Social Emotional Health

Social Emotional Health

Social emotional health is the ability to understand and manage our emotions and to form social connections and relationships with the world around us. Strong social emotional health enables an individual to integrate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that supports greater health and well-being in life.

As places of learning and growth, schools are an ideal setting to support the social and emotional health of students, staff, and teachers and to offer resources and opportunities to build resilience.

Strengthen Social and Emotional Well-being

Schools and districts can strengthen social and emotional well-being and resilience in a variety of ways:

  • Utilizing positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to which promote effective classroom management and preventive school discipline
  • Incorporating trauma-informed school policies and practices to ensure that school employees can identify and respond to students who may have been exposed to traumatic or stressful events
  • Implementing restorative justice practices that help students process, learn, and grow from challenging encounters
  • Training students in mindfulness, and incorporating social and emotional learning into classroom curriculum
  • Identifying partner/mentor teachers where students can go for additional emotional support
  • Exploring Resilience in School Environments (RISE) tools and resources
Student smiling in hallway with class mates
High school teacher and students standing in hallway smiling

Resilience in School Environments (RISE)

Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools developed Resilience in School Environments, or RISE, to empower schools to create safe and supportive learning environments by cultivating practices that strengthen the social and emotional health of all school employees and students.

Learn more about RISE

Resources

Celebrating America’s Healthiest Schools: Prince William County, Virginia

Case Study

Celebrating America’s Healthiest Schools: Prince William County, Virginia

Learn more about how schools across the country are promoting whole health needs of students and staff with profiles on some of America’s Healthiest Schools award winners.
Booster Shot: How to prevent burnout! Tips, tricks and the science behind habits and well-being

Webinar

Booster Shot: How to prevent burnout! Tips, tricks and the science behind habits and well-being

This 30-minute webinar replay aimed at educators features Deb Friesen, MD sharing more on the science behind habit-building. Learn about building habits to improve mental and physical health, how changing a small thing can have a big impact and get access to specific tools that can help.

 
National Healthy Schools Collaborative Back-to-School Guide

Handout

National Healthy Schools Collaborative Back-to-School Guide

The National Healthy Schools Collaborative (NHSC) is a collective impact group of organizations working in health and education brought together by Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools. Part of the mission is to coordinate practices for health in education so every school succeeds, every educator excels, and every child thrives. The collaborative developed a comprehensive list of resources designed to help provide parents, educators, school staff, pediatricians, administrators and/or more with helpful information as the 2023-2024 school year begins. The following resources are available at no cost and can be shared widely.
Kaiser Permanente Wellness Resources

Website

Kaiser Permanente Wellness Resources

Kaiser Permanente has a broad range of self-care resources — including apps, audio activities, articles, and more — designed to help you thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
Virtual Wellness Center (Grange Middle School)

Toolkit

Virtual Wellness Center (Grange Middle School)

Grange Middle School’s Virtual Wellness Center is a place for students and families to find tools and strategies for managing emotions and feelings.
Supporting Student Success through School Health Policy

Webinar

Supporting Student Success through School Health Policy

May 6, 2020 , 11 – 11:30 a.m. PT
Hosted by: Healthy Schools Campaign

States and school districts across the country are leveraging school health policies to support children’s health and learning during COVID-19. This includes making policy changes to support access to healthy meals, deliver telehealth services and implement programs to support the mental health of students and staff. Successful implementation of state and district policies is a key strategy to ensuring schools have access to the resources and guidance needed to support efforts to implement school health and wellness programs, ensure buy-in from key decision-makers and access funding for school health and wellness programs.
Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Classroom

Case Study

Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Classroom

Barclay Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland recognizes the importance of promoting self-calming practices to support student resilience. The school recently embarked on an innovative initiative to establish “quiet corners” in classrooms. These safe spaces allow students to engage in healthy coping strategies that are restorative and that foster a more positive school environment for everyone.
Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being During School Reopening

Webinar

Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being During School Reopening

June 26, 2020 , 11 – 11:30 a.m. PT
Hosted by: Kaiser Permanente and Alliance for a Healthier Generation

To assist school and district leaders with specific, evidence-informed guidance and operating procedures for keeping school communities mentally and physically safe during school reopenings, a number of nationally recognized and trusted school health organizations have come together to develop a playbook for school reopening — “Planning for the Next Normal at School: Keeping students, staff, and families safe and healthy.” Join us as we take a deep dive into the first chapter of the playbook on mental health and well-being and explore how you can use it to guide your school reopening plans.
School Health Priorities and Needs for Reopening

