Why It Matters

We know students learn and grow best in a school environment focused on the “whole child.” This means we must focus on the interconnectedness of students’ developmental, academic, social-emotional, physical, and mental health needs.

When students receive the social, emotional, and mental health support they need, they can engage more fully in classrooms and have better long-term outcomes. It is essential that we center basic needs, particularly for students from low-income communities who are more likely to face systemic barriers to mental and physical health and, ultimately, learning.

Overview of Policy Recommendations

• Better connect non-education, state-funded youth programs with the public education system so that the state has a more integrated approach to meeting students’ basic needs
• Support partners as they lead efforts to pass policies that will address food insecurity, healthcare access, lack of stable housing, and other areas that have a significant impact on a child’s ability to engage in learning