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Public health services for school aged children

Niagara Region Public Health supports elementary and secondary schools across Niagara with programs, resources and direct services for students, staff and families.

We can partner with your school to support health promotion initiatives and programs, including registration, consultation and training. 

Examples of programs include:

  • Healthy Schools - an Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) program that recognizes new and existing school-based health initiatives
  • Playground Activity Leaders at School (PALS) - an elementary leadership program that trains students to lead playground games and activities during scheduled breaks

We can provide one-on-one student support that is focused on early intervention for emerging health concerns through short-term, skill-based interventions, reduction of barriers to care, and connection to appropriate school- and community-based services.

School health nurses support students in publicly funded secondary schools with:

  • Mental health and substance use - anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, disordered eating behaviours, vaping, cannabis, alcohol and other substance use concerns
  • Healthy relationships - consent and connection to appropriate healthcare supports
  • Immunization and health care navigation - immunization information, vaccine support for students and families, referrals, and connecting students with health care and community services 

Staff can participate in staff meetings, school events, health fairs and parent engagement opportunities, while collaborating with educators and community partners to support student health and well-being.

School

At all schools, we can support school staff with:

  • Curriculum consultation and support on health-related curriculum content
  • Health topic consultation on a range of health-related topics relevant to your school community
  • Infection prevention and control through support and guidance on infection prevention and control measures

Funding and grants for physical activity

These grants can help families with limited finances get kids into sport and physical activity.

Jumpstart

Individual child grants for families who need financial help putting kids into sport or physical activity.

KidSport Niagara

Supports children and youth to participate in organized sport and physical activity.

Head lice

Head lice are common and not a sign of poor hygiene. They don't spread disease, so there's no medical reason to keep a child home from school. If your child has head lice, treat them promptly and let the school know so other families can check.

Learn how to identify and treat lice.

Vision health

Children often don't know they have vision problems, and untreated issues can affect learning and development. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends children have their first eye exam at six months, again at two to three years, and every year after that.

  • A yearly eye exam is free with an Ontario health card for those 17 and under
  • Kindergarten students may be eligible for a free pair of eyeglasses at participating eye doctors. Visit the Eye See Eye Learn program.

Additional support may be available through:

Have a question?

Contact School Health