Revises provisions relating to curriculum standards for teaching the personal safety of children. (BDR 34-922)

Existing law requires the Department of Education, in consultation with persons and organizations who possess knowledge and expertise in the personal safety of children, to develop age-appropriate curriculum standards for teaching the personal safety of children to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12. (NRS 389.031) Section 1 of this bill: (1) additionally requires the Department to develop age-appropriate curriculum standards for teaching the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse to pupils; and (2) revises the definition of “personal safety of children” to include an age-appropriate recognition of various hazards and dangers that are particular to children, including physical and sexual abuse. Existing law requires the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school to ensure that instruction in the personal safety of children, based on the standards developed by the Department, is implemented as part of the course of study in health which is required to be taught as applicable for grade levels and to the extent practicable in all public schools. (NRS 389.018, 389.064) Section 2 of this bill specifies that the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse is included in the personal safety of children for the purposes of the instruction which must be implemented as part of the course of study in health.