Ensuring Children's Safety: A Monthly Evacuation Drill Program at Kizunakai

Social Welfare Corporation Kizunakai places the utmost importance on protecting children's lives, which is why all their facilities conduct practical evacuation drills every month. With an increase in natural disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rainfall occurring across the country, day care centers are required to establish a robust disaster preparedness system.

At Kizunakai, the evacuation drills are not limited to just earthquakes and fires; they also prepare for flooding, suspicious persons, and the safe handover of children to parents. Their comprehensive approach ensures that drills are not merely formalities, but a vital part of educational practices aimed at instilling a sense of self-preservation in children. The staff is trained to respond calmly in any situation, continuously adapting their disaster education methods.

Tailored Disaster Education for Developmental Stages

The organization emphasizes conveying disaster preparedness knowledge in a child-friendly manner, adapting to different age groups. For instance, during an earthquake, children are taught to protect their heads with the “dango mushi pose” (a ball-like position), and during evacuations, they learn the crucial guidelines: “do not run, do not speak, do not return.” In a recent drill at the Ukima Kizuna Second Nursery and Ukima Kizuna Nursery, children donned disaster hats and demonstrated their understanding of why they should maintain silence during dangerous situations as instructed by the staff. They actively engaged with the meaning of evacuation, reflecting their growth and understanding shaped by routine education.

Establishing a Safe Environment for Young Children

At Tabata Kizuna Nursery, which caters to children aged 0-2 years, specific evacuation methods tailored for toddlers are in place. This includes using evacuation vehicles, dividing roles among staff members, and ensuring calm. Repeated drills aim to guide children without inducing fear or anxiety. In addition, at Oji Kizuna Nursery, monthly drills simulate various disasters while including training for emergency reporting and initial fire suppression. This approach enhances each staff member's capability to respond effectively.

Commitment from School Leadership

Principal's Comment from Tajima Kizuna Nursery:

“Evacuation drills are not merely about conveying fear but a crucial opportunity for children to learn how to protect themselves. The monthly drills build a foundation for remaining calm in emergencies. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment for both the children and their parents.”

Principal's Comment from Oji Kizuna Nursery:

“Through monthly training, children naturally develop an awareness of disaster preparedness. Repeated experiences, like the ‘dango mushi pose’ and wearing disaster hats, instill confidence in their actions. We will continue to focus on education that fosters their ability to protect their lives.”

Each child actively participates in the training, wearing their disaster hats and preparing for evacuation.

Principal's Comment from Tabata Kizuna Nursery:

“Given that we care for children aged 0-2, the initial response of each staff member is essential for the safety of our little ones. That is why we conduct practical training under various scenarios every month. We aim to reassure parents that they can trust us to keep their children safe.”

Principal's Comment from Ukima Kizuna Second Nursery and Ukima Kizuna Nursery:

“Observing the children trying to understand why evacuation is necessary showcases significant development. Evacuation drills provide opportunities to nurture a sense of caring for their own lives and those of their friends. We will continue to engage closely with the children while providing safe child care.”

Enhancing Staff Response Capabilities

The training also focuses on staff performance, emphasizing the importance of regular checks on guiding evacuations, initial firefighting, communication with emergency services, and role assignments. By coordinating comprehensive evacuation drills with local fire departments and preparing for various timeframes and disasters, they ensure a calm and collected response when it matters most.

A Message from the Chairperson

“Protecting children's lives is our primary mission at Kizunakai. Disasters can strike at any time, which is why continuous training is vital to help children act calmly and give staff the ability to respond quickly and appropriately. We will strive to create an environment where parents can feel secure leaving their children with us.”

Future Prospects

Kizunakai is committed to continuing its monthly evacuation drills while strengthening collaborations with local organizations and fire departments to enhance their safety protocols. Their goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child feels secure and to instill a sense of self-preservation through disaster education. They aim to earn the trust of parents and the community as a reliable daycare center.

Participation Opportunities for Students

We invite prospective childcare professionals to participate in our volunteer programs or practical training sessions, providing an invaluable opportunity to experience the warmth of working with children and helping in daycare events. Interested students are welcome! For more details, please visit our recruitment page.

Corporate Overview

- Corporation Name: Kizunakai Social Welfare Corporation
- Location: 3-13-4 Tajima, Saitama City, Saitama, Japan
- Representative: Chairperson Miyo Kawana
- Business activities: Management of licensed nurseries, child development support services, childcare professional training, and parenting support
- Official Website: Kizunakai Official Site