In partnership with The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, CSCH has created he Feel Your Best Self toolkit designed to promote emotional well-being through 12 simple strategies using videos, puppetry, and journaling.
Previous Years
The UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health
Learn about CSCH and what we’ve accomplished so far. 
The Hour
CT child care centers lost out on $30M in federal food funding – December 24, 2021
CT News Junkie
COVID-19 Has Left Children In Crisis; CT Should Improve Access To Mental Health Care – December 13, 2021
Meet our CSCH Student Research Team
We have a strong student research team this year! We asked our student team members to share bit about themselves, their interests, and what drew them to CSCH
NECN
Celebrating Holiday Traditions – December 10, 2021
UConn Today
Nurse Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Help Women Manage Breastfeeding Pain – December 9, 2021
UConn Today
Study: USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program Underused By Connecticut Child Care Centers – December 6, 2021
Building Simple Action Plans to Strengthen Your Well Being
Our CSCH “Building Simple Action Plans to Strengthen Your Well Being” Webinar is geared to school personnel. See accompanying materials.
Building Simple Action Plans to Strengthen Your Well Being
CSCH has developed a Webinar “Building Simple Action Plans to Strengthen Your Well Being” and Related Materials for School Personnel
Affiliate Profile: Jessica Koslouski
Background Jessica Koslouski, PhD is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Collaboratory on School and Child Health at UConn and in the Department of Educational Psychology in the UConn Neag School of Education
Q & A on the Healthy Family CT Project
CSCH recently asked CSCH Affiliate Valerie Duffy, Professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, to tell us about the Healthy Family Connecticut Project, which provides food and nutrition information for Connecticut families.
UConn Today
Study: International Support for Policies to Address Weight-Based Bullying & Discrimination – November 4, 2021
Evaluating a Facebook Group Self-Care Intervention for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
A CSCH Brief by Emily A. Iovino, Hannah Y. Perry, Sandra M. Chafouleas, Jessica Koslouski, & Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
New Study Reveals Marketing Disproportionately Affects Purchases of Sweetened Children’s Drinks by Households with Low Incomes – October 26, 2021
UConn Today
Nurse Researcher Xiaomei Cong Receives the 2021 Virginia A. Henderson Award – October 20, 2021
Affiliate Profile: Valerie Duffy
Background Valerie Duffy, PhD is a registered dietitian, Professor, and Director of the Graduate Program in Health Promotion Sciences, the Department of Allied Health Sciences
UConn Today
New Research Study to Investigate — and Address — Teacher Stress – October 12, 2021
Supporting Well-Being: Six Tips Anyone Can Use During Times of Uncertainty
A CSCH Tip Sheet by Jessica Koslouski
Episode 12: Using Peer Influence to Reduce Weight-Based Bullying
CSCH Affiliate Leah Lessard discusses her research on the role popular peers may play in reducing weight-based bullying in schools.
PRISM: Preliminary Results from an Online Mindfulness Intervention for Adolescents
A CSCH Brief by Beth Russell, Morica Hutchison, and Helene M. Marcy
Affiliate Profile: Gio Iacono
Background Gio Iacono, PhD is an Assistant Professor in UConn’s School of Social Work and is a psychotherapist and clinical social worker by training
WNPR
Back To School 2021: Supporting The Social And Emotional Needs Of Students – September 2, 2021
Q & A with CSCH Co-Director Beth Russell
We are pleased to announce that Beth Russell, Associate Professor in HDFS and CSCH Steering Committee member, has taken on the role of CSCH Co-Director. Russell recently answered some questions about how she became interested in her field and what drew her to CSCH.
The Conversation
Students are returning to school with anxiety, grief and gaps in social skills – will there be enough school mental health resources? – August 23, 2021
WSCC Resources for Schools
CSCH is pleased to announce its NEW Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model (WSCC) resources for schools
WellSAT WSCC: A Comprehensive Tool for Evaluating School Wellness Policies
A CSCH Brief by Breanna McFarlane, Sandra M. Chafouleas, Marlene B. Schwartz, Helene M. Marcy, Jessica Koslouski, and Emily Iovino
Back to School Resources: Aligning Guidance with the WSCC Model, V3
A CSCH Crosswalk written by Emily A. Iovino, Sandra M. Chafouleas, and Hanna Y. Perry
UConn Today
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Sugary Drink Consumption Exacerbated by Exposure to Neighborhood Fast Food and Convenience Stores – August 6, 2021
UConn Today
Free Academy Coaches School Leaders in Supporting Well-Being – August 12, 2021
The Conversation
Millions of kids get suspended or expelled each year – but it doesn’t address the root of the behavior – August 11, 2021
UConn Today
UConn Researcher Adapting Mindfulness Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth for Online Use – August 5, 2021
UConn Today
Adolescents Report Increase in Weight Stigma on Social Media during COVID-19 Pandemic – July 28, 2021
The Conversation
Pandemic has teens feeling worried, unmotivated and disconnected from school – July 22, 2021
UConn Today
Five Weeks at B.R.A.I.N. Camp Could Give Kids a Brighter Future – July 20, 2021
UConn Today
Neag School Researcher Testing Strategies to Support Teachers’ Intervention Implementation – July 15, 2021
Food Navigator-USA
Study Reveals ‘Major Limitations’ to Fast-food Industry Self Regulation of Advertising to Children – June 22, 2021
U.S. News & World Report
Fast-Food Companies Spending More on Ads Aimed at Youth – June 17, 2021
UConn Today
Color-coded Nutrition Info Helps Food Pantry Clients Choose Healthier Options – May 25, 2021
CT Post
Can gut health fight COVID? UConn researchers examine the link – May 24, 2021
CT Examiner
More Joy — Less Catch-up — Experts Counsel Local Schools – May 23, 2021
Q & A on the UConn Mind-Body Health Research Interest Group
CSCH Affiliate Melissa Bray is one of the directors of the UConn Mind-Body Health Research Interest Group. Bray recently answered some questions about how she got interested in mind-body health (MBH), why it’s beneficial and how schools can incorporate MBH interventions into their SEL curriculum.
