Maine Coordinated School Health Programs

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"Let us put our heads together and see what life we will make for our children." Sitting Bull, Lakota Leader

Efforts to improve school performance that ignore health

are ill-conceived, as are health improvement efforts

that ignore education.

- National Commission on the Role of the School

and the Community in Improving Adolescent Health (1990)

ABOUT MAINE'S COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

The Coordinating School Health Programs initiative is a joint collaboration between the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

What is a Coordinated School Health Program?

A Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) is an effective system designed to connect health with education. This coordinated approach to school health improves students' health and their capacity to learn through the support of families, communities and schools working together through prevention and intervention.

CSHP Definitions:

Prevention is the active, assertive process of creating conditions that promote well being.

Health is the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well being of an individual and not just the absence of disease.

CSHP Infrastructure is the basic system upon which a coordinated school health program depends to continue and grow.

How does a Coordinated School Health Program Help?

A Coordinated School Health Program can . . .

reduce absenteeism and classroom behavior problems

improve classroom performance

better prepare students to be productive members of their communities

When policy makers use a Coordinated School Health approach in decision-making, and place prevention and early intervention as primary strategies to improve health and education of Maine children and youth. . .

THEN

the local school community can more effectively address the physical, social and emotional developmental needs of their children as learners, increase assets in the lives of children and address the health and education gap created by poverty. . .

SO THAT

all children and youth have equal access to a quality school program, succeed in school and improve academic performance, reduce common threats to their health and increase aspirations.

THE EIGHT COMPONENTS OF
MAINE COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

Youth, Parent, Family, Community Involvement: Encourage the participation of parents and youth in policy development and school involvement. This includes the integration of community providers with schools.

Comprehensive School Health Education: Kindergarten through high school health education curriculum that is sequential, developmentally appropriate and includes instruction and assessment.

Physical Education & Physical Activity: Physical education classes that promote physical fitness, motor skills, social and personal interaction and life-long physical activity.

School Counseling, Physical & Behavioral Health Services: Physical health and behavioral health services including substance abuse services that meet the needs of all students.

Nutrition Services: Food and snacks available at school and at school events that are balanced and nutritious.

Health Promotion & Wellness: Work-site health promotion programs that encourage and support staff in pursuing healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Physical Environment: Safe and aesthetic physical structure, school grounds and transportation.

School Climate: A school atmosphere supported by programs and policies that nurture positive behavior, assure safety and promote a feeling of belonging and respect for all students.

For further information contact:

Judith Morin
Maine Department of Education
(207) 624-6696
judith.sipowicz@maine.gov

Jacqueline Ellis
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
(207) 287-3856
jaki.ellis@maine.gov

TTY 207-1-888-577-6690
(for the deaf and hard of hearing)

CSHP Information

Contact Info