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Support for Your Family
Child Safety
There are many state and federal laws pertaining to the safety of children about which you need to be aware. For example in the state of New Mexico it is against the law to leave small children alone in a home or apartment.
New Mexico State law also requires that any person who transports a child younger than age 4 in a motor vehicle must provide and require that the child use an approved car seat. Car seats may be purchased at local department or toy stores. When purchasing a car seat, look for the label that states "This car seat meets Federal Standards 213-80" or "meets Federal Standards, was manufactured after January 1, 1981." For a free pamphlet or more information on car seats, call 1-800-575-SEAT (7328). The police will fine you if your child is not in a car seat. When installing the car seat be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer?s instructions. An improperly installed car seat is as dangerous as no car seat at all.
New Mexico state law forbids child abuse, defined as beating or excessive punishment inflicted by parents or other family members. Teachers and child-care providers are required by law to report any suspected abuse to the local authorities who may conduct an investigation of your home.
New Mexico state law requires that all children attend school from age six to sixteen. If you would like to apply to home school your children, please visit this web site for requirements and procedures. Education in Los Alamos Los Alamos Public Schools provide free education for children from age five to eighteen. Pre-schooling is available within the public school system for children with mental or physical disabilities or are developmentally delayed. Other pre-school aged children may enroll in private schools. Some private schools also offer classes from kindergarten to twelfth grade. UNM-LA offers academic courses and community or adult education classes, including English as a second language. To enroll your children in the public school system, please call 505-663-2222. Unlike public schools, private schools charge tuition and fees. Here are online listings of all public and private schools in Los Alamos and Santa Fe. All children, whether they intend to work after graduation from high school or continue their education at a college or university, receive the same basic instruction. They do not take examinations at age eleven or twelve to determine the educational path they will follow. On days when there is new snow on the ground or roads, there might be a delay in the school day to ensure safety. Please watch the local television stations for delay information or call 663-2223.
Special Education
For students with physical, mental or learning disabilities, public schools have a special education program. Within special education there are also classes for students for whom English is a second language. These students will receive more individualized attention and an individual curriculum. To get your child tested for special education call the Los Alamos Public Schools at 663-2222.