Air quality awareness and clean air environments are all too often a second thought within busy classrooms, where immediate challenges and childcare obstacles take over. However, in Detroit, Michigan, an early education center is reshaping their air quality concerns and the well-being of their students.
Founded by Sentra Johnson-Smith, Sent Loves the Kids Development Center has meshed early education with air quality awareness and data collection through the installation of clean air technology. In partnership with IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids initiative, the Michigan childcare center is leading the charge in bringing pollution awareness through air quality monitoring and filtration to the early childhood education space.
Children need clean, safe learning environments
Sent Loves the Kids was born from Johnson-Smith's natural connection to children and her desire to holistically shape their early developmental stages. She aims to provide foundational education alongside physical and mental well-being for her students through comprehensive childcare and community connections (1).
“Sent Loves The Kids was founded out of my deep love for children and my strong desire to be part of their educational journey,” said Johnson-Smith. “My goal is to nurture and educate the whole child—mind, body, and soul.”
In Detroit and other large populous cities alike, these childcare facilities face unique environmental challenges. From urban air pollution to possible lead exposure in water supplies, harmful pollutants can go undetected and sneak into indoor spaces from outside environments. Especially in fast-paced childcare settings, air pollution and environmental concerns can go unnoticed or overshadowed by immediate demands.
“Before receiving [an] air monitor, air quality wasn’t on my mind,” Johnson-Smith admitted. “When managing the day-to-day demands of running a facility, air quality was at the bottom of the list.”
However, after partnering with IQAir and receiving air quality technology, Johnson-Smith has created a clean air environment for her students and reformed early education learning to encompass air quality awareness.
Clean air environments in educational spaces
Safe environments and clean air quality are essential to providing a productive learning space for students to thrive in. For children with asthma or allergies, air quality is a daily concern. By employing the Atem X air purifier, the Sent Loves the Kids facility can actively airborne pollutants and produce clean air for students to feel comfortable and safe.
“By monitoring the air quality more closely, we can take immediate action when needed, such as adjusting indoor activities or ensuring that children with respiratory conditions are not exposed to triggers,” Johnson-Smith said.
Multiple studies have shown children and infants to be among the most vulnerable populations affected by poor air quality. Childhood exposure to long-term air pollution can lead to harmful chronic impacts related to lung development, respiratory health, and asthma (2)(3). However, the utilization of air purifiers and air cleaning tools can drastically lower these risks and improve symptoms.
With support from IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids Initiative, Sent Loves the Kids now provides a safe environment for teachers, students, and faculty alike through clean air technology and monitoring.
Early education meets air quality awareness
With access to real-time air quality monitors that detail various air pollutants and air quality levels, what once was invisible has become impossible to ignore for the Sent Loves the Kids facility.
Data collection and air quality monitoring has allowed Johnson-Smith to build safeguards around child healthcare and create immersive lesson plans surrounding local air quality environments. Sent Loves the Kids takes air quality awareness a step further, teaching the next generation about environmental impact and air quality safety.
According to Johnson-Smith, “incorporating air quality awareness into our educational programming not only aligns with our mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment but also helps children understand the importance of caring for their health and the planet.”
After setting up the AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, Johnson-Smith noticed more air quality events and pollutant concerns, modifying school schedules and activities to maintain a safe environment for children and faculty alike. With the combination of clean air filtration and monitoring, Sent Loves the Kids has become a safe breathing and learning environment for students and teachers alike.
Conclusion
Sent Loves the Kids proves that meaningful childcare changes doesn’t require a large facility or financial burdens. Through air quality monitoring, filtration, and environmental education, Johnson-Smith is laying the groundwork for the next generation to breathe easier and healthier.
With the support of IQAir science-backed air quality technology and a passionate mission, any childcare provider or community facility can make an impactful difference in lives of children, families, and the broader local community.
