SWANNANOA, N.C. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, three-year-old Fitz Lytle found solace in play therapy, burying toys and steering matchbox cars. The Category 4 storm unleashed nearly 15 inches of rain, causing $59 billion in damage across western North Carolina. Early childhood mental health specialists like Shelby Ward are helping children like Fitz process trauma through play, a method used by the Verner Center for Early Learning in Asheville. This nonprofit has been conducting sessions in public spaces since November to aid young children in coping with the disaster’s impact.
Fitz, along with his mother, Deana Lytle, faced harrowing experiences during the storm, including multiple evacuations and witnessing their home near the Swannanoa River threatened by mudslides. The trauma manifested in behavior changes, such as accidents and tantrums. Play therapy illuminated these issues for Lytle, helping her understand her son’s distress. “That’s how a 3-year-old displays trauma,” she said.
Six months post-Hurricane Helene, many families are still grappling with its effects. Over 55 early child care centers were damaged, and ten remain closed. The disruption affected children’s routines and parent employment, complicating the recovery for young kids in their developmental stages. Yet, disaster recovery often overlooks young children, with experts like Bradford Wiles noting the undervaluation of early childhood educators. High-quality early childhood education is crucial, leading to better long-term outcomes for children.
As climate change escalates extreme weather events, more families face similar challenges. Recent surveys show significant parental stress due to such events. Moreover, federal disaster recovery funding is at risk, with potential cuts to programs like FEMA, impacting resources for families and educators. “Having early care and education as part of a recovery strategy should be essential,” said Wiles, emphasizing its role in community recovery.
Before Helene, North Carolina’s early childhood education system struggled due to underfunding and expiring federal funds. This led to staffing challenges, with a 2023 study revealing high turnover rates among educators. Post-storm efforts by individuals like Vantoinette Savage, who provided cash grants to providers, highlight the community’s resilience. Organizations like El Telar focus on supporting local educators, while figures like Jeneal Hensley face slow rebuilding processes, underscoring the disaster’s lingering impact.
While physical recovery continues, the mental toll on educators and families is significant. The foundation secured a $10,000 grant for mental health support, highlighting the ongoing need for resources. As communities work to rebuild, the focus remains on addressing both the psychological and infrastructural challenges facing early childhood education in disaster-stricken areas.
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