Teacher Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
A CSCH Brief by Lisa Sanetti, Jennifer Cavallari, & Alicia Dugan
UConn Today
UConn Selected to Help Create National Network on Emotional Wellbeing Research – May 5, 2021
Total Worker Health – A New Direction in Supporting Teacher Well-Being
A CSCH Brief by Lisa Sanetti, Alicia Dugan, & Jennifer Cavallari
EdSurge
What Can Teachers Learn From Students’ Brainwaves? – May 4, 2021
Episode 11: The Importance of Physical Activity on Wellness
CSCH Affiliates Jaci Vanheest and Nneka Arinze, along with Cassandra Rowett, discuss the importance of play and physical activity.
UConn Today
UConn Health Researchers Receive a $3.1 Million Dollar Grant to Study Pandemic-Related Stress in Families with Infants – April 22, 2021
UConn Today
The Role of Communities in Refugee Resettlement – April 21, 2021
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Well-being of Caregivers of Children
In April 2020 CSCH staff surveyed family caregivers of children with and without disabilities to explore their mental and emotional well-being resulting from COVID-19. We followed up 6 months later to see how they were faring. Our three briefs describe how they were managing.
The Conversation
Bringing ‘behavioral vaccines’ to school: 5 ways educators can support student well-being – April 8, 2021
UConn Today
Parents Confused about Healthier Drinks for Kids Not Helped by Labeling of Fruit Drinks, Flavored Water and Unsweetened Juice – April 8, 2021
Food Dive
Fruit drink labeling is confusing to many parents, study finds – April 8, 2021
The CT Mirror
Reopening schools requires doing less, better – April 7, 2021
The Conversation
How social media turns online arguments between teens into real-world violence – April 5, 2021
Systems Synergy: How Reducing Poverty Can Prevent Child Neglect
A CSCH Brief by Kerri M. Raissian, Megan Feely and Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
Confronting Gun Violence With Scholarship – March 31, 2021
UConn Today
Helping Change Health Behaviors with the Click of a Button – March 29, 2021
UConn Today
Rudd Center’s Schwartz Helps Develop Toolkit For Food Banks – March 23, 2021
Affiliate Profile: Fumiko Hoeft
Background Fumiko Hoeft MD, PhD is a Professor of Psychological Sciences, Director of the Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC) at UConn, and Director of Laboratory for Learning Engineering and Neural Systems (brainLENS) at UConn/University of California San Francisco. She is a psychiatrist and neurophysiologist by training, turned developmental cognitive neuroscientist
UConn Today
Too Hot or Too Cold? UConn Researcher Finds ‘Goldilocks Problem’ in Child Welfare Decision-Making – March 9, 2021
Q&A on the Pandemic Journaling Project
CSCH Affiliate Sarah Willen is one of the founders of the Pandemic Journaling Project. Willen recently answered some questions about how it started, the recent inclusion of older adolescents as participants, and how teachers can incorporate the site as a resource.
