The Healthy Youth Development Team strives to provide helpful resources in addition to direct services. The HYDT created an online resource guide to simplify searches and assist youth, parents, and educators in navigating through online health websites.
District Requirements for Health and Physical Education-For Youth, Parents, and Educators
Health education and physical education are important parts of the healthy development of all youth. As a student in the District, you will receive both health education and physical education throughout the school year. The Healthy Schools Act is a law that specifies how much physical education and health education you should receive and what topics should be covered.
To meet the requirements of the Healthy Schools Act, educators shall use the OSSE Health Education and Physical Education Learning Standards. These standards specify what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level.
More information on the Healthy Schools Act is located at www.DChealthyschools.org
Nutrition and Physical Education Online Resources
Youth and Parent Friendly Websites
These youth and parent friendly sites will help answers many questions about youth practicing healthy eating and physically active lifestyles. The links below will jump start or continue their quest to accomplishing their personal goals. Parents may also use these sites to educate themselves on supporting their child’s healthy choices as well as include their entire families while pursuing personal nutrition and fitness goals.
- DC Healthy Schools Act of 2010: For more information on the DC Healthy Schools Act and what it means for you
- Let’s Move: To learn about the First Lady’s comprehensive campaign to lead children toward a healthy future
- President’s Challenge: Information on the premiere program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
- BAM! Body and Mind: For kid-friendly information on healthy lifestyle choices and other interactive features like quizzes, games and activities
- Serving Up My Plate: Classroom materials that help elementary school teachers integrate nutrition education into Math, Science, English Language Arts, and Health.
- QuitDay.org: Promotes support for teens who struggle with challenges during their formative years.
- Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative: Supports QuitDay's mission to help teens and their families to improve their wellbeing.
To learn more about the health education and physical education your child is receiving, speak with your school’s principal, health educator, and/or physical education teacher. Additional information can be found at the Healthy Youth Development Team website.
Reproductive and Sexual Health
There are numerous teen friendly sexual health education resources available for teens, parents, providers and community members. Access to teen friendly education materials is essential to improving positive outcomes and reducing risky behavior. These resources include many tools that are useful for research, programming and planning.
- DC Department of Health: Information on how DC is working on programming to promote and protect the health, safety and quality of life of residents
- Amplify Youth Development: Practical information and stories on topics such as relationships, pregnancy, abortion and abstinence
- WannaKnow.org: Sexual health facts, the support, and the resources to answer questions, find referrals, and get access to additional in-depth information
For additional information please visit the HYDT website or download our Additional Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources guide [PDF].
School-Based Sexual Health Services
Condom Availability Program: All DCPS high schools must make free condoms (male and female condoms) available to all students. Lubrication packets and dental dams will also be made available. Condoms should be distributed by the school nurse or other trained staff member designated by the principal.
- Wrap MC: An online certification program for teachers and school personnel who are interested in providing condoms to students
- Voluntary Confidential Screening: DC Department of Health offers voluntary, confidential youth STD screenings in all District public high schools.
More information is available on the DCPS Health and Wellness policies and curriculum site.
Tobacco Prevention
The Healthy Youth Development Team works with the Department of Health to address tobacco issues that affect youth in the District. In addition to the services provided by the HYDT, there are online resources available to support youth and families in tobacco prevention, advocacy, and education. Please visit the Healthy Youth Development Team website to access information regarding the DC Tobacco Youth Committee.
The links below provide the latest outcomes, services and education regarding tobacco prevention in DC youth:
- DC Tobacco Free Families Campaign: Information on a comprehensive tobacco cessation and prevention program for DC residents
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: Advocacy for public policies that prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke
- Legacy for Health: Provides information on how to promote and invest in youth leadership committed to tobacco prevention and control
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