Chicago Public Schools is committed to supporting the whole child. What does it mean to support the whole child, and what does this look like in the District?
WHAT
CPS is committed to ensuring that every student in every school is healthy, safe, supported, challenged, and engaged by using a holistic approach that connects physical, mental, and social-emotional health with academic success.
WHY
To ensure students’ basic needs are being met and that every student has the supports they need to learn and thrive.
HOW
Through collaboration between Central Office, Schools, and the Community guided by the WSCC (Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child) Framework
What is WSCC?
The WSCC Framework was created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), as a tool to help schools and districts connect health to academic success. By identifying 10 key components, linked to the coordination of policy, process, and practice, and surrounded by the community, WSCC provides a student-centered roadmap for collaboration and communication among all stakeholder groups. The 10 components of the WSCC model are:
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
10 Components to Support the Whole Child
Healthy Priorities
At CPS, supporting the Whole Child means making health a priority at your school. The WSCC Framework can help you connect the work you are already doing in your school, identify which areas need attention, and find the resources and support you need. For example, Healthy CPS fits into the WSCC Framework, but does not cover all 10 components comprehensively. You can see how Healthy CPS connects to WSCC here. Other CPS initiatives that contribute to supporting the whole child include the Healing Centered Project and Whole School Comprehensive Safety Plans.
WSCC at CPS
WSCC In Action
See how the WSCC Framework can be used to help support the whole child.