Research and Reports

School Health Priorities and Needs for Reopening

In April 2020, Kaiser Permanente convened a multi-disciplinary work group of seven national organizations to develop practical guidance for schools and districts when they return to the classroom. This paper describes the findings from both the survey and interviews, including the health challenges that are anticipated in the coming school years and resources needed to promote the physical and social-emotional health of the school community.
School Employee Well-being Collaboration Guide

Research and Reports

School Employee Well-being Collaboration Guide

Kaiser Permanente — with input from researchers, unions and administration associations — developed a Guide to School Employee Well-Being Through Collaboration. This resource provides a roadmap for unions and school district administrators at all levels to work together to build successful employee well-being initiatives.
Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences From the 2011-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 23 States

Research and Reports

Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences From the 2011-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 23 States

This study examines disparities in exposure to adverse childhood expereinces (ACEs) among demographic groups including race, ethnicity, household income, sexual identity, education, and employment status.
Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook: Staff and Teacher Well-Being

Video

Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook: Staff and Teacher Well-Being

A conversation with expert Mary Mancuso, national program lead for Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools, about the Staff and Teacher Well-being chapter of the Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook. Mary walks us through the five starter plays and supporting resources. This content was updated in July 2021.
Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook: Mental Health and Well-Being

Video

Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook: Mental Health and Well-Being

A conversation with expert Elizabeth Cook, senior national advisor for social emotional health at Alliance for a Healthier Generation, about the Mental Health and Well-being chapter of the Planning for the Next Normal at School Playbook. Elizabeth walks us through the five starter plays and supporting resources. This content was updated in July 2021.
Planning for the Next Normal at School: Key starter plays for prioritizing health when school reopens

Webinar

Planning for the Next Normal at School: Key starter plays for prioritizing health when school reopens

To assist school and district leaders with specific, evidence-informed guidance and operating procedures for keeping school communities healthy during school reopenings, a number of nationally recognized and trusted school health organizations have come together to develop a playbook for school reopening — “Planning for the Next Normal at School: Keeping students, staff, and families safe and healthy.” Join us as we take a deep dive into all five chapters of the playbook: COVID-19 prevention, Mental Health & Well-Being, Social Drivers of Health, Physical Education and Physical Activity, and Teacher and Staff Well-Being. Hear from the experts and explore how you can use the playbook to guide your school reopening plans.
Panel: Stories of the Next Normal from our Schools, Districts, and Families

Webinar

Panel: Stories of the Next Normal from our Schools, Districts, and Families

Join us as we hear directly from the education community about reopening buildings for in-person learning. You will learn about what others are doing to prioritize the health of their communities as they remain in or move towards in-person, learning from the perspective of parents, educators, and district leaders.  You will also learn about Planning for the Next Normal at School, a playbook designed to help education communities prioritize health.
Navigating Uncertainty: Stress Management for Educators

Webinar

Navigating Uncertainty: Stress Management for Educators

April 3, 2020 , 30 minutes
Hosted by: Yasemin Corzo, MA; Cosette Taillac, LCSW; and Annie Reed, DrPH, MPP

It’s a simple fact: we’re better able to support children’s well-being once we take time to nourish our own physical, social, and emotional health. Join Kaiser Permanente, Sanford Harmony, and Healthier Generation in this live, interactive session that will help you learn the impacts and response patterns associated with stress, along with practical tips to rise above and maintain your cool even in times of crisis. (NOTE: you will be prompted to create a free account or log in to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Training Center in order to access the recording.)
Modeling the Path to Self-Regulation for Students Through Me Moments

Webinar

Modeling the Path to Self-Regulation for Students Through Me Moments

May 26, 2021 , 12:00 p.m. PT
Hosted by: Kaiser Permanente and Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Effective learning requires both students and adults to feel safe, calm, and focused. Join us to walk through our newest toolkit: Me Moments, which teaches adults and young people how to co-create strategies for self-regulation. The toolkit includes a variety of strategies and options for any type of learning environment.
Mindfulness Meditation (Mindful Schools)

Website

Mindfulness Meditation (Mindful Schools)

