Supporting The Whole Child: Study Shows Parents Want More Mental Health Support For Kids

Supporting the Whole Child: Study Shows Parents Want More Mental Health Support for Kids

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A recent study has revealed that parents in Ohio are eager to see their children receive support both inside and outside the classroom, and they have full confidence in teachers’ abilities to guide their kids.

The Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University’s Community Research Institute, conducted a comprehensive study over a period of six months. More than 1,000 K-12 parents were surveyed on various topics ranging from school nutrition to social-emotional learning, which is referred to as the "Whole Child Framework."

According to the study, CDF-Ohio advocates for the implementation of "whole child" approaches to education in Ohio. This involves providing access to resources such as healthcare, food assistance, housing, and transportation, as the state has over 430,000 children living in poverty. The study highlighted the fact that many children in Ohio attend school without their basic needs being met, which poses a significant barrier to their learning.

Schools are making efforts to address these challenges by offering behavioral health programs, free meals, and community initiatives. These initiatives aim to address basic needs and combat educational issues in the state, such as chronic absenteeism.

The study found that 46% of parents reported their child receiving free school lunches every day of the week, and 87% believed that these meals should be provided free of charge, regardless of a student’s ability to pay.

The overwhelming consensus among parents was that school districts and communities should collaborate to offer educational programs that go beyond the fundamentals and provide personalized and relevant support for students as a whole.

According to the study, 87% of parents agreed that customized, relevant support should include evidence-based curriculum and instruction. Additionally, 85% of parents believed that school curricula and instructional materials should reflect the life experiences, cultures, and languages of the students.

Interestingly, these findings contrast with the ongoing debate surrounding "critical race theory" in some Ohio schools. Conservative organizations have raised concerns regarding the inclusion of racial history in school curricula. Several bills are currently under consideration in the Ohio legislature to regulate curricula and prevent teachers from delivering lessons that could make students feel "uncomfortable" or introduce "divisive concepts," such as the 1619 Project’s examination of slavery in America.

The study demonstrated that parents hold teachers in high regard, with over 90% expressing trust in their ability to serve as positive role models and deliver age-appropriate content.

The study concluded by stating that parents, across all demographics, have confidence in their own capabilities as leaders and partners in their children’s education. They also have a high level of trust in teachers to model and foster the life skills necessary for their children’s success and well-being.

Ohio Capital Journal operates within the States Newsroom network, which comprises news bureaus funded by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. For queries, please contact Editor David DeWitt at info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and Twitter.

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