UConn Today
Q&A: Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being During the Pandemic – February 24, 2021
Reopening Schools Requires Doing Less, Better
A CSCH and CBER Position Statement by George Sugai and Sandra M. Chafouleas”
UConn Today
Public Policy, Social Work Researchers: Antipoverty Programs Can Help Reduce Child Neglect – February 22, 2021
Impact of COVID-19 on the Well-being of Caregivers of Children with and without Disabilities: a Six-Month Follow-up
A CSCH Brief by Hannah Y. Perry, Emily A. Iovino, Jacqueline M. Caemmerer, and Sandra M. Chafouleas
The Daily Campus
‘Teen Suicide During COVID-19: The Second Crisis In Our Schools’ looks at how to solve a dire problem – February 18, 2021
The Perkins Platform
Teen Suicide During COVID-19: The Second Crisis In Our Schools – February 17, 2021
UConn Magazine
Helping Kids Decode their Brains – February 15, 2021
The New York Times
‘Right Now Feels So Long and Without Any End in Sight’ – February 15, 2021
UConn 360 Podcast
Episode 78: The Voice of the Huskies – February 10, 2021
Affiliate Profile: Caitlin Lombardi
Background Caitlin Lombardi, Ph.D is an Assistant Professor in UConn’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences . Her primary research interests are the role of family, early care and education, school, and community in promoting cognitive, language, socioemotional, and health outcomes and the ways in which socioeconomic disadvantage is related to children’s development
The Conversation
How Connecticut’s schools have managed to maintain lunch distribution for kids who need it most during the COVID-19 pandemic – February 2, 2021
UConn Today
Nurse Researchers Study How to Increase COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination Among Underserved Hispanic Families – February 1, 2021
UConn Today
Onset of COVID Pandemic Significantly Threatened CT School Meal Programs – January 28, 2021
The CT Mirror
Trump’s reaction to defeat further confirms urgency for school focus on social emotional skills – January 19, 2021
UConn Today
Food Pantries Use Nutrition Information to Increase Healthy Food Orders – January 7, 2021
Affiliate Profile: Emily Iovino
Background Emily Iovino, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health (CSCH) and is also a school psychologist. Her primary areas of research are centered on the primary caregivers of children with developmental disabilities
The Conversation
COVID-19 means a lot more work for families of children with disabilities, but schools can help – December 16, 2020
Podcast Series: CSCH Spotlight on Well-being During COVID
CSCH recently completed a survey of district and school leaders about how the pandemic has affected their priorities and concerns. Results indicated that one of their biggest worries is social and emotional wellness. That prompted us to do a podcast series on the topic.
Episode 10: CSCH Spotlight on Well-being During COVID: Child Wellness
CSCH Steering Committee member Jeana Bracey, CSCH Affiliate Damion Grasso, and Michelle Doucette Cunningham discuss what schools and communities can do to promote child wellness during COVID-19.
The Daily Campus
Distinguished Neag professor aims to help school efforts to integrate health and learning – December 4, 2020
Affiliate Profile: Jesse Mala
Background Jesse Mala is an Assistant Visiting Professor in the UConn Department of Educational Leadership sports management program. He studies how sport can be used to promote positive development among Black and Latinx youth in poverty.
The Hill
It’s time for COVID-19 disaster relief … for mothers – November 23, 2020
Latest Briefs
Check out our CSCH briefs on CT School Administrator Perspectives on Shifting Priorities During COVID-19, Alternatives to Exclusionary Discipline Practices, Virtual Peace Rooms, and the Social and Emotional Well-being of College Students: https://csch.uconn.edu/brief-reports/
Episode 9: CSCH Spotlight on Well-being During COVID: Family Wellness
CSCH Steering Committee members Alice Forrester and Beth Russell, along with CSCH Postdoctoral Scholar Emily Iovino, discuss what schools and communities can do to promote family wellness.
NBC Connecticut
UConn Professor Starts Foundation to Help Empower Those Affected by Rare Diseases – November 11, 2020
UConn Today
Concerns About Child’s Weight Increase Risk for Family Weight Teasing – November 9, 2020
Affiliate Profile: Jessica Hollenbach
Background Jessica Hollenbach, Ph.D. is Co-Director of the Asthma Center at Connecticut Children’s and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Her primary research interests include the implementation and dissemination of effective asthma programs in underprivileged communities
Episode 8: CSCH Spotlight on Well-being During COVID: School Employee Wellness
CSCH Steering Committee member Lisa Sanetti, Ravit Stein, and CSCH Affiliate Taylor Koriakin discuss what schools can do to promote employee wellness.
Connecticut School Administrator Perspectives on Shifting Priorities During COVID-19
A CSCH Brief by Sandra M. Chafouleas, Emily A. Iovino, Marlene B. Schwartz, & Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
Barriers in Food Access Contribute to Inequitable Risks of Obesity and Food Insecurity Among Food Pantry Clients – October 21, 2020
UConn Today
UConn Researcher Receives CDC Grant to Develop Social Media-Based Intervention to Prevent Gun Injury – October 20, 2020
A 2020 Focus on the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Well-Being of College Students
A CSCH Brief by Emily A. Iovino, Jannell Brown, Alyssa Bunyea, Breanna McFarlane, Angel Ojide, Hannah Perry, Daniel Schwartzman, Cyrus Smith, and Sandra M. Chafouleas
Mapping Promising Alternative Approaches to Exclusionary Practices in U.S. Schools
A CSCH Crosswalk written by Sandra M. Chafouleas, Amy M. Briesch, Jennifer N. Dineen, and Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
Schooling, Caregiving, and Emotional Support during COVID – October 7, 2020
Using Restorative Practices with a Virtual Peace Room
A CSCH Brief written by Caitlin Elsaesser, Aditi Das and Helene Marcy
Affiliate Profile: Maria LaRusso
Background Maria LaRusso, EdD is an Assistant Professor in UConn’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. Her primary research concerns how children’s growth and well-being is shaped by relationships and supports across different contexts
Episode 7: The Potential Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on Youth Living in Poverty
CSCH Affiliate Jesse Mala discusses his research looking at the relationship between sport & physical activity and working memory & perceptions of school climate among youth living in poverty.