Mindful Schools offers free mindfulness classes for kids, delivered right to your inbox.
Loving Kindness Meditation (Healthier Generation)

Video

Loving Kindness Meditation (Healthier Generation)

A two-minute guided meditation to combat stress with mindfulness and compassion presented by Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Labor Management Partnership Moves the Needle on Employee Wellness

Case Study

Labor Management Partnership Moves the Needle on Employee Wellness

Wellness Champions in eight Baltimore County Public Schools designed and implemented a range of activities aimed at improving school employee wellness, such as after-school yoga classes, stress-reduction activities at staff meetings, renovated break rooms and kitchens, and adding new exercise equipment.
How Schools Can Partner with Families During Distance Learning

Webinar

How Schools Can Partner with Families During Distance Learning

April 15, 2020 , 11:00 a.m. PST.
Hosted by: Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with Kaiser Permanente

Families have a powerful role in supporting their children’s health and learning. However, it’s challenging to build relationships in a remote environment. How can your school effectively partner with families during distance learning? Presented in partnership by Kaiser Permanente and Action for Healthy Kids this live, interactive session will provide educators with concrete ways for family engagement during distance learning to support student health and academic success.
How Families Can Partner with Schools During Distance Learning

Webinar

How Families Can Partner with Schools During Distance Learning

April 15, 2020 , 30 minutes
Hosted by: Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with Kaiser Permanente

Families have a powerful role in supporting their children’s health and learning. However, it’s challenging to build relationships in a remote environment. How can families effectively partner with schools during distance learning? Presented in partnership by Kaiser Permanente and Action for Healthy Kids this live, interactive session will provide parents and caregivers with concrete ways to connect and build relationships with educators during distance learning to support student health and academic success.
Healthy Activities to Do at Home (Action for Healthy Kids)

Website

Healthy Activities to Do at Home (Action for Healthy Kids)

Action for Healthy Kids shares activities and resources to keep their kids moving, learning, and eating healthily when they are out of school for any reason.
Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child: Toxic Stress

Website

Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child: Toxic Stress

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University developed a detailed guide on the impact of toxic stress on child development.
Game On Activity Library (Action for Healthy Kids)

Toolkit

Game On Activity Library (Action for Healthy Kids)

Action for Healthy Kids offers ways to incorporate healthy activities, brain breaks, nutrition education, and opportunities for social-emotional learning during virtual learning sessions.
Fostering Individual and Collective Well-Being Through Boundaries

Webinar

Fostering Individual and Collective Well-Being Through Boundaries

We discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining personal boundaries for individual and collective well-being. We’ll share some tools and resources for exploring your personal values and get you started on setting and communicating boundaries. You’ll learn how to translate your values into clear boundaries so that you can effectively maintain them, especially in challenging times.
COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit (CDC)

Toolkit

COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit (CDC)

The CDC provides supports and resources for parents, caregivers, and other adults to recognize the social, emotional, and mental health challenges young people are experiencing and strategies to help ensure their well-being. The resources are categorized by age group.
Championing School Employee Wellness

Case Study

Championing School Employee Wellness

Wellness Champions in eight Baltimore County Public Schools designed and implemented a range of activities aimed at improving school employee wellness, such as after-school yoga classes, stress-reduction activities at staff meetings, renovated break rooms and kitchens, and adding new exercise equipment.
CDC Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC)

Website

CDC Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC)

Learn about the the CDC’s framework for addressing health in schools, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model (WSCC). This resource includes strategies to integrate school health services, nutrition, physical education/activity, and out-of-school time across the WSCC framework.
Calm Down Corner (Action for Healthy Kids)

Toolkit

Calm Down Corner (Action for Healthy Kids)

Tips to help children learn how to self-regulate their emotions provided by Action for Healthy Kids.
Building Strong Family-School Partnerships to Improve Student Health

Webinar

Building Strong Family-School Partnerships to Improve Student Health

May 12, 2021 , 12:00 p.m. PT
Hosted by: Kaiser Permanente and Action for Healthy Kids

Dive into what makes an effective family-school partnership and why, especially now, there is a critical need for school staff, parents, and caregivers to collaborate in support of student wellness — including nutrition, physical activity, and social-emotional health. You will learn how to use your voice to advocate for continued collaboration between families and schools to ensure that holistic student health is factored into all returning to in-person learning plans. Attendees will get access to a collaboration guide developed by Action for Healthy Kids and Denver Public Schools with real-world examples and recommendations to support that work.
About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study

