Since the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) became a formally recognized Live Well San Diego partner on November 19, 2014, they have continued to serve as a regional leader in student health, safety and wellness. They are connecting students to nature through Outdoor Education, facilitating the Total Wellness at Work program for employees, providing programs to districts that promote physical and emotional health, and implementing emergency preparedness programs. SDCOE recognizes the link between student, staff and faculty well-being and ongoing learning and is committed to providing a comprehensive environment that supports and promotes learning, wellness, healthy eating, nutrition education, physical education, and activity for students, faculty and staff.

“Our County Board of Education is very proud to be a Live Well San Diego partner as well as our County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Randy Ward,” said Lisa Contreras, Communications Specialist for SDCOE. “Dr. Ward is very passionate about getting school districts involved with Live Well San Diego and has helped increased the number of schools that will and have become recognized partners.”

SDCOE provides a variety of services ranging from district and school improvement to budget approval and monitoring for the 42 school districts, 119 charter schools, and five community college districts in San Diego County. SDCOE supports 774 schools and 503,096 students, including the more than 11,000 children they educate each year through their Juvenile Court and Community Schools.

“One of the many ways we partner with the County is through our  Juvenile Court and Community Schools, which provide a fully-accredited educational programs for school-age youth who are either wards of the court or have been referred by social services, probation, or one of the 42 school districts in San Diego County,” said Contreras. “Our educational opportunities include serving students with special needs, incarcerated youth, pregnant minors, foster youth, expelled teens, and chronically truant youth, students in drug treatment centers and group homes for neglected or abused children, and homeless youth.”

SDCOE has also partnered with the County on the Quality Preschool Initiative and an emergency preparedness curriculum called Be Aware, Be Prepared Emergency Preparedness.

“Funded by First 5, the Quality Preschool Initiative provides high-quality preschool opportunities in several communities throughout San Diego County with the ultimate goal of reducing the school readiness gap and improving school achievement,” said Contreras. “We have also partnered with the County of San Diego to develop an interactive curriculum for fourth grade students to learn what to do in the event of a natural disaster.”

SDCOE is excited to continue their efforts in supporting each school district and the community to be healthy, safe and thriving.

“At SDCOE, we are always willing to help any of the school districts reach their goals and they can always reach out to us,” said Contreras.