Learn how healthy active living is a part of your child’s day and the Health and Physical Education program. Read our policies and procedures that guides decision making and programming.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Eating breakfast impacts your ability to learn and focus in the classroom. By packing a healthy lunch you ensure that you can recharge and get through the day. Making the connection between what we eat and how it affects wellness is at the core healthy eating. Many of our schools offer nutrition programs. Contact your Principal to see if one is offered at your school.
Diabetes
Healthy nutritious food is an important part of maintaining good health for everyone. For students with diabetes, proper nutrition can mean the difference between a good day and a visit to the hospital. Managing Diabetes in Our Schools provides information to help school staff support you and your family.
Immunization
Ontario children are required by law to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, as well as for pertussis (whooping cough) before age six. Students between the ages of 14 and 16 require one needle for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. TDSB will provide student gender or grade and Ontario Education Number to Toronto Public Health so they can successfully administer immunization and dental programs for students. Learn more at Toronto Public Health.
Oral Health
The most common infectious disease in children is dental decay and oral health needs are often overlooked. Toronto Public Health provides free non-emergency and emergency dental care for eligible children and youth (0-17 years). Annual dental screenings are provided in schools for children from JK to Grade 8. High school dental screenings can be arranged by school administrators. Learn more at Toronto Public Health.
List of Free Dental Clinics
Vision Testing
Good vision plays an important role in a student’s ability to learn. It’s necessary to see the blackboard clearly, read a book and fully participate in class. Regular vision examinations are part of being ready for school. Read our tip sheet on vision testing to find out more.
To find the name of an optometrist near you, call 416-256-4411 or visit www.optom.on.ca
This information is available in different languages. Click the name of the language below to download a pdf copy of this information in that language.
Good Vision Can Help Your Child Do Well in School - English PDF format
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
The TDSB's Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists work to improve school performance for students with Physical/Health and Developmental disabilities. It's all about having the tools and skills you need to reach your full potential inside the classroom.
Speech-Language Pathology
Students need effective communications skills to earn how to read, write and get along socially at school. About 10% of school-age children experience delays or challenges in developing speech and/or language. Speech-language pathology services enhance language learning and communication opportunities for students in school and at home.
Scented Product Awareness
Scented products have an impact on everyone. For most people, perfumed, scented or fragrant products are enjoyed, but for those who have asthma, allergies or environmental sensitivities, exposure can result in illness, absence and even hospitalization.
We want the TDSB to be a clean and safe environment for all of our staff, students and visitors. To help achieve that, we have launched a Scented Products Awareness Program encouraging everyone to reduce the use of fragrances and scented products.
Allergies
As many as 1.2 million Canadians may be affected by life-threatening food allergies and this number is increasing, especially among children. Currently, it is estimated that six per cent of children, or 15,000 TDSB students, have food allergies.
The symptoms of allergic reactions can vary in type and severity, from mild skin irritations and hives to breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness. The most severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, can be fatal.
Because allergic reactions are caused by a wide variety of foods it is difficult to ensure our children never come into contact with the allergen responsible for their condition. Empowering children with knowledge and understanding of their condition is the best way to prevent allergic reactions and deal with them safely and responsibly when they do occur.
Many schools are peanut-free zones to protect children with allergies. If your child is allergic to something that may be present in the school, or if your child needs to be given special medication throughout the day, speak to the principal to discuss arrangements.
Defibrillators
Life-saving heart defibrillators are now available at every TDSB secondary school, outdoor education centre, and administrative site thanks to the generous donation by The Mikey Network, a non-profit organization working to create public awareness and provide education about heart-healthy lifestyles.
Taken from TDSB.on.ca/Elementary-School/Supporting-You/Health-Active-Living