UConn Today
Weight Stigma Predicts Emotional Distress and Binge Eating During COVID-19 – September 10, 2020
UConn Today
A Spillover Effect: Medicaid Expansion Leads to Healthier Dietary Choices – September 8, 2020
Affiliate Profile: Jon Phillips
Background Jon Phillips, PhD is an Assistant Professor at UConn’s School of Social Work. His primary research concerns inter-professional collaboration in people-serving systems. Phillips is particularly interested in the child welfare system
Disability Scoop
Pandemic Hitting Families Of Those With Disabilities Harder – August 28, 2020
COVID-19 Resources: a Trauma-informed, Whole Child Response
CSCH recently released two reports about schools’ trauma-informed response to COVID-19.
Episode 6: The NEEDs2 Project
CSCH Co-Director Sandra Chafouleas and Amy Briesch of Northeastern University discuss the IES-funded NEEDs2 project that explored what school personnel and families think about the role for schools in student social, emotional, and behavioral screening.
Caregiver Voices: The Initial Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers of Children with and without Disabilities
A CSCH Brief written by Emily A. Iovino, Sandra M. Chafouleas, Alyssa Bunyea, and Hannah Y. Perry
Initial Impact of COVID-19 on the Well-being of Caregivers of Children with and without Disabilities
A CSCH Brief written by Sandra M. Chafouleas and Emily A. Iovino
UConn Today
Strategies for Fostering an Emotionally Safe School Environment – July 10, 2020
Responding to COVID-19: Simple Strategies Anyone Can Use to Foster an Emotionally Safe School Environment
A CSCH Report written by Sandra M. Chafouleas, Taylor A. Koriakin, Emily A. Iovino, Jeana Bracey, & Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
Rudd Center: Beverage Companies Spent More than $1 Billion in Advertising for Sugary Drinks and Energy Drinks in 2018 – June 23, 2020
Neag Foundation Provides CSCH with Two-year Grant
The Neag Foundation has provided the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health with a two-year grant to facilitate work in the Think about the Link Project
UConn Today
Many LGBTQ Teens Report Bullying that Extends Beyond Their Sexual and Gender Orientations – June 15, 2020
Hartford Courant
Our Teens are missing so many milestones, but there are things we can do – June 14, 2020
Engaging a Whole School Approach in Re-Opening Schools
A CSCH Brief written by Sandra M. Chafouleas and Helene M. Marcy
Responding to COVID-19: Planning for Trauma-Informed Assessment in Schools
A CSCH Report written by Sandra M. Chafouleas and Helene M. Marcy
Affiliate Profile: Julian Ford
Background Julian Ford, Ph.D is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and School of Law. He is also the Principal Investigator and Director of two Treatment and Services Adaptation Centers in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
UConn Today
School Wellness Policies Key to Ensuring New York Schools Adopt Healthier Nutrition and Exercise Standards – May 7, 2020
The Daily Campus
Research Spotlight: Looking at food policy with UConn’s Rudd Center – April 28, 2020
UConn Today
As Families Struggle During Pandemic, Children At High Risk for Neglect – April 27, 2020
The Conversation
5 things college students should include in a plan for their wellness – April 27, 2020
COVID-19 Study and Resources
Our latest email shared information about a COVID-19 study that our research team is doing, a short list of resources from some great organizations and how to help those in need and provided needed supplies. We have included some of those here.
Preventing Child Neglect: Looking at the problem through a macro lens
A CSCH Brief written by Kerri M. Raissian, Megan Feely, Daniel Schwartzman and Helene M. Marcy
UConn Today
Coping With COVID? Mastering Social (But Not Emotional) Distancing – March 19, 2020
Helping Babies and Families: How states address the needs of opiate-exposed infants
A CSCH Brief written by Margaret H. Lloyd and Helene M. Marcy
Project Profile: Family Treatment Court Best Practices
Oklahoma Multi-Site Family Treatment Court Model Standards Study Principal Investigator: Margaret Lloyd, UConn School of Social Work Key Partners: The OKMSS will be conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
CT Voice
The Agony of Youth – March 1, 2020
Episode 5: The Self-Care of Caregivers of Children with Developmental Disabilities
CSCH Co-Director Sandra Chafouleas and CSCH Affiliate Emily Iovino discuss their study looking at how the caregivers of children with developmental disabilities define and view their own self-care
Using Kindness Activities to Promote Positive Social Interactions in Middle School
A CSCH Brief by CSCH Undergraduate Researcher Breanna McFarlane
Affiliate Profile: Jaci VanHeest
Background Jaci L. VanHeest, Ph.D is an Associate Professor in the Neag School of Education’s Department of Educational Psychology. Her primary research interest is the endocrine control of bodyweight and how that is impacted by physical activity among elite female athletes and children at risk of obesity.
The Atlantic
The Ominous Rise of Toddler Milk – February 4, 2020
UConn Today
Exploring the School-Age Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Landscape – January 31, 2020
Affiliate Profile: Ran Xu
Background Ran Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Allied Health Sciences and is interested in using statistics to address various social science problems. After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Dr. Xu became interested in how math and statistics can be applied to model human behavior and improve public outcomes.
Family Engagement Strategies: Aligning the CT SDE Framework and CSCH Evidence-Informed Practices
A Crosswalk written by Emily A. Iovino and Sandra M. Chafouleas
CSCH Features Affiliate Dr. Ryan Watson
CSCH highlighted the work of HDFS Assistant Professor Ryan Watson in December and January. We interviewed Dr. Watson for a two-part podcast about his research. In Part 1 Watson discussed his research on disparities in access to HIV prevention tools among young men who have sex with men. In Part 2 he discussed his research […]
Supporting Gender Expansive Youth: Considerations for Healthcare Providers
A CSCH Brief written by Katherine Connolly
Food Navigator – USA
Experts urge industry to work with schools to improve kids’ meals even as standards are rolled back – January 14, 2020
UConn Today
Healthier School Meals Are Evidence of the Success of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act – January 14, 2020
Episode 4: LGBTQ Youth and Substance Abuse
CSCH Affiliate Ryan Watson discusses his research on sexual and gender minority youth and their substance abuse. (Part 2 of two episodes on Dr. Watson’s research).
UConn Today
Researchers: Look at factors outside the family that cause child neglect – December 2, 2019
Episode 3: Disparities in Access to HIV Prevention Tools
CSCH Affiliate Ryan Watson discusses his research on disparities in access to HIV prevention tools among men who have sex with men (Part 1 of two episodes on Dr. Watson’s research).
Scientific American
The War on Childhood Obesity Needs a War on Blame – November 22, 2019
The Great American Smokeout: Tackling the Vaping Epidemic in Schools
A CSCH Brief by CSCH Undergraduate Researcher Daniel Schwartzman
CT Examiner
Barely Half of Connecticut Students Meet Minimum Standard of Physical Fitness – November 18, 2019
WellSAT WSCC 2.0
The WellSAT WSCC is a school policy evaluation tool aligned with the Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC) model that builds on the history of the WellSAT, which is an evaluation tool for evaluation of school wellness policy.
Stress: Family Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
A CSCH Brief written by Emily Auerbach, Hannah Perry, & Sandra M. Chafouleas
Project Profile: Addressing Teacher Well-being
Applying the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program to Address Teacher Well-being: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study Co-Principal Investigators: Lisa Sanetti, Department of Educational Psychology and Alicia Dugan, Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine at UConn Health. Co-Investigator: Michele Femc-Bagwell, Department of Educational Leadership
UConn Today
CSCH Co-Hosts Second Symposium on Trauma-Informed Mental Health – October 29, 2019
UConn Today
Migrant Children’s Rights to Health and Rehabilitation – October 28, 2019
Migrant Children’s Rights to Health and Rehabilitation
A CSCH Brief written by Megan Berthold and Kathryn Libal
CSCH Hosts Second Symposium on Childhood Trauma, Mental Health
On October 23, 2019, CSCH cosponsored and hosted the “Symposium on Trauma-Informed School Mental Health 2.0.” Approximately 70 school, behavioral health, community, and research leaders from across the state gathered at the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs to discuss school and community responses to childhood trauma and how to align work around trauma-informed schools […]
New York Times
How Children Get Hooked on Sugary Drinks – October 22, 2019
Education Week
There’s More to College Prep Than Academics – October 22, 2019
UConn Today
Ample Ads and Confusing Labels Drive Children’s Sweetened Drink Sales – October 16, 2019
UConn Today
Targeting Alcohol Abuse with Emotion Regulation Strategies – October 16, 2019
UConn Today
App Endgame: Detect Dyslexia Earlier – October 7, 2019
Episode 2: What is the WellSAT WSCC?
CSCH Co-Director Sandra Chafouleas and CSCH Steering Committee Member Marlene Schwartz discuss their work developing the WellSAT WSCC Tool.
Introducing the WellSAT WSCC Tool
The UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health and the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity are pleased to announce the release of the WellSAT WSCC, a comprehensive school policy evaluation tool aligned with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
The CT Mirror
School food service, another divide between rich and poor – September 12, 2019
Remodeling Adolescent Risk for Sexual Violence
A CSCH Brief by CSCH Undergraduate Researcher Corona Zhang
The End of “Because I Said So”: Positive Social and Emotional Responsiveness
A CSCH Brief written by CSCH Undergraduate Researcher Ireti Adegbesan
Steering Committee Member: Marlene Schwartz
Background Marlene Schwartz is Director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity and Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences. She studies how food policy can be used to improve the nutrition environment, especially for children.
NPR
Praise, Don’t Tease, And Other Tips To Help Kids With Their Weight – August 25, 2019
The CT Mirror
We need trauma-informed preschool practices – August 22, 2019
NBC CT
Professor Urges Parents to Keep Kids Moving This Summer – June 7, 2019
Connecticut Post
UConn study: Weight-related bullying leads to poor health outcomes for LGBTQ youth – June 2, 2019
Episode 1: Using a Team Science Approach to Advance Pain Research
CSCH Steering Committee member Lisa Sanetti interviews CSCH affiliates Xiaomei Cong and Angela Starkweather about their work in the UConn Center for Advancement in Managing Pain.
