The TST BOCES School Health Systems Community Service Agreement (CoSer) is an innovative approach designed to transform the way student health services are delivered across our districts. Launched for the 2024-25 school year, this comprehensive service centralizes essential health care functions, striving to make sure that all students receive the support they need to succeed in school.

School Health Systems was developed in response to the growing need for comprehensive and coordinated health services in schools. Recognizing that student health is directly tied to academic achievement, the School Health Systems team aims to address gaps in existing health care systems. This initiative represents a shift towards a more holistic approach to student care. By embedding health professionals into our schools and fostering collaboration between educators and healthcare providers, we are reimagining the role of health care in education.

At its core, School Health Systems is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of students throughout TST BOCES and across our component school districts. By providing a unified health service across districts, the CoSer streamlines processes to allow students to have equitable access to mental, physical, and preventative health care. The program works in close collaboration with schools, families, and medical providers to build a network of support, so that health is prioritized as a critical element of educational success.

Health Mandates & Compliance:

• Fulfill NYS Medical Director responsibilities. For example:

  • Sports clearance / Physicals for students without medical homes

  • CSE Meeting expertise

  • Immunization compliance

• Develop and implement protocols and processes as required by NYS and those determined by schools.

School Support Services: Provide unified support and resources for school nurses, administrators, parents and staff on health-related issues.

Collaborative Care: School Health Systems fosters collaboration with local healthcare providers for students to receive comprehensive mental health, primary care, and preventative services.

A key initiative is the Psychiatric Education for Pediatric Providers Intensive Certificate Program (PEPP), which addresses the regional shortage of mental health providers. This program, which recently launched on September 14, 2024, trains local pediatric providers to better manage psychiatric cases in K-12 students, strengthening the network of care that supports student health and academic success.