OPINION:
The well-being of America’s children is paramount.
Of course that means physical health and safety. But it also means learning, caring and feeling cared for. Feeling isolated is not good for children, and that is a fact.
Social isolation has consequences for children. A 2015 study of 2,232 children aged 5 and 12 years of age showed significant mental health problems. For children with existing behavioral or attention deficit issues, the consequences were even more severe.
The safe reopening of America’s schools is, and must be, a priority. President Trump, with the guidance of health experts and professionals, is ensuring that our children safely return to school as soon as possible to receive the educational experience necessary to learn and grow.
I’m a relatively new mom. I have two young children and like parents everywhere, Eric and I are adapting to do what we feel is best for our children.
Parents must have the choice to send their children to school … or not. The well-being of our kids is always on our mind. Ensuring that our children have the opportunity to learn and grow with the full resources of our educational system is of the utmost importance to us all.
The president knows, and a majority of Americans agree, we must safely and responsibly reopen our schools to ensure our most vulnerable children receive a proper educational experience, and the supportive services, provided by schools.
That’s why on Tuesday, President Trump hosted a national dialogue with community leaders, as well as educators and families, to discuss the importance of reopening all of America’s schools in a safe way.
Planning for a safe return to schools this fall is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which is on the record stating, “all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.”
The importance of in-person learning is widely accepted by experts, and the public, and continuing to keep our schools shuttered will negatively impact the welfare of America’s youth. Millions of children in America rely on schools for more than just their education. When away from school, teachers and staff are unable to effectively address learning disorders, physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression and suicidal behaviors.
The fact is America’s schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development.
Continued school closures could have serious consequences for the health of America’s future generations. It’s a demonstrable fact that school closures disproportionately affect the most vulnerable students, widening disparities in achievement and harming economic potential.
On top of the educational experience, millions of children rely on the availability of reliable, healthy meals provided by schools. By keeping brick-and-mortar schools closed, this important resource is severely limited.
In 2018, almost 30 million low-income children participated in the free and reduced-price school meals program, making the second-largest nutrition assistance program in the country.
As most parents will tell you, young children are growing restless and with outdoor areas and parks closed in many areas, there’s limited space to take children to burn off all that youthful energy. It may seem trivial, but the loss of physical activity options for children and families when our schools remain closed can have a very real impact on the well-being of the children, their families and communities.
There are more than 3.2 million public-school teachers nationwide, and millions of Americans who serve as aides, food-service workers, custodians, bus drivers and support staff at our schools. While the main focus is the health and safety of our children, we can’t forget about these individuals as well.
Just as the president has always done, his administration is providing strong support to ensure k-12 students have the tools and resources necessary to guide them through their educational experience.
The Trump administration is providing strong support to ensure students continue to learn while mitigating the spread of the virus.
President Trump made $13 billion available to support continued education for students enrolled in public, charter and private schools affected by the coronavirus. The president also ensured a $150 billion coronavirus relief fund is accessible to state and local governments to help school districts affected by the coronavirus.
The Trump administration is also providing flexibility for school breakfast and lunch programs, helping children access nutritious meals in a safe manner for the entire school year.
It is imperative that we safely reopen our schools this fall. This must not become a partisan battle driven by teachers’ union bosses. President Trump is dedicated to ensuring our children will have the opportunity to learn, develop and grow by safely reopening our schools to ensure America’s future generations have the resources they need to compete and thrive.
• Lara Trump is a senior adviser to Donald J. Trump for President Inc., and President Trump’s daughter-in-law. (@laraleatrump)
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