Comprehensive school mental health systems are critical to students' long-term well-being and success. As schools and districts continue planning and reimagining in-person learning and services for students, it is an opportunity, as Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has said, to "make sure that mental health services are a core part of school's DNA."

"Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance From the Field," a report developed by a national team of mental health experts, emphasizes this call to action, that all U.S. schools should adopt comprehensive school mental health systems as a standard practice. To ensure the greatest impact, these systems should take a public health approach, focusing on prevention and early identification of mental health and substance use concerns—not just treatment of them.

Find the full report here, along with additional resources below, to learn more about comprehensive school mental health and how it can be implemented.
Resources
Introduction to Comprehensive School Mental Health
This introductory learning module introduces the topic of comprehensive school mental health, answers the question of why it is so important, and begins to address the process of its implementation.
Implementing a Comprehensive School Mental Health Program
In this learning module, learn about how comprehensive school mental health systems can be implemented, including strategies for partnering and engaging with families and youth in prevention and treatment activities.
Supporting Student Mental Health: Resources to Prepare Educators
Educators and school personnel have a critical role in promoting mental health and well-being. This document helps explain the role of educators and components of mental health literacy, and includes additional resources for further training.
CHHCS Resources
Assessing Social Influencers of Health and Education
Partner Build Grow:
An Action Guide for Sustaining Child Development and Prevention Approaches
Resources for Response to COVID-19 in Schools
Including resources for schools, teachers and parents.
Grant Alerts
Teacher Development Grants | McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
Funding to support small teams of teachers to form and implement strategies that improve classroom instruction. Learn more.
Deadline: April 15, 2021
Fuel Up To Play 60 Grants | Fuel Up To Play 60
Funding to improve healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in K-12 schools. Learn more.
Deadline: April 28, 2021
Unsung Heroes Award Program | Voya
Funding for K-12 educators and professionals to implement effective and innovative projects that improve student learning. Learn more.
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Please note that CHHCS does not administer funding opportunities. Please refer to each organization for additional direction and details.
Job Opportunities
School-Based Child and Family Therapist | Association to Benefit Children (New York City, NY)
Provide community-based and telehealth sessions for children and families at 3-8th grade school in Harlem. Learn more.
Elementary School Social Worker | The Lab School of Washington (Washington, DC)
Develop and implement a psychoeducational curriculum to the student body; provide student social and emotional support. Learn more.
Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator | Public Citizens for Children and Youth (Philadelphia, PA)
Oversee and direct school-based behavioral health policies and practices. Learn more.
Clinical Social Worker (Bilingual) | The Equity Project Charter School (New York, NY)
Serve as social worker for the kindergarten cohort, providing counseling and mental health services to students and family. Learn more.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
April 1–30, 2021
Stress Awareness Month
April 14, 2021 2:00–3:30 PM ET
Hosted by Attendance Works
April 15, 2021 1:00 PM ET
Hosted by National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
© 2021 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools