CPCHE Resources
Explore CPCHE’s work on child care and school environments. Our evidence-informed resources and guides, including our popular Child Care Checklist, are a key part of our collaborative efforts to ensure safe and healthy learning environments for all children.
Everyday actions — ranging from choosing safer cleaning products and toys to introducing a fragrance-free policy or composting program — can help a child care program create healthier indoor and outdoor spaces for children and staff, while contributing to environmental sustainability and action on climate change.
Shifting to electric school buses is a step in ensuring healthy learning environments and better health outcomes for all children. To accelerate this shift and to strengthen partners’ advocacy efforts, CPCHE, in partnership with Pollution Probe and Mobility Futures Lab created this messaging kit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about extreme heat, wildfire smoke and other climate-related indoor air quality concerns in schools and child care settings that can affect children’s health. Learn more about the health risks and practical measures to improve air quality in learning settings.
HELD is an annual national campaign by (CPCHE) that aims to raise awareness of and encourage action to prevent environmental health risks to children in early learning child care environments and schools.
Canada is at a crossroads in the development of a universally affordable child care sector that promises to make quality child care attainable for all children and families across the country.
Healthy Environments for Learning Day (HELD)
There is robust research showing that children are healthier, more active, learn better, have improved social interactions and better mental health when they have ample time in natural outdoor settings.
Extreme heat poses significant health risks for children and staff working in learning environments. Learn more about the impacts of extreme heat and advocate for the protection of all children in Canada.
Indoor air quality plays a critical role in shaping children’s respiratory health, immune function, and cognitive development.
Learn more about why it is time to shift to electric school buses and how to help support this growing movement.
Learn more about creating healthy and sustainable child care environments both indoors and out.
Five ways students, schools and child care programs can help Canada reach net-zero carbon emissions.
When it comes to diesel emissions and children’s health. Does your school get an “A” for action?
Learn more about Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from rock and soil.
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, putting children’s health at risk. These short videos outline simple measures child care professionals can take to keep indoor and outdoor spaces cool when temperatures rise.
Evidence shows that access to nature is beneficial to nearly every facet of children’s well-being, including their physical and mental health, social interactions, and readiness to learn.
Investing in school bus electrification in Canada is an opportunity to achieve multiple child health benefits – from better physical and mental health outcomes, to improvements in academic performance and learning.
This resource can be used by teachers, parents, health professionals and transportation stakeholders to increase awareness and advocate for the child-health benefits of investing in electric school buses (ESBs). It includes health evidence, along with responses to key claims and concerns.
Improving indoor air quality is not just about cleaner air—it’s about giving all children the best chance to learn, grow, and thrive in safe and healthy environments. This blog highlights existing policy and legislative tools that can support improvements in indoor air quality.
Wildfire smoke in schools, child care facilities and other educational settings can pose a health risk for children and interfere with learning. This blog explores how portable air cleaners can help reduce indoor smoke exposure and support healthier air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
This resource is a compilation of the references cited in the eight FAQs: Climate-related Indoor Air Quality Concerns in Learning Settings, as well as the health evidence reviewed and additional helpful resources by topic (FAQ).
How does indoor air quality affect children? Are there signs that parents and educators should watch for?
Where can I find out if our local air quality is unhealthy?
We had a flooding event in our school/child care setting and are now noticing a musty smell. What should we do?
Our school/child care setting is next to a busy road. What measures can be taken to minimize the impact of traffic-related air pollution on indoor air quality?
Our classrooms are not air conditioned and we are experiencing both heat and wildfire smoke. What should we do to reduce the health risks?
Are there practical measures that schools and child care programs can take to reduce the health risks of wildfire smoke?
Are portable air cleaners an effective way to improve indoor air quality in learning settings?
Are there standards, guidelines and regulations to ensure healthy indoor air quality in learning settings?
