Environmental Disasters Don't Have to Be Educational Disasters
Let's Prevent Harm To Children in Contaminated Schools,
v. 12/2008
During disasters or when any school's standards do not protect children's health and well-being, parents and educators have many options for meeting children's academic, social and emotional needs. They do not have to send children back into unsafe classrooms.
Following the 9/11 disaster, testing for environmental hazards was inadequate. Government guidelines and services did not protect children or neighborhoods. Too many children were sent back into unhealthy and unsafe schools.
Today education and health authorities should not make the same mistake.
Please do not ignore the unprecedented contamination in hurricane and flood affected areas or the poor indoor air quality, renovation
hazards, and contamination from irritants and allergens so common in
schools and day care centers.
Use classroom occupancy standards that protect children.
And refer parents and educators to the people and resources who are the experts in "learning without schooling."
The Home Education Magazine (HEM) website is a gateway to information, reassurance and guidance. Parents and educators will find advice on choosing and using educational and communication resources that provide for a child's educational, social and emotional needs. Go to www.homeedmag.com.
On the HEM website there are links to print and online programs, curriculum, learning games, lesson plans, kits, do-it-yourself activities and other resources for all ages and types of learners. Many ideas and resources are available free or at low cost.
And, most important, there are links to local support groups and networks of caring people dedicated to sharing their expertise and experience educating children.
Environmental, educational and public health organizations and networks can link to Home Education Magazine to help families, neighborhoods, and communities provide for children's education while avoiding the environmental hazards in their schools during disasters or when any school's standards for environmental health and hygiene are not high enough to protect children's health and safety.
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