Antony Card, Ed.D., Associate Director, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

1. Evaluation of the School Health Promotion Liaison Consultants role in Newfoundland and Labrador Antony Card, Ed.D., Associate Director, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation Memorial University of Newfoundland 1-709-737-8667 antonyc@mun.ca

2. SHPLCs Study • The aim of this study is to assess the effects of introducing school/community health coordinators, to facilitate education-health cooperation in promoting the health of children and learning at the school board/health authority/community level.

3. Other Research • Warwick et al. (2004), have provided an extensive evaluation of school health coordinators in England. The results were promising and funding has continued as part of the National Health Service (NHS) reforms. The coordinators: • Develop support networks • Share best practice • Contribute to school accreditation • Develop local and strategic links • Provide a ‘coherent and coordinated’ to student well-being

4. The SHPLCs • In Newfoundland and Labrador there are 5 School Health Promotion Liaison Consultants (SHPLCs). • Located in region: • Eastern (Avalon) • Eastern (Rural) • Nova Central • Western • Labrador

5. Background • The first SHPLC began working in November of 2005. • The SHPLC’s focus has been on implementing the School Food Guidelines, the Smoke Free Grounds Policy and Increasing Physical Activity. • The consultants work out of the School Board offices but are paid through the department of health and community services in each region.

6. Healthy Students HealthySchools Health Students Healthy Schools (HSHS) Initiative: - supports positive changes to school aged children - creates school environments that support healthy living for children - The SHPLC’s is one key element of the HSHS initiative. http://www.livinghealthyschools.com/

7. Methodology • The research design involves two phases: • The first involves an analysis of the documents pertaining to the role of the SHPLC’s. • The second phase involves a process of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with key informants.

8. Methodology • Documents reviewed: • minutes from meetings • annual workplans • results from surveys • district improvement plans • reports prepared by the SHPLC’s • results of evaluations on the programs/activities conducted by the SHPLC’s • costs associated with the positions, newsletters, and feedback from teachers/principal’s.

9. Interviews • Interviews (n=40) were conducted with the following people from each district level: • SHPLC • Parent & child health coordinator • Principals • Program specialist responsible for the SHPLC • Regional nutritionist • Assistant director of programs (school board) • Director of wellness and health promotion.

10. Findings * Emerging Themes: • Positions viewed as helpful • Effective Changes • Barriers/Challenges • Evaluation of the positions • Response from parents • Response from students • Ideas for the future

11. Current SHPLC’s work • Active Schools • Changes to Canteen/Cafeteria Equipment • Professional Development Days • Hand washing Pilot Project • Training Preschool Staff • Pedometer Challenge

12. SHPLCs future work • After the full implementation of the School Food Guidelines, Physical Activity & Smoke Free Grounds, the next focus areas for the consultants (based on the provincial wellness plan) will be: • Immunizations • Social behaviors • Vulnerable populations • Injury prevention

13. Conclusion • The findings have demonstrated the value of these positions and the need for them to continue. • These positions have built a great rapport between health and education and have been successful in their role as a liaison between the two. • The SHPLC’s & other health officials needs to be aware of their roles, responsibilities & boundaries. • The consultants have made significant changes (physical activity, school nutrition, smoke free schools) in a short period of time.