Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and happy. Many of us know the important role schools play in teaching our children about healthy eating and physical activity, but did you also know that your involvement with school health matters? Research shows that parent engagement in schools is closely linked to healthier student behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills. Being an active and engaged parent matters, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the Parents for Healthy Schools resources. Many of the resources are available in Spanish to help even more parents get involved.

Parents for Healthy Schools resources give school staff, parents, and school groups, like parent teacher associations (PTA) and parent teacher organizations (PTO), ideas and strategies for working together to create a healthier school and putting health policies and practices in place. 

There are also a few resources created just for you, such as the “Ideas for Parents” tip sheets, that give suggestions on how you can continue to support your child’s school. 

Materials are available in both English and Spanish to provide more information on the following:

• School nutrition environment and services.
• School-based physical education and physical activity.
• Managing chronic health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, in school settings.

An additional parent tip sheet on vaping in schools is coming soon. 

As a parent, you can ask your child’s school administrators and teachers about what they are doing to improve student health and wellness and encourage them to access CDC’s Parents for Healthy Schools resources. 

Learn more about CDC Healthy Schools.