The Thriving Schools Initiative is a program that helps districts and schools identify areas of strength and opportunity in 14 areas of whole child health. Systemic change happens when we have built support and addressed the variety of needs of the school community​. We are starting with staff. 

Orange County Department of Education in partnership with Kaiser Permanente​ and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, are supporting districts and schools in making positive changes in policy  and practice for all school staff. 

Our partners, along with the CDC, USDA, CASEL and other trusted experts in the field, created two Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment's; one for district use and another for schools. By using these tools and a simple staff survey, we are able to narrow down the areas in which the staff desires support. An action plan is created and we begin improving practices that have long lasting impact. Some of these practices are: 

• Gratitude practices
  
• Continuous professional Learning on staff well- being including stress management, healthy boundaries and self-care
  
• Continuous professional learning on psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity
• Adopting conflict resolution processes
  
• Integrating regular physical activity opportunities for staff
  
• Building positive staff relationships and fostering a positive work culture
• Building emotional intelligence
  
• Creating relaxing staff lounges with biophilic​​ design
  
• Trauma informed practices and more!