Health Information & Resources for Elementary & Secondary Schools

The Toronto Healthy Schools Strategy (available in French) formalizes the commitment of Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the Toronto school boards to engage in collective action in order to support student well-being through the creation of healthy school environments for children and youth.

TPH has an interdisciplinary team of health professionals that work to support school communities. This page includes health information and resources that may be applicable for schools (JK to grade 12).

A Healthy Start to School provides information, tips and advice to support a child’s transition to kindergarten.

The Clean Hands Kit provides activities and videos to teach children in Grades 4 to 6 how to effectively clean their hands.

See Communicable Disease Information for Schools & Child Care Centres for information about reportable and non-reportable diseases.

Reporting a Communicable Disease to Toronto Public Health:

  • If a disease of public health significance is suspected/confirmed, child care centres and school principals/administrators must report to the Communicable Disease Notification Unit (CDNU) at 416-392-7411 during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or fax: 416-392-0047.
  • Exception for COVID-19: Current provincial guidelines do not require child care centres and schools to report positive cases of COVID-19 to Public Health.

Non-reportable communicable diseases do not need to be reported to public health. Examples of non-reportable communicable diseases include: the common cold; hand, foot and mouth disease; pink eye; ringworm; and strep throat.

General information on Respiratory Viruses, COVID-19 and Immunizations is also available.

Information on the dental screening program for students in Grades JK to 8, as well as information for high school screenings and workshops, and curriculum resources.

Information on head lice identification, treatment and prevention.

Information on The Healthy Schools program and approach, including the Healthy Schools Toolkit.

Français: Écoles Saines

School Liaison Public Health Nurses work directly with schools to promote and advocate for Healthy Schools.

The inTO Kids’ Health program promotes physical health and mental well-being of school-aged children with recommendations for sleep, nutrition, screen time, and physical activity.

Information and resources for schools related to nutrition:

  • Student Nutrition Programs provide nutritious meals and snacks to students to give them the nutrients and energy they need to be ready to learn. Every day, over 211,000 Toronto students participate in student nutrition programs.  Learn more about Student Nutrition Programs, training and grant application details.
  • The food choices that school-age children and youth make directly influence their learning and health. Find information on Feeding Your School-Age Children & Youth
  • Canada’s Food Guide is produced by Health Canada to promote a healthy eating pattern that meets your nutritional needs and reduces your risk of certain chronic diseases.
  • The sample action plan on Nutrition provides activity ideas which Healthy School Committees can use to develop their health action plans.

Information and resources for schools related to physical activity

  • Playground Activity Leaders in Schools (PALS) is a student-led program in which children are trained to plan and lead fun and safe activities on the playground during lunch or at recess.
  • Outdoors: The Ultimate Playground provides physical activity information, tips and guidelines for child care providers, educators and parents of children ages 6 to 12 years.
  • Information on how to promote walking to school with parents and students.

For school administration and teachers: find information on the School Liaison Public Health Nurse linked to your school.

Information and resources to support and guide teachers in sexual health education for students in Grades 5 to 12.

Information and resources for schools related to substance use:

Activities to be used with children from Preschool to Grade 6 to educate them on the importance of sun safety.

Youth Leadership Initiatives aim to build resiliency among youth leaders in Grades 7 to 12.