As wildfires and strong winds continue to impact communities across Southern California, we want to ensure you have the tools and guidance to stay safe and informed and receive help should you need it.
For us as child care providers our houses aren’t just our homes but our businesses and livelihoods – where generations of neighborhood children have come to receive a quality early childhood education. For those of us fortunate enough to still be in our homes, we’re scrambling to find PPE and spending all day indoors to protect children’s delicate lungs from suffocating smoke. We’re working to emotionally support children who have lost their homes or don’t know if their homes are still standing – who are staying in strange places and don’t have their treasured belongings. We’re supporting families who no longer have access to diapers and formula or enough to get a healthy meal together.
Some of us have lost our homes and many more are still evacuated, waiting alongside the families in our care to figure out what we do next. No matter how you’re impacted by these fires, we are here for you, as your union sisters and brothers to provide support however we can and share resources as they become available.
Below, you’ll find crucial information on payment policies, licensing updates, evacuation shelters, and tips to prepare and respond effectively during this emergency. This information will continue to change as we learn more. Please do not hesitate to contact the CCPU Provider Resource Center (PRC) to speak with a Provider Resource Specialist at 888-583-CCPU (2278).
Licensing and Payment Questions
What to know regarding modified payment due to this emergency:
- If schools are closed due to an emergency such as this and providers are providing additional care hours than during a typical school day: providers can be paid according to the child’s vacation schedule, record the actual hours the child is present and note on payment forms that it is due to emergency or school closure, to be paid for the child’s certified need for a vacation schedule.
- If providers are closed or some children are not present, providers should still be paid according to certified need. Note on payment forms that you (or impacted families) were closed/absent due to the fire emergency. See section 7.5 of the CCPU contract for more on this policy.
- An Executive Order from the Governor also guarantees 30 days of pay from the declared date of each emergency for providers impacted by this emergency that are open or closed.
What do you need to communicate to licensing if you are licensed?
- Licensed providers are urged to update licensing about any changes to their facilities, including closing due to evacuation or other fire-related reasons.
- PIN has more info here.
- If you haven’t received emails, texts or calls from Licensing and you are under an evacuation order or your operation is impacted by the fires, please contact your regional office and let them know the status of your facility: impacted but still can operate; will not be able to operate; has been evacuated or damaged; not impacted.
- Look up the number for your Regional Office here.
- The Governor issued an emergency declaration that allows the DSS director to waive many existing guidelines temporarily to meet child care needs, including what requirements providers must meet to operate as a licensed provider. More information should be coming out soon from licensing. If you aren’t receiving these updates, please email info@ccpuca.org to be updated when licensing rule waivers are granted.
Resources for Providers
If you’re impacted by the fire and wind emergency, visit SEIU Local 99’s resource page (Los Angeles County providers) or UDW’s resource page (Orange County, San Diego County providers) to view a list of evacuation shelters, aid centers, and the Emergency Fire Assistance form.
Reach out to your local R&R to see if they have resources to support:
There are some resources that R&Rs may have to support (ex: blankets, diapers, toiletries). Here are the agencies connected to the key fire areas
- CCRC – 818-717-1000 ext. 4215, ext. 4228, ext. 4115 or ext. 4103
- Connections for Children
- Options for Learning
The LA County ECE Emergency Response Team is holding a webinar Thursday 1/16 at 10 am. Child care providers affected by the fires should register to learn more. For more information, please email DPH-OAECE at OAECE@ph.lacounty.gov
Apply for aid from the State and Federal Government:
Those who need disaster assistance can apply through FEMA using code DR-4856-CA
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) through the State is available to providers, both those caring for subsidized as well as private pay children. This assistance is available through July 12, 2026 and not tied to the 30 day Executive Order from the Governor. Learn more and apply on the EDD website. Those needing extra support can visit in-person Disaster Recovery Centers 9am-8pm 7 days a week.
Talking to children and caregivers about fires and loss
Sesame Street has resources in English and Spanish to help children and their families understand preparing for emergencies and recovering from them, from helping caregivers understand the importance of self care during times of crisis to how to comfort children who are showing signs of distress.
Stay Prepared
- Pack your emergency GO bag with clothing, medications, important documents, water, non-perishable food, chargers, and a flashlight. Include masks and any supplies you’d need for loved ones and pets.
- Fully charge your phones and backup batteries. Ensure your vehicle’s gas tank is full or your electric car is fully charged.
- Have a plan ready to reunite with loved ones if you’re separated, and know the routes to leave your neighborhood in case of an evacuation.
- Clear debris, dead leaves, and other flammable materials from around your home. Close windows and vents to prevent embers from entering your home.
- Park off the street whenever possible to leave roads clear for first responders. Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during peak winds.
Stay Updated
For the most up to date emergency information and evacuation updates, please visit the links below.
- Download the Watch Duty app to monitor active wildfires.
- Emergency Alerts: Sign up for NotifyLA, AlertOC, or AlertSanDiego for real-time updates.
- Map of Evacuation Zones
- CAL FIRE Incident
For additional resources, questions or support, call the CCPU Provider Resource Center (PRC) to speak with a Provider Resource Specialist at 888-583-CCPU (2278).