Preventative Education:
We build elementary and special needs safety curriculum aligned with South Carolina's Erin's Law.
Erin's Law is a U.S. state law that requires public schools to implement age-appropriate education to help prevent child sexual abuse.​
Origin: It’s named after Erin Merryn, a survivor of child sexual abuse and advocate who pushed for legislation to educate children about personal body safety and how to recognize, resist, and report abuse.
TYPES OF PREVENTATIVE EDUCATION
Special Needs
Pre-K through Middle School
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Engaging and dynamic enough for valuable lessons at all ability levels (Down Syndrome, Autism, and other disorders).
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Encouraging, supportive, collaborative.
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Promotes inclusivity amongst peers whilst advocating for important topics like stranger danger and safety plans.
Non-Special Needs
Pre-K through Middle School
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Engaging and dynamic enough for valuable lessons at all ability levels.
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Encouraging, supportive, collaborative.
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Promotes inclusivity for special needs peers whilst advocating for important topics like stranger danger and safety plans.
Introducing the Down Syndrome Superhero Crew! Your safety-first messengers.
Pietas Coalition Corp. developed a one-of-a-kind education series for elementary age children, based on the popular book series, "The Down Syndrome Superhero." The animated vignettes are simple enough for children with disabilities and interactive enough for grade school levels (coming soon). Please email pietascoalition@gmail.com to request more information. We also have a dedicated product page for those who would like to contribute to these ongoing advocacy campaigns (separate website).
Tips and Guidance for Educators and Parents
Traffickers target young, vulnerable children. It is an ugly topic but one that we can no longer shy away from. Over the past ten years, the number of missing/exploited children has climbed from 500,000 to 800,000. Where are these children coming from? Who is purchasing these children? Our goal is to equip our vulnerable populations with as much positive empowerment as possible, so they feel confident protecting themselves in real-world scenarios and talking with trusted adults. Here are some tips and guidance to get you started:
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Tools
- Whistle (where a kid size as a necklace)
- Solar powered phone charger (keep in their backpack)
- Tracking devices (worn in hair buns, clothing, shoes, ankles, wrist watches)
- Life alert pendant
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Guidance
- Established emergency plans and contacts (develop a list of trusted adults)
- Rehearse possible scenarios (be positive and encouraging! help them minimize fear)
- Include teachers and school staff in the plan to reinforce basic principles
- Consider using extra terminology in addition to shouting "no!" or "help!" Phrases like, "fire! help! fire!" would be more noticeable to passersby. If the child is non-verbal, then the whistle or a life alert bracelet would be just as effective as shouting. This guidance is based on the "bystander effect" and "evacuation behavior" theories.
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Bystander effect: This psychological phenomenon suggests that individuals are less likely to offer help when other people are present. Emergencies that are clearly dangerous, such as fires, tend to elicit quicker responses from bystanders compared to less clear-cut situations (APA.org, 1968).
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Evacuation behavior: Studies analyzing real-world emergencies have found that clear and direct communication, especially from authoritative figures, can prompt faster and more effective evacuations (NIH.gov, 2021).
Contact
Ideas? Comments? Questions? We would love to hear from our educators and parents.
210-468-8525