Child Care Aware of Missouri Receives $75,000 Donation from Aetna
Statewide virtual training and coaching project will help child care programs better prepare for emergencies.
(St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 10, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) announced a collaboration with Aetna Better Health of Missouri that includes a $75,000 donation from Aetna, a CVS Health company.
The donation will support Ready, Set, Prepared: Emergency Planning for Child Care Programs, a statewide project designed to help child care educators strengthen emergency preparedness and better protect the children in their care.
Running from January through September 2027, the project will offer virtual training, coaching and access to online resources for up to 135 Missouri child care educators. Participants will receive practical guidance
and tools to develop or improve emergency plans, strengthen communication with families and staff, improve emergency response procedures and prepare for disruptions to program operations.
“Access to safe, dependable child care helps children thrive, supports parents and strengthens the overall health and well-being of families and communities,” said Lisa Baird, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Missouri.
“Through this collaboration with Child Care Aware of Missouri, we’re helping educators prepare for emergencies with practical tools and resources that support continuity of care and build more resilient child care programs across the state.”
The initiative aims to move emergency preparedness from awareness to action by identifying gaps, setting priorities and implementing strategies that support children’s safety and continuity of care. Its goals include
measurable improvements in emergency preparedness, completion of identified preparedness components and adoption of new practices that strengthen emergency response, communication and business continuity.
Through this investment, Child Care Aware of Missouri will help child care professionals take proactive steps to prepare for the unexpected and strengthen the resilience of programs serving Missouri children and families.
Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) is a statewide nonprofit intermediary dedicated to advancing early childhood education through impactful programs and partnerships since 1999. CCAMO promotes accessible,
high-quality child care as essential infrastructure for Missouri’s workforce, communities and economy. The organization works at the intersection of early childhood and workforce development to help build a more resilient
state economy. For more information, call 314-535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.