1 U.S. Department of Education Emergency Response and Crisis Management Initiative

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U.S. Department of EducationEmergency Response and Crisis Management

Initiative

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Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

• Located on the border of West Philadelphia

• 8 square miles with a population of approximately 90,000

• 21 Schools (13 public & 8 non-public)

• 18,000 students total

• 4,000 students in Upper Darby High School

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Upper Darby School District Safe Schools

• Long history of safe schools initiatives

• On-going training of administrators and staff

• Regular drills

• Collaboration among safe schools partners

• Two separate incidents highlighted our need to focus on special needs populations

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Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) Special Needs Project Goal

To increase the district's, schools' and partners' capacity to effectively respond to students with special needs in an emergency or crisis, most notably special education students and students who do not speak English.

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Autistic Support Program

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Autistic Support Program

• Autistic Support Programs in 2 school locations:-Primos Elementary School -Drexel Hill Middle School

• Approximately 50 students total

Students with autism have unique needs during drills and emergencies due to their disability.

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Professional Meeting

Brainstorming session with principal and teachers

about emergency preparedness and response led

to the following outcomes:• Need for additional items in the Go-Kit • Need for classroom teacher to remain with

students at all times

• Need for evacuation site with separate area for Autistic Support Program

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Classroom Go-Kits

Teachers in the Autistic Support Program created

Go-Kits that include the following items:• Headsets • Sensory toys • Snacks• Picture Time Line

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Drill Planning Meeting• Lockdown and evacuation drill with bus

transportation planned • Participants:

-School Crisis Team Members-Upper Darby School District Transportation

Department -Upper Darby School District Senior Safety

Officer-Upper Darby Township Emergency

Management Services-First Responders

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Summary of Lockdown & Evacuation Drill

• School-wide lockdown & evacuation to off-site location

• Go-kits• Teachers remained with their students• Bus transportation• Separate area at evacuation site for Autistic

Support Program• Students returned to school at the conclusion of

the drill

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Drill Outcome

• All students and staff participated safely in the drill.

• Feedback from first responders about the school's actions were positive.

• Principal from nearby elementary school observed. Her school is also a potential evacuation site for school. She is better informed.

Preparation made a difference.

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Research on Autism & Emergency Response

The following experts were consulted to enhance

our understanding of autism and emergency

response:• Autistic Support Staff• Parent advocates• Autism advocacy organization

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Autism & Law Enforcement

• Upper Darby School District purchased training video for Upper Darby Police.

• Upper Darby Police incorporated video

into yearly training program.

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Autism & First Responders

• Upper Darby School District provided a 1 hour training on autism & the Autistic Support Program to firefighters and paramedics.

• Presenters:

-Autistic Support Program Teacher

-ERCM Program Coordinator

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Autism Training Agenda

• Brief description of Autism & Autistic Support Program

• Video

• 2 Handouts

• Questions & Feedback

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Win-Win

• Upper Darby School District had the opportunity to share some basic information about their students.

• First responders earned training hours and gained a better understanding of what they may encounter when coming to our schools.

Training provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between the school and first responders.

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English LanguageLearners &

Students withLimited Formal

Schooling

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Over 50 languages spoken• Approximately 70 countries represented• ESL programs at kindergarten center, 3

elementary schools, 1 middle school & the high school

• Approximately 580 students in ESL

Students in ESL have unique needs during drills and emergencies due to their limited ability to

understand directions.

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Transitional Education Program (TEP)

• TEP serves students who have refugee status & have limited formal schooling.

• Approximately 150 TEP students at themiddle and high school level.Students in TEP may have unique needs during drills and emergencies due to their

past experiences.

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ESL/ TEP Staff Survey"Asking the experts"

Survey Questions:• What are potential triggers? • What are your concerns and

needs? • What tips would you give to

first responders?

Survey prompts staff to think about emergencies.

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Discussion with TEP Students

Met with 18 middle school TEP students about a

recent lockdown drill. • Over 50% reported they thought the drill was a

real emergency despite being told it was a drill. • Over 50% reported experiencing fear or anxiety

during the drill.

Students can provide valuable insight about drills and school emergencies.

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Community Outreach

• Met with professionals from Cultural Connections Collaboration of Delaware County Memorial Hospital.

• Described grant activities and goals. • Gained their feedback about reaching various

communities. • Invited to present at Community Inclusion

Network Dinner.

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Community Inclusion Network (CIN) Dinner Meeting

• CIN consists of community members who are committed to the needs of all families in Delaware County, including immigrants and refugees.

• Includes representatives from health, mental

health & social service organizations, schools, and community groups.

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Feedback from CIN

ERCM Team presented an emergency scenario with emphasis on the needs of non-English speaking students and parents. The following suggestions were made:

• Establish relationships with trusted members of the various communities.

• Communicate with parents about emergencies and their role in the plans.

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Parent Outreach Information on Upper Darby School District Safe Schools Plan has been translated into 7 languages to be disseminated in the following ways:

• Sent home with ESL students in Wednesday Folders.

• Posted on Upper Darby School District website.

• Distributed to community groups.

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Meeting at Upper Darby Welcome Center

• Welcome Center will host a meeting of representatives from the District and various cultural groups.

• District will have an opportunity to share our safe schools plan.

• Safe schools materials will be

translated in several languages.

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Key Points

• Identify special needs populations in your school or school district. Consider all types of special needs.

• Consult with the experts in your district who work with the students on a regular basis.

• Consider the needs of staff who work with special needs students. They may require additional support during a drill or emergency.

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Key Points Cont'd

• Talk with parents, students and other experts on special needs.

• Collaborate with first responders.

-Educate them about your students.

-Ask for their recommendations.

• Incorporate accommodations for special needs into your safe schools plan.

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During an Emergency

• The school maintains responsibility for students. • First responders need

to focus on the emergency.

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Upper Darby School DistrictPresenters

Annette BrandoliniDirector of Pupil Services

ERCM Project Director&

Margie BatesSocial Worker

ERCM Program Coordinator

February 22, 2007