adelphi University Institute for Parenting, Child Care Council of Nassau and Docs For Tots) will address specifically the impact of a traumatic event like Hurricane Sandy on young children and how teachers and child care providers can best support and care for young children and their families, during and after a traumatic event. The project is funded through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Superstorm Sandy Block Grant.

More than 50 child care providers from various centers and agencies will be at the launch and training on October 10 and October 11. Some of the groups participating: Freeport Christian Academy, Long Beach Youth & Family Services, Harmonie Daycare, Highchairs and Homework, and Miss Pat’s Quality Child Care, among others.

A major component of the program is reaching parents, teachers and child care centers by executing a book project entitled “I’m Here For You Now” that was originally created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina for the purpose of building resilience in children in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The book initiative provides an opportunity to talk about fears and worries in children and helps clear up misconceptions that young children might have regarding a natural disaster, and ways to create a calm and safe place for children. To begin, two of the hardest hit communities from Sandy, Freeport and Long Beach, have already committed to the book project, with others to follow. A team of seven clinicians from the Adelphi University Institute for Parenting will lead outreach efforts and work directly with the schools and child care centers to identify children who may be at risk and some of the needs right now; implement the book project; and ultimately help guide families, parents and young children through a process of recovery.

For more details about the ”I’m Here For You Now” book project, contact Candida Cucharo, Infant Mental Health Planning Specialist, at (516) 877-4341. To learn more about the Adelphi University Institute for Parenting, visit adelphi.edu/parentinginstitute or call (516) 237-8513.