Healthy Start is a state funded program that improves the lives of children, youth and families by providing local school districts with resources and services to help students succeed. More than 2,500 schools in California are part of the network of Healthy Start sites.

A real place for support and service

Healthy Start schools have shown that they are making a difference in our communities. Healthy Start programs are developed through a commitment from staff and advisory boards. Programs meet community needs by establishing working relationships with local social services, governmental agencies and community-based organizations.

Some results of Healthy Start sites include:

• School wide improvements in standardized test scores for reading and math
• Improved attendance
• Better student grades
• Decreased drug use and improved self-esteem
• Reduced emergency room care for illness or injury
• Reduced violence and child abuse in homes
• Improved family access to health and dental care
• Increased parental involvement in school

Healthy Start was created to:

• Ensure each child receives the physical, emotional and educational support needed to learn
• Build services to help students and parents become participants, leaders and decision-makers in their communities
• Help schools and family service agencies recognize and integrate programs to enhance support for children and their families

Healthy Start links children and families with some of the following services:

• Academic excellence
• Tutoring, mentoring, dropout prevention, adult education
• Family support services
• Basic living needs
• Mental health services
• Employment services: career counseling, job placement, job preparation, and development
• Youth development
• Health and dental services

For questions contact:

Annette Stringer
E-mail: astringe@bcoe.org
Phone: (530) 532-5797