Health Education
Children’s health education plays a critical role in shaping lifelong habits that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At an early age, children begin to form routines and behaviors that can either promote a healthy lifestyle or increase the risk of chronic conditions later in life.
By teaching children about nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, and the importance of regular medical care, health education empowers them to make informed decisions. It also fosters a greater understanding of how their bodies work and why taking care of themselves is important .
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Physical Education and Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for children, including the development of strong muscles and bones, enhanced mental well-being, and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer later in life. Schools play a pivotal role in promoting active lifestyles by offering diverse opportunities for physical activity throughout the day — through structured physical education programs, recess, classroom-based movement, and activities before and after school, as well as through collaboration with families and the broader community.
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Nutrition Environment and Services
A supportive school nutrition environment helps students develop healthy eating habits by offering nutritious food and beverage choices on campus. It includes reinforcing these behaviors through comprehensive nutrition education and consistent food messaging. Schools have a powerful opportunity to promote lifelong wellness by serving wholesome meals and extending nutritious options to other settings such as vending machines, concession stands, classroom celebrations, fundraisers and school stores. Additionally, schools can enhance student engagement by encouraging participation in meal programs, implementing Farm to School initiatives, and investing in ongoing professional development for food service staff and health education teachers.
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Health Services
School health services play a vital role in promoting the well-being of students, staff, families and the broader community by addressing health concerns and fostering preventive care. These services encompass a wide range of supports, including first aid, chronic condition management, emergency response, wellness promotion, and health education for students and families. By partnering with community-based support organizations and healthcare providers, schools can enhance access to care and strengthen health education efforts across the entire community.
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Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services
Schools are uniquely positioned to support students’ mental health, behavioral development and social-emotional learning through comprehensive prevention and intervention services. These may include psychological assessments, individualized counseling and referrals to specialized support services. By employing certified mental health professionals — such as school counselors, psychologists, and social workers — schools can create a nurturing environment that fosters student well-being and academic success.
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Social and Emotional Climate
The social and emotional climate of a school plays a critical role in shaping students’ development, in sense of belonging, interpersonal relationships, engagement and academic achievement. By fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, schools can actively promote social-emotional learning and help students build the skills necessary for lifelong success.
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Physical Environment
Schools play a vital role in creating a healthy and secure learning environment by maintaining optimal physical conditions — such as appropriate temperature, lighting, and noise levels — and implementing measures to safeguard students and staff from potential hazards. This includes protection from crime, traffic-related risks, injuries, and exposure to harmful biological or
chemical agents, all of which contribute to a safe and supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.
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Employee Wellness
In addition to supporting student well-being, schools foster environments that prioritize the health and wellness of teachers, administrators, and support staff. When school employees are healthy, they are more likely to be present, engaged, and effective in their roles—serving as positive role models for students. Schools can promote staff wellness by maintaining safe and health-conscious environments and offering targeted programs such as physical activity classes, tobacco cessation support, and stress management resources that empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
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Family Engagement
Meaningful collaboration between school staff and families is a powerful driver of student success, enhancing health, well-being and academic achievement both inside and outside the classroom. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, educators can actively involve families in the learning process, building strong partnerships that support each student’s growth and development.
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Social and Emotional Climate
The social and emotional climate of a school plays a critical role in shaping students’ development, in sense of belonging, interpersonal relationships, engagement and academic achievement. By fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, schools can actively promote social-emotional learning and help students build the skills necessary for lifelong success.
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