Health

Families, teachers and researchers know that our kids can’t grow, learn and succeed when they’re not healthy.

Parents, schools and communities share the responsibility for the health and safety of children.

• Health is a state of physical and emotional well-being, not merely the absence of disease or illness.
• Safety relates to identifying the areas of greatest potential threat to children and youth and averting these dangers.

Studies show that children’s physical and mental well-being have a significant effect on their long-term success.

When children are well rested, well nourished, emotionally supported and physically fit, they are more ready to learn. The goal of PTA’s health and safety programming is to be a resource for PTA leaders in partnering with schools to create safe environments that encourage healthy, safe choices and social and emotional support for all students.

PTAs have a role in advocating for or supporting health and safety changes at every level of a child’s learning environment. When PTAs and schools work together to address the health and safety topics most relevant to their local school needs, they: Foster family-school connections by focusing on issues that both schools and families care deeply about. Deliver information to families in a way that builds trust with schools and fosters a welcoming environment. Identify areas, equipment and behaviors within the school and home environments that could be healthier or safer for children.