Help families navigate mental health literacy and support, together.
Parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning and well-being for every family
Access the By Your Side ToolkitStudent support staff play an integral role in promoting the mental health and well-being of students, noticing signs of mental health concerns early, and linking students, parents and caregivers to other supports, if needed.
As staff who are rooted in relationship, and who often work in the spaces where the lives of students unfold, the impact of student support staff on creating caring conditions in our schools and classrooms, fostering school connectedness, maximizing social-emotional skill development, and promoting help-seeking for students can be profound.
The role of student support staff varies across school boards, and may be referred to in a variety of ways, such as Child and Youth Counsellors (CYC), chaplains, and graduation coaches, etc. In some boards, student support staff may work under other role titles.
Access evidence-informed, identity-affirming strategies and supports to promote wellness, teach about mental health, and notice when students may need more support.