Morning Ag Clips
When did GMO become a dirty word? – May 14, 2019
WSCC Think about the Link Toolkit
In partnership with staff from New Haven Public Schools and the Connecticut State Department of Education, CSCH has put together a series of brief video modules and written practice briefs to explain the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) components, synthesize related evidence, and share examples of school initiatives and resulting positive outcomes. Check […]
School-Based Health Centers: A Means to Meet the WSCC Model
A CSCH Report written by Katherine Bernier Carney, Carol Polifroni, and Alison Moriarty Daley
UConn Today
Sandra Chafouleas Receives Award for Mentorship – May 1, 2019
Thinking About the Link Between Health and Learning CSCH Video Series
Our video modules provide an overview of the WSCC Model and its ten domains:
CSCH Undergraduate Researchers
Over the 2018-19 school year, CSCH faculty worked with two undergraduate students through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Their research on supporting student mental health through multi-tiered support systems culminated in a poster presentation at the UConn Frontiers Undergraduate poster exhibition.
Steering Committee Member: Beth Russell
Background Beth Russell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and is the Director of the Center for Applied Research in Human Development (CARHD), a CSCH partner. Russell studies self-regulation, in particular the regulation of psychological distress.
UConn Today
Study: After-school Programs Improve Academic Outcomes – April 11, 2019
WRVO
Climate change, hunger, obesity need collective solutions, according to new report – April 14, 2019
Public Health House and CSCH Gun Policy Prevention Panel
On April 2, 2019 CSCH collaborated with the Public Health House Learning Community, the School of Nursing, and the Human Rights Institute to host an event entitled Gun Violence Prevention: A Public Health Imperative during National Public Health Week.
Telling Your Story Media Training
In March and April of 2019, CSCH sponsored a two-part workshop series called Telling Your Story: Tips from Journalists to Bring Your Research to the Public. Attended by over 25 people from across schools and colleges at UConn, the first session offered perspectives from journalists on how to write for the public about your research.
Popular Science
Taxing soda would help make kids healthier – March 26, 2019
CT Post
CT food pantries pushed to offer more nutritional items – March 13, 2019
Steering Committee Member: Sandra Chafouleas
Background Sandra Chafouleas is the Co-Director of CSCH as a well as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology in the Neag School of Education at UConn. Before turning to research, Chafouleas was a school psychologist in a variety of settings
UConn Today
Many LGBTQ Youth Don’t Identify with Traditional Sexual Identity Labels – February 13, 2019
UConn Today
LGBTQ Teens Face High Rate of Weight-Based Bullying – February 7, 2019
Steering Committee Member Profile: Jeana Bracey
Background Jeana Bracey is Director of School and Community Initiatives at the Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut, Inc., a CSCH partner organization. Bracey’s background and training is as a clinical community psychologist and her work focuses on improving policy and systems work across Connecticut, particular to children’s mental health
Telling Your Story: Tips from Journalists to Bring Your Research to the Public
Please note that this event has been rescheduled to March 11, 2019. The Collaboratory on School and Child Health, the Neag School of Education, the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), and the Department of Journalism bring you Telling Your Story: Tips from Journalists to Bring Your Research to the Public
U.S. News & World Report
Junk Food Ads Target Minority Kids: Study – January 15, 2019
U.S. News & World Report
Is Juice on School Menus a Problem? – December 26, 2018
Steering Committee Member Profile: Deborah Cornman
Our profile of Deborah Cornman was originally written in 2018. In celebration of her 2022 retirement we have added the final section, Future Plans.
Announcement of CSCH Encore Grant Awardees
CSCH is pleased to announce and congratulate the awardees of our FY2019 seed grant competition. These grants provide funds to investigators to support projects that align with the vision of CSCH to promote an integrated approach to health and learning through collaborations across the components within the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
UConn Today
At School Lunch, Healthier Options are Overlooked When Juice is Available – November 15, 2018
Writing for The Conversation Discussion – November 15
Would you like to bring your research to a wider audience? Please join us on November 15, 2018 as we talk to professors about their experience writing for and being published in The Conversation, one of the many resources used by UConn Communications to help disseminate faculty research to the general public
Steering Committee Member Profile: Michele Femc-Bagwell
Background Michele Femc-Bagwell is Associate Professor in Residence in the Department of Educational Leadership in the Neag School of Education at UConn. She is a former high school English teacher, middle school assistant principal, principal, and holds a Connecticut Superintendent’s certificate
Building Links in Health and Education Undergraduate Event
On October 30, 2018 CSCH collaborated with the Public Health House Learning Community to host an event titled Field of Dreams: Building Links in Health and Education Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model
Team Science Principles in School and Child Health Research
A CSCH Report written by Lisa Sanetti
2018 Research Connections
On October 17, 2018, for the second year, CSCH participated in Research Connections, a networking event sponsored by the UConn Learning Communities intended to expose first and second year students to undergraduate research. The CSCH booth stayed busy throughout the evening, with undergraduate students from many disciplines stopping to engage in conversation about opportunities in […]
CSCH #schoolequity Twitter Chat
Together with the UConn Neag School of Education, CSCH cohosted a Twitter Chat about the importance of bridging the gap between home and school for diverse students on Monday, October 10, 2018. The chat was co-sponsored by El Instituto and Rebecca Campbell-Montalvo, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Neag School of Education, was the featured guest
Hartford Courant
UConn Athletic Department Makes Strides In Mental Health Care – October 9, 2018
WSCC Toolkit
The WSCC Toolkit helps schools incorporate the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model into decision-making and the integration of health and learning. It includes tools like practice briefs and planning blueprints to guide work in the coordination of policies, processes, and practices relevant to school and child well-being.
