Ongoing Research
Read more about the research projects the REACH School Network (also called the Model Schools Pediatric Health Initiative) is currently working on.
Growth and Nutrition at the REACH School Network
This study aims to evaluate the impact of children’s growth and nutrition (eating behaviours, dietary Intake, and food environment) on their education outcomes and to explore if social determinants of health modify these associations.
Collaboration with TARGet Kids!
Prospective Chart Review of the REACH School Network at 3 School Based Health Center sites
This is an ongoing prospective multisite chart review of the REACH School Network. The REACH School Network (also known as the Model School Pediatric Health Initiative within the Toronto District School Board) arose out of concern about health access inequities and disparities among Toronto’s most at-risk inner-city neighbourhoods. These at-risk families face barriers to accessing health care including transportation barriers, cultural and linguistic barriers, lack of a government health card, discrimination, and stigmatization. The school system represents an innovative access point for children facing barriers to health care. This program was founded in 2010 to help alleviate these barriers and disparities. The REACH School Network now has three school-based health center sites which serve 75 inner-city schools. Providing health care in schools may be the most direct and efficient way to ensure that all children have access to the care they need including diagnosis, care management, follow-up of multiple health and school related concerns.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Parents/Caregivers at the REACH School Network
The REACH School Network COVID-19 study (adaptation of The CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS)[1]) was administered at three different time points: baseline, 6 months, and 12 months during the pandemic. This study aims to explore and better understand the experiences of families accessing the REACH School Network School-Based Health Centers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The REACH School Network will use this information to better advocate for the families they serve.
Feasibility Study on the Coping Power Program at the REACH School Network
The study aims to assess the feasibility of the Coping Power Program at the REACH School Network. The feasibility criteria for the Coping Power Program will be used to inform if and how to proceed with a future, larger controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of Coping Power in the REACH School Network and to determine clinical profiles of children with disruptive behaviour to inform treatment response prediction and development of personalized care pathways within the school context. Ultimately this feasibility trial is a necessary first step to determine the measurement, clinical and procedures necessary to enhance behavioral health care for children, maximize medical resources and reduce barriers through linkages with the school-based team.
Collaboration with Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
School Based Health Care: A Model for Improving Educational Achievement for Children in Inner City Schools
The overall objective of this study is to examine educational achievement, as defined by standardized test scores and report cards in students who use the REACH School Network for developmental concerns relative to those who do not. The secondary objectives are to examine socio-demographic data for these students and its relationship to educational achievement.
References:
[1] Merikangas, K., Milham, M., Stringaris, A. The CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS). http://www.crisissurvey.org. Accessed 2022.
