Extreme Heat: A Growing Concern for Parents and Schools
Introduction to the Problem
When Aida Maravilla was on the hunt for a new apartment in 2021, she had one major goal: Find a place with air conditioning. She learned the hard way that cool air is more than an amenity. When her daughter was an infant, she remembers the baby waking up in tears from the heat. Maravilla would soothe her with a wet cloth and leave her in just a diaper to keep her cool. It’s what led her to her latest apartment in Panorama City four years ago when it was time to return to Los Angeles. Apartments in the hotter San Fernando Valley typically have air conditioning.
The Impact of Extreme Heat on Families
According to survey data from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, families — across all income levels, races, ethnicities, and regions — are increasingly considering how extreme weather conditions affect them. More than half of families with young children across the state are worried about its effects, according to data from the center’s RAPID Survey Project, which examines early childhood and family well-being. Heat, in particular, is a significant concern. Whether at home or at school, outdoor playtime is reduced significantly to avoid the harsh sun, according to the survey. Daytime outings often revolve around air conditioning or water play to avoid overheating. And parents remain on high alert to ensure their young children are hydrating and taking breaks, as they are too little to understand those needs themselves.
Vulnerability of Young Children
Babies and children under age 6 are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke than most adults. Their bodies heat up faster, they spend more time outside, and they don’t always know how to recognize or communicate discomfort they may be experiencing because of the high temperatures, said Abigail Stewart-Kahn, a clinical social worker who is managing director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood. There are also developmental and emotional effects that stem from the instability families may experience when routines get interrupted amid extreme heat, she added.
Parental Concerns and Actions
Parents have begun to push cities, schools, and child-care centers to take steps to provide children relief from the heat, Stewart-Kahn said. Community organizations such as Reclaim Our Schools L.A. and Nature for All have encouraged parents such as Maravilla to learn about what needs to happen on campus to better safeguard against heat dangers: They’ve pushed for more green spaces with trees and landscaping, shade structures, and updated heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
School Districts’ Response
L.A. Unified and other school districts across the state are factoring plans to deal with extreme heat. After years of pressure — and extended record-breaking heat waves in recent years — LAUSD released a plan in April 2024 to upgrade more than 600 schools to include more plants, trees, grass, mulch, and permeable pavers that would provide some relief from the heat. The projects are expected to be completed in 2035 at the earliest. The plan puts to use $58 million that was allocated for outdoor education initiatives such as greening in June 2022 and relies on grants as well as other funding avenues. It will require an estimated investment of up to $3 billion to complete.
Conclusion
Extreme heat is a significant problem for parents of young kids and schools, affecting not just the comfort but the health and well-being of children. As the climate continues to change, it’s essential for communities, schools, and policymakers to work together to provide safer, cooler environments for young children to play, learn, and thrive.
FAQs
Q: What are the main concerns for parents regarding extreme heat?
A: Parents are concerned about the health effects of extreme heat on their children, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as the disruption to routines and outdoor playtime.
Q: How are schools responding to the issue of extreme heat?
A: Schools are starting to implement plans to provide relief from the heat, including upgrading HVAC systems, adding shade structures, and creating green spaces with trees and landscaping.
Q: What can parents do to help their children cope with extreme heat?
A: Parents can ensure their children stay hydrated, take breaks in cool or shaded areas, and avoid outdoor play during the hottest parts of the day. They can also advocate for changes in their schools and communities to address the issue of extreme heat.
Q: Why is it important for schools to have air conditioning and green spaces?
A: Air conditioning and green spaces can provide relief from the heat, creating a safer and healthier environment for children to learn and play. They can also support learning opportunities in areas such as agriculture and environmental education.