UConn Magazine
The Fight for Physical Literacy – Fall 2018
UConn Today
Adding Context to ‘Breast is Best’ – October 3, 2018
Steering Committee Member Profile: Ruth Lucas
Background Ruth Lucas, RN, is an Assistant Professor in UConn’s School of Nursing. She began her career as a maternal child nurse and spent much of it working with mothers as they tried to breastfeed
UConn Today
More Kids are Eating Fast Food – and Not the Healthy Options – September 27, 2018
The Importance of School-Home Intersections: Language, Culture, and Health in the Florida Heartland
CSCH Live Talk by Rebecca Campbell-Montalvo, PhD – October 2017
2018 CSCH Encore Conference and Stage One Winners
On September 24, 2018, the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health held its second Encore Conference. The Encore conference provided an opportunity for participants to learn about work related to school and/or child health that CSCH affiliates had presented previously at external conferences
Steering Committee Member Profile: Jennifer McGarry
Background Jennifer McGarry is Professor in and Head of the Department of Educational Leadership at UConn’s Neag School of Education. She has been an athlete and coach and has studied sport throughout her professional career
Public News Service
Consumer Food Decisions Can Cut Climate Pollution – July 23, 2018
New England Psychologist
School psychologists: In a class of their own – July 7, 2018
UConn Today
The Science is Clear: Separating Families has Damaging Psychological and Health Consequences – June 22, 2018
UConn Today
LGBTQ Teens Experiencing High Levels of Stress, says National Survey – May 15, 2018
CSCH Twitter Chat: Teacher Stress and Teacher Well-being
Together with the UConn Neag School of Education, CSCH cohosted a Twitter Chat about teacher stress and teacher well-being on Monday, April 23, 2018. Lisa Sanetti, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, was the featured guest
New Haven Register
Pediatricians look for the best language to discuss weight with children – April 22, 2018
It Takes Two
CSCH Affiliate Ruth Lucas, PhD, discusses how breastfeeding takes effort on the part of both the baby and the mother 
WNPR – Colin McEnroe Show
‘The $12 Potato Chip – and Other Horrors – April 10, 2018
The Washington Post
Starbucks Classrooms, Plus Six Other New Approaches in Education – April 3, 2018
Steering Committee Member Profile: Alice Forrester
Background Alice Forrester is the Chief Executive Officer of Clifford Beers Clinic in New Haven, CT. She graduated with a BA in Art History and was a performance artist in the East Village of New York City before her interest in drama and group work led her to get a Masters Degree in Drama Therapy
Teacher Wellbeing: Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First Before Attending to Others
CSCH Live Talk by Lisa Sanetti, PhD – October 2017 
The Conversation
Will Holding the Cheese and Chocolate Milk on Happy Meals Make a Difference? – March 2, 2018
UConn Today
Sports Sampling May Reduce Injury Risk in Young Athletes – February 26, 2018
Steering Committee Member Profile: Kathryn Libal
Background Kathryn Libal is an anthropologist who has a joint appointment between the UConn School of Social Work and Human Rights Institute (HRI) and directs HRI. Her early love for learning language and travel led her to anthropology
CSCH Twitter Chat: The Effect of Play on the Brain
Together with the UConn Neag School of Education, CSCH cohosted a Twitter Chat about the effect of play on the brain on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Jaci VanHeest, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Kinesiology, was the featured guest
UConn Today
Healthy Drink Can Pack a Punch in Preschooler’s Lunch – February 22, 2018
The Boy Who Learned How to Play
CSCH Live Talk by Jaci VanHeest, PhD – October 2017
Steering Committee Member Profile: Lindsay DiStefano
Background Lindsay DiStefano is the Athletic Training Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at UConn. With a background in athletic training and sports medicine and an appreciation of working with children, DiStefano found that “working to prevent sport-related injury in a youth athlete population was a natural fit.”
