The Student Support Services Department supports schools and communities through programs designed to promote health, increase safety, and improve nutrition in Montana schools. This Division provides resources designed to prevent major health problems and health-risk behaviors among youth and to help Montana students reach their full potential.
- Jessie Counts, Student Support Services Manager, (406) 444-4706,Jessica.Counts@mt.gov
- Jessie Counts, Special Education Director, (406) 444-4706,Jessica.Counts@mt.gov
- Jamey Petersen, Coordinated School Health Unit Director, (406) 437-1760,Jamey.Petersen@mt.gov
- Chris Emerson, School Nutrition Programs Director, (406) 444-2502,cemerson@mt.gov
- Caroline Olson, School Nutrition Programs Assistant Director, (406) 437-4688,caroline.olson@mt.gov
- BULLYING PREVENTION: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) related to awareness and prevention.
- EARLY CHILDHOOD: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) related to early childhood programs.
- DYSLEXIA: Resources for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) related to dyslexia.
- HEALTH ENHANCEMENT: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) related to resources, assistance, and curricular materials on Physical and Health Education.
- SCHOOL HEALTH PROFILES: A two-level questionnaire conducted biennially among middle and high school principals and health education teachers.
- SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: The School Nutrition Programs unit administers eight U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs that reimburse schools and distribute USDA foods for meals served to children, teaches workshops for school personnel, ensures that schools implement federal regulations, and provides nutrition education for students.
- SPECIAL EDUCATION: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in Montana related to special education programs.
- SUICIDE PREVENTION: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in Montana related to youth suicide awareness and prevention.
- TOBACCO USE PREVENTION: Supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and promotes comprehensive tobacco-free policy.
- 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS: Supports Grant Awarded Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and community-based organizations that supports academic enrichment during non-school hours in a community learning center environment.
- YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY (YRBS): A biennial student survey of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among youth and adults.