Research and Reports

About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study

The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse, neglect, and household challenges that impact later-life health and well-being.
Four Strategies to Fund a Healthy School Environment

Toolkit

Four Strategies to Fund a Healthy School Environment

To complement the latest version of the Playbook, we offering these strategies for schools seeking to gain access to additional funding to support a healthy school environment.
Social and Emotional Learning

Website

Social and Emotional Learning

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) works with states, districts and schools nationwide to ensure social and emotional learning is a priority in every school. Explore their school and district resource centers.
Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems

Research and Reports

Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems

The National Center for School Mental Health authored a report on Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field.
ACEs and Toxic Stress

Website

ACEs and Toxic Stress

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has been a leading voice in the efforts to reduce ACEs and toxic stress for more than a decade. She now leads the Office of the California Surgeon General which offers a number of resources to recognize and respond to the effects of ACEs on long-term health.
Well-Being Spaces for Teachers and Staff

Kaiser Permanente

Well-Being Spaces for Teachers and Staff

Make good health a part of everyday life for your faculty and staff by providing them with a dedicated place to take care of their own well-being — relaxation, quiet, social interaction, or collaboration.

 
Model School Wellness Policies

Website

Model School Wellness Policies

Looking to create, update, or implement a local school wellness policy for your school or district? Use this site as a template to guide you in the process.
Local School Wellness Policies

Website

Local School Wellness Policies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a wealth of resources about school wellness policies and how to put them into action.
Build an Effective School Wellness Policy

Website

Build an Effective School Wellness Policy

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation offers some helpful steps and resources to help you get started with forming a wellness committee and refreshing your school’s wellness policy.
Stress Management Toolkit 

Toolkit

Stress Management Toolkit 

Help school employees manage their stress with this no-cost, eight-week program developed by Kaiser Permanente.
Restorative Justice

Website

Restorative Justice

Bringing students together in small, peer-mediated groups has been shown to prevent bullying and reduce student conflicts. Check out the Edutopia blog to learn more about the benefits of implementing restorative justice practices and to explore implementation guides from across the country.
RISE Index and Action Center

Assessment

RISE Index and Action Center

The RISE Index and Action Center is part of our Resilience in School Environments initiative and offers schools and districts with a variety of assessment tools, trainings, and guidance. The Action Center is hosted on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s website.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Website

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Under the U.S. Department of Education, the National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports provides resources and support to improve outcomes for students with or at-risk for disabilities, enhance school climate and school safety, and improve conditions for learning to promote the well-being of all students.
School Mental Health

Website

School Mental Health

The National Center for School Mental Health authored a report on Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field.
CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences

Website

CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have gathered factsheets, data, studies, prevention strategies, and other resources on their website.
SHAPE America

Toolkit

SHAPE America

SHAPE America — the Society of Health and Physical Educators — serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the U.S. seeking to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport. Their website includes a library of resources, no-cost programs and more.
Playworks 

Website

Playworks 

Playworks is dedicated to using the power of play to help young people build critical social and emotional skills, find confidence in themselves, and learn positive cultural values, all while being active and having fun. Their website includes no-cost resources to evaluate and improve recess and games to build social-emotional skills in the classroom.

School Well-Being Champion Start-Up Kit

Toolkit

School Well-Being Champion Start-Up Kit

Start something healthy for staff and teachers in your school with this easy toolkit of easy-to-implement ideas.
Healthy Schools Program

Website

Healthy Schools Program

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program helps schools create healthier environments that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Enrollment is free and gives members access to resources, trainings, and technical assistance.
State Policies and Programs to Support Student Health

Webinar

State Policies and Programs to Support Student Health

April 14, 2021 , 12:00 p.m. PT
Hosted by: Kaiser Permanente and Healthy Schools Campaign

Join us as we highlight how states have worked to support the physical and mental health of students and staff during COVID-19 and opportunities you can leverage going forward to support healthy in-person learning. You will hear about national trends in state policies enacted in response to COVID-19 to support student health as well as hear from state leaders who will share their experience putting policy into practice.

Explore more Mental Health topics

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Resilience in School Environments (RISE)

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