Grand Erie Public Health supports schools in promoting the health and well-being of students and staff, both in the classroom and throughout the broader school community. GEPH’s interdisciplinary team of health professionals works together to support and serve school communities.
Each elementary and secondary school in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk has a public health nurse (PHN) assigned to support health initiatives.
Public health nurses work with schools to enhance the physical, mental, and social health of the school community by:
- Building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners
- Supporting collaborative health planning and school action plans
- Engaging students, staff, and parents in health promotion activities
- Connecting schools and families with community supports and resources
- Helping schools assess and prioritize health needs
- Recommending evidence-informed programs, policies, and best practices
- Co-creating and supporting Healthy Schools initiatives
- Assisting with program planning, implementation, evaluation, training, and facilitation
Support provided to all GEPH schools include:
- Annual overviews of Grand Erie Public Health services provided in schools, such as immunizations, dental screenings, and vision screenings
- Online classroom supports with supplementary lesson plans, presentations, and educational resources
- Guidance and support for infectious diseases in schools, including COVID-19
- Sexual health and pregnancy-related information and services in Grand Erie secondary schools
- Connections to school and community resources for students and families
- Support and liaison with GEPH services, including:
- Elementary schools: dental screening, vision screening in Haldimand-Norfolk, Grade 7/8 immunizations, and immunization suspension support.
- Secondary schools: immunization catch-up clinics, food inspections, and sexual health nurse services
- Recommending evidence-informed best practices to support action (e.g., policies and programs)
- Supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Healthy Schools initiatives, including:
- Providing evidence and data to guide decision-making
- Supporting surveys and needs assessments
- Assisting with policy and program development
- Offering training, facilitation, and curriculum consultation
- Supporting community partnerships and collaboration
- Resources for parents and caregivers that can be shared at school events such as:
- Welcome to Kindergarten
- Meet the Teacher nights
- Parent Open Houses
- School Council meetings
PHNs also provide guidance on evidence-based resources and support schools in areas such as:
- Safe and Accepting Schools
- Equity and Inclusion
- Food and Beverage policies
- Daily Physical Activity
- Work in partnership with:
- School-based mental health leads and teams
- Students and student groups
- School councils, caregivers, and other school-based community groups
PHNs work in partnership with:
- School-based mental health leads and teams
- Students and student groups
- School councils, caregivers, and other school-based community groups
Additional support may include promoting and providing guidance on resources from organizations such as School Mental Health Ontario, OPHEA, and PREVNet.
To contact your school’s public health nurse:
Haldimand-Norfolk: Call 519-900-9600 ext. 3285 (Simcoe) or 905-798-9060 (Caledonia, Dunnville) or email schoolhealth@geph.ca.
Brantford-Brant: Call 519-753-4937 ext. 6459 or email schools@geph.ca.
Our dental team visits elementary schools in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk every year to check students’ oral health in accordance with the Oral Health Protocol, 2018, and the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Regulation 570.
Before screenings, letters are sent to parents/guardians of students in the grades being screened. Depending on the school, this may include JK, SK, Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 7.
How does the screening work?
- A registered dental hygienist does a quick look using a dental mirror.
- A sterilized mirror is used for each child. The hygienist wears a surgical mask and practices hand hygiene between each child.
- School screenings do not replace visits with your family dentist. If you have a current concern about your child’s mouth, please follow up with a dentist. Do not wait for the school visit.
Why do we screen students?
- To let you and your child know if there is a concern that could require a follow‑up dental visit
- Public health can help cover dental costs if needed through Healthy Smiles Ontario.
- Screenings allow public health to collect data on each school’s dental health
What happens next?
- Every child screened receives a “report card” with findings
- If a concern is identified, the report card notes next steps
If you do not wish your child to take part in a scheduled clinic at your school, complete the opt‑out form here or call Grand Erie Public Health at 519-900-9600 ext. 3293 at least one week before the clinic date.
If your child is homeschooled and you would like to access screening, you can schedule one at Grand Erie Public Health's Simcoe or Dunnville office.
Questions or concerns? Please contact the Grand Erie Public Health Dental Program.
- Haldimand-Norfolk: 519-900-9600 ext. 3293 or kidsteeth@geph.ca
- Brantford-Brant: 519-753-4937 ext. 6450 or dental@geph.ca
Routine School Vaccines
If your child is in grades 7–12 this school year, they are eligible to receive routine school vaccines or complete a series they have already started. These include Hepatitis B, Meningococcal ACYW‑135, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Please note: Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines require two doses (minimum six months apart). Meningococcal ACYW‑135 is a one‑time dose.
If you prefer vaccinations at your family doctor’s office, your doctor may be able to order them from public health.
Report vaccinations
Parents, please note that all children attending school in Ontario must report vaccination status to the local health unit.
Report all vaccinations received from your health care provider or out of province to public health. Physicians and schools do not report this on your behalf.
Submit records online or by phone, email, or fax. To submit online or learn about other methods, visit Grand Erie Public Health | Immunizations | View and Submit Immunizations
Visual health is an important part of a child’s overall health and well‑being. Proper vision supports movement and coordination, independence, play, and learning. If left untreated, vision problems can prevent a child from reaching their full potential.
Grand Erie Public Health partners with local Lions Clubs to offer school‑based vision screening to senior kindergarten (SK) students in Haldimand-Norfolk according to the Child Visual Health and Vision Screening Protocol, 2018 of the Ontario Public Health Standards (2018).
What is vision screening?
Vision screening is a series of three short tests that can identify risk factors for certain vision disorders.
It is a free service offered at school to SK students yearly.
Vision screening does not replace a full exam by an eye doctor. Children and youth (0–19 years old) are eligible for a free exam every 12 months through OHIP. To find a local optometrist, visit findaneyedoctor.ca.
Why is vision screening important?
Young children may not realize they have a vision problem. Screening is an effective, non‑invasive way to identify potential problems and refer children for a free comprehensive eye exam. Early detection supports learning and development.
What tests are used?
HOTV visual acuity chart (letter book) — measures clarity of vision
- Randot Preschool Stereotest (3D picture book) — measures depth perception
- Autorefractor (automated camera) — screens for refractive errors such as near‑ and farsightedness
If my child wears glasses, do they need screening?
Children who wear glasses are still screened with the HOTV and Randot tests and keep their glasses on.
How will parents be notified?
Parents and guardians of SK students receive notice at least 10 business days before screening.
What happens after screening?
Parents and guardians receive a Parent Notification Form noting overall result (PASS or REFER) and next steps. Those with a REFER result receive a Reminder Letter within 20 business days.
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive exam is a full assessment of the eye and vision system. It includes:
- Child and family eye health history
- Visual acuity and 3D vision
- Eye alignment
- Focusing ability
- Eye health (for example, allergies, infections)
- Developmental milestones related to vision
- Determination of glasses or other treatment (for example, eye drops, vision therapy, referral)
Vision screening cannot diagnose disorders and is not a replacement for an exam by an eye doctor.
How often should infants or children see an eye doctor?
The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends exams at 6 months, at 3 years, and every year thereafter. Children and youth (0–19) are eligible for a free exam every 12 months through OHIP. Learn more at the Ontario Association of Optometrists website.