The teaching resources below are to support teachers in creating lesson plans to cover health-related content in the classroom. The resources are guidelines are suggestions for educators to use for both elementary and secondary schools.
School Health resources for parents and guardians, such as kindergarten orientation, immunization and dental screening information, cab be found on our School Health for Parents and Guardians page.
Brant County Health Unit Public Health Nurses (PHN) work with schools in Brantford-Brant to support the health and well-being of children and youth.
All schools receive access to school-aged population health information and resources. Some schools receive focused services, meaning regular PHN support. These schools were identified population health assessment from our community.
Below is the support provided to all school within Brantford-Brant:
Below is the support for Focused Schools:
These teaching tools are designed to support teachers in creating comprehensive lesson plans to cover public health-related content in the classroom. The resources are guidelines and suggestions for teachers to use and considered appropriate for your classes.
You can access the lesson plans by visiting the School Health Teaching Tools page.
Infectious Disease Reference Guide for Schools
Principals are legally required to notify public health if a student is suspected to have or is diagnosed with a disease of public health significance (see Reportable Diseases of Public Health Significance List in Infectious Diseases Reference Guide for Schools)
Reporting a Disease of Public Health Significance
Occasionally, schools may notice an increase in absenteeism due to illness. Schools are required to report to the Health Unit when absenteeism due to illness reaches 30% of the student population. However, if a significant number of students are ill in one class this should still be reported. For example, if a primary classroom has 6-7 children off with similar symptoms within a day or two, this would be significant and should be reported. If absenteeism is below 30%, please refer to internal school protocols and contact the manager of health and safety at your specific school board.
Reporting Increased Absenteeism
Head lice treatment is free for Ontario residents 24 years and under through OHIP. Head lice treatment products are available at no cost for anyone age 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. Families would need a health card number and have to get a prescription.
Allergy Canada
This page contains resources, information and links for schools to assist you in making your school a safe and inclusive place for students with food allergies.
EpiPen Videos
Includes Videos on how to use an EpiPen, when to use it, and severe allergy triggers.
Prevalent Medical Conditions
Includes training video for school staff/teachers.
Anaphylaxis in Schools: What educators need to know
A 30-minute free course developed for school boards, principals, teachers and staff. Contains information on how to develop strategies to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and how to respond in an emergency, in compliance with Sabrina’s Law.
BCHU uses a progressive discipline approach when dealing with issues related to vaping or smoking on school property. Progressive discipline includes meeting with students and providing counselling for tobacco and vaping cessation.
Smoke Free Ontario Act and Schools
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking tobacco or cannabis and vaping any substance in certain areas, this includes school buildings or on school grounds including in a vehicle. The schools and the Brant County Health Unit are working together to ensure that the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 is enforced. Section 12(1) of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 outlines what activities are prohibited:
It is illegal to smoke (or hold lit tobacco) or vape in any public or private school:
It is also illegal to sell or supply tobacco or e-cigarettes to anyone under 19 is prohibited.
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 – How the Act Affects: Schools (porcupinehu.on.ca)
Progressive Enforcement Process and Student Support
The work of the Sexual Health Nurse at GEDSB secondary schools includes one on one appointments offering:
Schedule at schools
Day | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |||
AM | Pauline Johnston Collegiate and Vocational School | Grand Erie Learning Alternatives Paris District High School |
Tollgate Technological Skills Centre
North Park Collegiate and Vocational
|
|||
PM | Six Nations Polytechnic STEAM Academy | Brantford Collegiate Institute |
Pauline Johnston Collegiate and Vocational School
North Park Collegiate and Vocational
|
The Brant County Health Unit holds immunization clinics in elementary schools for Grade 7and 8 students during the Fall and Spring for:
You can see more information regarding these clinics by visiting the School Clinics page.
Our dental team visits elementary schools in Brantford and Brant County every year to check up on students’ oral health in accordance with the Oral Health Protocol, 2018 and the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Regulation 570. Prior to the screenings, letters are sent home to the parents/guardians of those students in the grades being screened – depending on the school, this could include JK, SK, Grade 2, Grade 4 and Grade 7.
For more information, visit our School Visits page.
Eye health is an important part of overall health and helps kids develop, learn and read. Every year in Ontario 7,000 kids lose the use of an eye because they weren’t properly treated for a problem. The most common problems are hard to spot without formal eye tests. We support healthy eyes by connecting parents and kids to services and information.
Babies should have their first eye exam at six months old. One eye exam per year is free for kids 19 and under with an OHIP card. Book an appointment with an optometrist.
General Resources
Dental and Immunization Resources
Mental Health Resources
Nutrition Resource
Substance Use Resource
Please go to our main Kindergarten Resources page to access more resources on nutrition and mental health.
Printable QR Code for Kindergarten Resources