HOW TO GET INVOLVED
CLDR continually develops and expands networks for effective programming and disaster deployments that align with our mission.
Opportunities may be independently through CLDR or may be collaboratively through other disaster organizations depending on the need.
We recruit, train, and equip responders for these opportunities. Depending on the deployment, the opportunities may be sent out to certified child life specialists and child life students via social media or may be selectively sent via email by region to those who have completed the CLDR Responder Requirements in our network.
Please take a look at our FAQ’s page for answers to common questions.
Join Our Network
All child life specialists and students should first JOIN OUR NETWORK to be part of our community and to learn of new opportunities. Joining our network is free and helps us know who to contact for region-specific disaster needs. **Please be sure to update your information if it has changed.
CLDR Disaster Deployments (for CCLSs only)
Every disaster is different! In order to fully vet our responders to deploy quickly in the moment of need, all CLDR responders must complete the CLDR RESPONDER REQUIREMENTS. In the midst of critical disaster needs, we will rely on CLDR Responders who have completed all requirements ahead of time “for such a time as this”. Be ready! Complete the requirements so we can utilize you when time is of the essence.
Deployments with our partner, Children's Services (for all)
Children’s Disaster Services(CDS) is our partner with deployment opportunities for both certified child life specialists and child life students. CDS opportunities require you to become a certified volunteer through the CDS training. Once a Certified CDS Volunteer you are eligible to deploy to national disasters when requested and available as part of CDS teams. The CLDR Responder Requirements are NOT necessary for deployments with our partner, CDS. We encourage all to participate with CDS!
Deployments with our partner, Camp Noah (for all)
Camp Noah is our partner for week-long summer camp opportunities for both certified child life specialists and child life students. Camp Noah is a nationally recognized preparedness and resiliency day camp offered to elementary age children in communities impacted by a disaster or crisis. The CLDR Responder Requirements are not necessary to be involved with our partner, Camp Noah. We encourage all to participate!
CLDR Local CARE teams (for CCLSs only)
Our teams continue to grow as we position CCLSs to provide services within the first 24-48 hours of a large disaster in their community. All requirements for CLDR Local CARE teams mirrors our general CLDR Deployment requirements.
CLDR committees (for all)
Opportunities are sent out periodically
PARTNER Opportunities
Two current partners of CLDR consistently offer opportunities for direct-service delivery. They welcome a wide-range of volunteers and certified child life specialists and students will work within rich diversity of these partner teams. CLDR often recruits for these opportunities within our network and encourages all to get involved.
Camp Noah
Camp Noah is our partner with summer opportunities for both certified child life specialists and child life students in various areas across the country. Camp Noah is a nationally recognized preparedness and resiliency day camp offered to elementary age children in communities impacted by a disaster or crisis.
Children's Disaster Services
Children’s Disaster Services(CDS) is our partner with opportunities at both the local and national level for both certified child life specialists and child life students. CDS opportunities require you to become a Certified Volunteer through the CDS training. Once a Certified CDS Volunteer you are eligible to deploy to national disasters when requested and available.
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