Singapore's preschools are gearing up for the impending haze season, a time of heightened air pollution that poses significant health risks, especially for young children. The country, along with other Southeast Asian nations, is bracing for a severe haze event due to the El Niño phenomenon and dry conditions in Indonesia. This year, the risk is expected to peak between August and September, prompting schools to take proactive measures to protect their students.
One of the key strategies is the implementation of strict indoor activity protocols. Preschools like EtonHouse Pre-School Upper Bukit Timah and Little Seeds Preschool are monitoring air quality readings every two hours, with the former even checking them every hour during peak risk periods. This vigilance is crucial as the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) can quickly reach unhealthy levels, exceeding 100, which triggers a shift to indoor activities. These schools have designated enclosed spaces and are equipped with air purifiers to maintain a healthy environment for the children.
The focus on indoor activities is not just about safety; it's also about engagement. Ms. Dianne Swee-Seet, the senior executive principal at Little Seeds Preschool, emphasizes the importance of keeping children occupied and stimulated even when they are indoors. The preschool has prepared a variety of activities, including music, storytelling, and dedicated spaces for art and construction, ensuring that children can continue to learn and have fun despite the restrictions.
However, the challenge of keeping children healthy and engaged indoors is not lost on the educators. Ms. Swee-Seet acknowledges that while air purifiers help, children can still be exposed to haze during their commute to and from school. This is why preschools are working closely with parents, especially those with children suffering from respiratory conditions, to monitor their well-being. My First Skool, for instance, has teachers who pay extra attention to these children and ensure they have necessary medications like inhalers.
The collaboration between schools and parents is a critical aspect of haze preparedness. Ms. Mabel Lim, the managing director of My First Skool, highlights the proactive approach taken by teachers to monitor children's health daily and contact parents if any discomfort is noticed. This level of vigilance is essential to ensure that children receive timely medical attention when needed.
In addition to monitoring air quality and health, schools are also taking steps to update medical records and ensure that parents are aware of their children's health status. EtonHouse, for example, reached out to families in June to update their list of children with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions, enabling staff to better manage potential health risks.
Despite these preparations, the haze season remains a challenging period for Singapore's preschools. Ms. Swee-Seet advises parents to trust their instincts and keep children at home if they show any symptoms of discomfort, such as watery eyes or increased coughing. This proactive approach, combined with the schools' efforts, aims to minimize the impact of haze on children's health and well-being.
In conclusion, Singapore's preschools are demonstrating a commendable level of preparedness and adaptability in the face of the impending haze season. By combining strict monitoring of air quality, engaging indoor activities, and close collaboration with parents, these schools are taking significant steps to protect their students. However, the ongoing challenge of haze underscores the need for continued vigilance and community-wide efforts to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution.
