Working for the Whole Child

"Schools by themselves can not–and should not be expected–solve the nation's most serious health and social problems." -Coordinated School Health, Texas Education Agency

Children in group setting

Schools working with the American Heart Association have access to free health and wellness programs that help accomplish the expanded CDC’s Coordinated School Health approach of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model (WSCC). American Heart Association programs help satisfy nearly all of the components of the WSCC Model and can be used as valuable tools when looking to achieve or supplement existing health and wellness goals.

Health Education – AHA curriculum is SHAPE America certified and meets dozens of TEKS related to health and physical education.

Physical Education & Physical Activity – AHA programs get kids moving, while our staff offers onsite instruction for teachers to help implement lessons.

Nutrition Environment & Services – AHA advocates for legislation that drives healthy school nutrition and provides curricula for nutrition education.

Community Involvement – As SHAC advisors, CPR in Schools facilitators and health educators, AHA is changing communities from the inside out.

Family Engagement – When kids adopt healthy habits at school it influences their family at home. AHA online and onsite resources are specifically designed with families in mind.

Employee Wellness – Utilize AHA programs to create a culture of wellness for school staff, help lower healthcare costs, improve morale and protect your most important resource.

Physical Environment – Walking paths, AEDs and community access to playgrounds are a few of the ways AHA drives healthy environments.

Social & Emotional Climate – The charitable giving component of AHA programs teaches kids they can make a difference in their world.

Health Services – AHA provides health and wellness resources for school nurses, parents, and students.

Counseling, Psychological & Social Services – Through its free online support network, AHA offers resources for families and caregivers impacted by heart disease and stroke.

Kid's Participating in Physical Activity

Health Education
Kids Heart Challenge curricula help satisfy national curriculum criteria for health education

  • Kids Heart Challenge provides on-site training for health curriculum implementation that might lead to improved outcomes for FitnessGram.
  • Hands-Only CPR Training Kit trains the next generation of lifesavers before graduation.

Community Engagement - HB5
The AHA can help districts improve their ranking for the Community Engagement component of HB5. Participation in our programs includes elements of these three factors:

  • Wellness and Physical Education
  • Community and Parental Involvement
  • Digital Learning Environment

Counseling, Psychological & Social Services
AHA has created a diverse online support network(link opens in new window) dedicated to supporting the community. This online forum offers tools and resources for families and caregivers impacted by heart disease and stroke. This community allows for individuals to connect with others facing similar cardiovascular challenges.

Community Involvement
AHA is available to serve on SHAC committees as advisors or community health volunteers AHA staff and resources can connect community partners and drive CPR training efforts AHA can help find community resources to assist in professional development.

Physical Education
Walking paths, AEDs and community access to playgrounds are a few of the ways AHA drives healthy environments.

Health Services
AHA offers Hands-Only CPR training resources and help to equip nurses to be health leaders for their campus.

Family Engagement
AHA online and onsite resources are specifically designed with families in mind. Kids who participate in Kids Heart Challenge receive dedicated information to increase heart health at home.

  • AHA offers a host of free resources, recipes, tips and tools to engage and impact the Family.
  • AHA heart health communication is frequently provided to schools to share with their parents via email, in newsletters, on school websites and social media.

Social Emotion Climate
The charitable giving component of Kids Heart Challenge teaches kids they can make an impact in the lives of their community.

  • Raising as little as $5, children receive a “commemorative Heart Hero” that recognizes their efforts to give back and help others.
  • All kids who are enrolled in participating Kids Heart Challenge schools receive life-saving health messaging that is taken home, encouraging positive lifestyle behavior the entire family can take part in.

Nutrition Environment & Services
Alliance for a Healthier Generation, co-founded by the AHA, is an effective model for reducing childhood obesity.

  • AHA supports policy to drive healthy school nutrition and snacks and reduce sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • AHA staff work with schools to implement Teaching Gardens and Simple Cooking with Heart.
  • Nutrition posters and lesson plans are provided for teachers, while regular nutrition and wellness communication is made available to parents and the community via school newsletters and social media.

Employee Wellness
Many AHA wellness programs allow districts to receive national recognition for campuses who champion a culture of wellness and physical activity.

  • The AHA’s workplace wellness program and designation, often used by corporate human resource teams, offers free tools and resources to drive healthier, happier and more productive employees while lowering healthcare costs associated with cardiovascular diseases.
  • Go Red For Women empowers staff to take charge of their heart health and increase awareness of women’s No. 1 health threat-heart disease.

It's Indoor Recess Time

Rain, snow or sleet making the sun not shine? That means it is indoor recess time! Stay active with these activities from the American Heart Association.