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.
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.
See Respiratory Virus Guidance for Child Care, Elementary & Secondary Schools. General COVID-19 information and information on COVID-19 Vaccines is also available.
At this time, the risk of MPOX to children in Toronto is low. Learn more about MPOX, including how to spot the differences between MPOX, chickenpox and hand, foot & mouth disease.
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.
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.
P.A.L.S. 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.
Rainbow Fun is a physical activity and healthy eating resource for children ages 3 to 6 years.
Information and resources on safer partying for teens, parents/caregivers and school staff.
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 on Reporting Student Vaccination (ISPA) and the School Immunization Program.
The Student Nutrition Program provides healthy meals and snacks to over 208,000 Toronto students. Find information on the program, workshops, and application details.
Activities to be used with children from Preschool to Grade 6 to educate them on the importance of sun safety.
Information to help parents and other adults understand issues related to teenage use alcohol and cannabis.
Information on how to promote walking to school with parents and students.
Youth Leadership Initiatives aim to build resiliency among youth leaders in Grades 7 to 12.