Not-so-safe scented secrets

Fresh scent may hide toxic secret "perfume" in detergents, air fresheners made with dangerous chemicals and scented fabric sheets.

When University of Washington engineers analyzed some of these items, they found volatile organic compounds that can be cancerous or harm respiratory, reproductive, neurological and other organ systems.

See http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/371779_toxicfragrance23.html for details.

School bus idling no longer allowed

According to a new state law, school districts must now instruct bus drivers to turn off the engine of a school bus or other vehicle owned or leased by the school district while that vehicle is parked or standing on school grounds or is in front of — or adjacent to — the school.

Go to www.regents.nysed.gov/2008meetings/july2008/0708emsca1.htm for more information.

Students need dental health certificate

Another new law, which took effect Sept. 1, requires public schools to request a dental health certificate from all students when they first enter school and in grades K, 2, 4, 7 and 10.

Schools must notify parents or guardians of the need to obtain the certificate. If requested, the school must provide a list of dentists from whom students can obtain a free or reduced-cost exam.

Regents approve autism training

Beginning next year, applicants for a special education teacher certificate must complete at least three hours of training in the area of children with autism.

The state Board of Regents this month approved the measure, which will affect only those who apply on or after Sept. 2, 2009. Current certificate-holders are not affected.

Those who complete state-registered teacher prep programs will fulfill this requirement as part of the curriculum and will not need to complete separate course work or training.