Early Childhood Under Fire: Continuity, Care, and Professional Strength

Since the outbreak of Operation Roaring Lion, WIZO’s Early Childhood Division has been operating with flexibility, urgency, and unwavering commitment — ensuring that even in times of disruption, the youngest members of Israeli society remain supported, protected, and cared for.

In immediate response to the outbreak of hostilities, WIZO established 10 dedicated emergency day care centers, some opening as early as the first day of fighting. These centers were created to support the children of essential medical and frontline personnel — including doctors, nurses, technicians, and social workers — enabling them to continue their critical work with peace of mind.

Currently, approximately 160 toddlers are enrolled in these specially approved frameworks. All centers operate in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines and are located in facilities equipped with appropriate protected spaces. The children are cared for by experienced, professional educational teams, ensuring both safety and emotional stability.

Additional emergency frameworks were opened in other areas across the country as part of the gradual return to routine. However, due to renewed escalations over the weekend, several of these frameworks were required to close again — reflecting the ongoing need for flexibility and rapid adaptation.

Strengthening Teams in Times of Crisis

Alongside operational response, WIZO has continued to invest in the professional resilience of its educational staff.

160 caregiver-educators successfully completed a mandatory training course on safe conduct in day care settings during wartime.
The training provided clear protocols and practical tools for both routine operation and emergency response, reinforcing safety standards across all frameworks.

The high level of participation reflects the deep commitment of WIZO’s educational teams and underscores the importance of strengthening professional capacity especially during periods of crisis.

When Routine Stops, Learning Continues

Despite the temporary closure of many day care centers, WIZO’s educational teams have continued to engage, learn, and grow.

Over recent weeks, approximately 900 staff members — including directors and educators from across the country — participated in two nationwide Zoom enrichment sessions.

These sessions focused on practical, relevant tools for daily professional work:

• Building Trust with Families
  A lecture focused on strengthening communication with parents, offering tools for constructive, empowering dialogue — especially critical in times of uncertainty.
• Opening a Book, Opening a World
  A session exploring the role of storytelling and books as emotional anchors for young children, alongside practical tools for meaningful remote engagement.

The high participation and engagement — even from home — reflect the unwavering dedication of WIZO’s educational teams, who continue to invest in their professional growth and prepare to return stronger and more equipped.

Care Beyond the Classroom

Throughout this period, WIZO caregivers have maintained meaningful connections with children and families through ongoing communication, including video content and remote engagement initiatives. These efforts ensure that even in physical distance, children continue to feel a sense of familiarity, stability, and emotional connection.

A Foundation That Does Not Pause

Even as reality continues to shift, WIZO’s Early Childhood Division operates with a clear understanding: early childhood frameworks are not a luxury — they are a critical foundation for resilience, for families, and for society as a whole.

“Even as the reality around us changes rapidly, our responsibility remains constant. Early childhood frameworks are an anchor of stability for children and families, and we are committed to ensuring educational and therapeutic continuity, emotional security, and professional support — even in times of emergency. It is the resilience of our teams that enables the resilience of the children”, Keren Kamerinsky, Director, Early Childhood Education Division.