Health Day
Think Little Kids are Safe from Food Ads? Think again – December 15, 2017
Announcement of CSCH Encore Grant Awardees
CSCH is pleased to announce and congratulate the awardees of our FY2018 seed grant competition. These grants provide funds to investigators to support projects that align with the vision of CSCH to promote an integrated approach to health and learning through collaborations across the components within the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
UConn Science Salon Featured Work of CSCH
The UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health (CSCH) was excited to partner with co-sponsors UConn and the UConn Foundation to host the first Science Salon of the 2018 series. The event, “How Schools Succeed by Nurturing the Whole Child,” took place on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Lyceum in Hartford, Connnecticut
New Haven Register
Hamden clinic set to revolutionize autism, special needs world – November 16, 2017
Think about the Link between Learning and Health: Schools as the Hub for Whole Child Success
CSCH Live Talk by Sandra Chafouleas, PhD – October 2017
Steering Committee Member Profile: Lisa Sanetti
Background Lisa Sanetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology within the Neag School of Education. Her primary area of research relates to implementation science, specifically how interventions are implemented in schools
CSCH Live Talks
As part of an initiative to provide multi-media training for CSCH affiliates, the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health partnered with the Public Health House Learning Community to host a live filming of TED-like talks on October 30, 2017
Steering Committee Member Profile: Kerri Raissian
Background Kerri Raissian is an Assistant Professor in the UConn Department of Public Policy who studies policies that relate to kids and the family. She has a particular interest in policies designed to reduce family violence, either between parents/adults or directed towards children
UConn Today
Adding $1 to Minimum Wage = Less Child Neglect – October 2, 2017
First CSCH Encore Conference
On September 18, 2017, the UConn Collaboratory on School and Child Health held its first annual Encore Conference. The Encore conference provided an opportunity for participants to learn about work related to school and/or child health that CSCH affiliates had presented previously at external conferences
The Boston Globe Magazine
Why America Needs a Population Czar – September 12, 2017
Steering Committee Member Profile: Carol Polifroni
Our profile of Carol Polifroni was originally written in 2017. In celebration of her 2022 retirement we have added the final section, Future Plans.
USA Today
Fast-food restaurants pledged to offer healthier options for kids. How have they done? – August 10, 2017
UConn Today
No Chocolate Milk? No Problem, Kids Get Used to Plain Milk – July 14, 2017
Announcement of CSCH Grant Awardees
CSCH is pleased to announce and congratulate the two awardees of our FY2017 seed grant competition. These grants provide funds to investigators to support projects that align with the vision of CSCH to promote an integrated approach to health and learning through collaborations across the components within the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) […]
The CT Mirror
Health care providers endorse call for sales tax increase – June 20, 2017
Enhancing Media Presentation Skills in School and Child Health‐Related Topics
CSCH is sponsoring media training for affiliates interested in enhancing skills in effective dissemination and promotion of their work. We are pleased to partner with Drs. Rory McGloin and Stephen Stifano in the Department of Communication, who will lead attendees throughout the fall semester in developing knowledge of effective communication and using skills to produce […]
UConn Today
State Leaders Attend Symposium on Childhood Trauma, Mental Health – May 26, 2017
Education, Community and Behavioral Health Leaders Attend Statewide Symposium on Childhood Trauma, Mental Health
On May 24, 2017, CSCH co-sponsored and hosted “Symposium on Trauma-Informed School Mental Health.” Approximately 100 school, mental health, and community leaders from across the state gathered at the University of Connecticut
UConn Today
Parents Concerned About Unhealthy Food Marketing to Children – April 19, 2017
Education World
Why Your School Should be Implementing trauma-Informed Practices – April 2017
The New York Times
Why Kids Shouldn’t Sit Still in Class – March 21, 2017
Resilience Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion after CSCH screening of the documentary film Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope – November 2016
CSCH Resilience Screening
November 16, 2016 CSCH, in collaboration with the Neag School of Education, hosted a free screening of the documentary film Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope. Additional sponsors included UConn’s Office of Public Engagement, InCHIP, Achieve Hartford!, and the Clifford Beers Clinic
CBS News
Big money spent marketing unhealthy baby, toddler foods – November 1, 2016
The Wellness School Assessment Tool, WellSAT
With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Rudd Foundation, researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health developed WellSAT, which allows users to assess the quality of their school district’s written wellness policy.
Guidelines for Community Partnership Research
Prepared by the Community Research Alliance (CRA), with significant input from the Institute for Community Research, faculty of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, CT and the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, CT, with support from the UCONN Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (CICATS) Guidelines-Executive Summary PDF
New Haven Register
Clifford Beers Program Turns Stress and Trauma into Positive Outcomes – October 3, 2016
New Haven Independent
Kids In 5 Schools Getting Trauma Help – September 15, 2016
Forbes
Junk Food Makers Market Look-Alike ‘Smart Snacks’ In Schools To Mislead Kids, Study Claims – September 1, 2016
UConn Today
Look-alike ‘Smart Snacks’ Confuse Students, Parents – August 31, 2016
The Lunch Tray
Study: “Copycat Snacks” in Schools Confuse Parents and Kids – August 31, 2016
InChip Seed Grants
CSCH is pleased to announce the FY16 Awardees of the InCHIP-Neag School of Education Dual-PI Seed Grants for Collaborative Research in School and Child Health
UConn Today
New Faculty Projects Will Advance Academic Plan – July 13, 2016
CSCH Receives 3-year UConn Academic Vision Grant
In 2013, UConn launched a comprehensive process to develop a new academic vision and identify initiatives that will enable the University to enhance excellence in research and education. One of the priority areas identified in that process was health and wellness. CSCH is pleased to announce that is has received a 3-year Academic Vision grant […]
UConn Today
Support Increasing for Laws Against Weight-Based Bullying – April 26, 2016
WNPR/CT Health I-Team
Fight Childhood Obesity In Preschools, Child Care Centers, New Report Says – March 22, 2016
NPR
2 Breakfasts May Be Better Than None For School Kids – March 17, 2016
The Washington Post
Kids who eat two breakfasts are less likely to be overweight than those who eat none – March 17, 2016