M.P.
I have taken many babies and children to emergency foster care homes. You are doing something wonderful for these babies and children. I applaud your willingness to do this.
Are you saying that you are certified for an infant up to the age of 2 only? Or are you asking about arranging your son's room so that he will share with another child? How many babies/children are you certified for?
If your son is going to share, how does he feel about doing so? That will be the most important part of your preparation. I suggest that he needs to have a way of protecting his belongings and feeling that he doesn't have to share everything.
How long does CA leave babies/children in an emergency care home? That too would make a difference in how you arrange your space.
I don't understand why there would have to be MAJOR reorganizing. The baby/child needs a place to sleep, a place at the table to eat, and a place to play and toys to play with. You will need a place to keep clothes and other items needed in the care of a baby or child.
If your son is sharing his room and you don't already have an extra bed then I suggest getting a bunk bed. I'm sure that CSD has already told you how many beds you need based on the number and ages of the children which you are certified to care for.
I suggest that you put a variety of toys for a variety of ages in a couple of laundry baskets that you can keep in a closet. If you have a bookcase add some children's books to it. Perhaps you have some toys and books from when your son was young. I suggest clearing out a dresser drawer or two for the children's things. My experience has been that babies and children arrive in emergency care without anything except the clothes on their backs and perhaps a favorite toy or two.
When I had planned to do emergency care I started shopping in thrift stores and planned to have outfits in several different sizes that I would keep in a drawer. I'd choose ones that could be for either a boy or a girl when possible. Don't buy new clothes because most of these children will be overwhelmed by them.
Have diapers in a small size, medium, and large sizes along with sleepers and a few baby toys that you can keep in your room.
In Oregon the emergency home parents are given a stipend to purchase necessities for the babies/children but don't expect to be able to do that right away. These kids are traumatized and need your attention much more than they need physical things.
I'm sure that they've told you that the babies or children that you get are all anxious and will be acting in different ways, depending on their experiences and personalities. Some will be abusive to you, your husband and your son if you're certified for children. Babies and toddlers may be difficult to handle. My best recommendation is that you not make any major changes until you've done this a couple of times and know what you need.
I'm sure your home already looks nice. You had a home study and passed so don't worry about what your home looks like. The babies and or children will for the most part not experienced as nice a home as yours and would be even more anxious if your home is spotless and has really nice or expensive things. What you're living with now is just fine. Do be sure to put away anything that you don't want broken or damaged. And remove as much clutter as you're comfortable with. Some of these children will be great explorers and will get into everything. lol
How you treat the children will be much more important than what your home looks like. I was talked into taking an emergency placement which did not go well with my foster daughter. I found that I had to spend all of my time that week end with the two of them. Be prepared to fix simple meals and let housework go.
You are taking on a very difficult but rewarding job. I'm pulling for it to go well for you.