Supporting vulnerable kids when schools open

Québec has announced plans to re-open elementary schools on May11 in most regions and in greater Montréal on May 19. Some are wondering if this is really a good public health decision.

Today in The Conversation Canada, Delphine Collin-Vézina of McGill University and Tristan Milot of Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières remind us that “school closures present risks to children in vulnerable situations, particularly those who are experiencing social and economical hardship or are at risk for maltreatment.” We might think a decrease in the number of cases of maltreatment reported to child protection services is a good thing – but what if it really just means a loss of witnesses in a child’s life?

The authors suggest four priorities for allowing schools and teachers to fulfil their functions on the front lines for vulnerable children's well-being when schools re-open.

Also today:

Regards,

Susannah Schmidt

Education + Arts Editor

Coronavirus News
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Delphine Collin-Vézina, McGill University; Tristan Milot, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)

School closures under coronavirus have raised significant risks for vulnerable students who face maltreatment and exposure to violence. Here are five priorities to address when re-opening schools.
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La Conversation Canada
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Réouverture des écoles primaires : mode d’emploi

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