Office of Whole Child Supports

The Office of Whole Child Supports assists districts/schools and communities in identifying and addressing student barriers to success while expanding learning opportunities.

Justin D. Hill, Ed.S.

Deputy Superintendent Office of Whole Child Supports

juhill@doe.k12.ga.us

(404) 567-0728

wholechild@doe.k12.ga.us

Updates/Recent News

Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness

The Georgia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency would like to recognize schools for going above and beyond in their efforts to create safe and supportive learning environments and minimize risk factors. The Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness will be awarded to all schools who apply and meet specific safety planning criteria.

The window for applications will be open through November 15, 2024. Schools awarded the Seal of Preparedness will be announced in February 2025.

Seal of Preparedness Application

FY25 School Security Grants

Governor Kemp, with the support of the General Assembly, has provided $108,905,000 for school security grants in the FY2025 budget (HB 916). The funds will provide $47,124 to 2,311 schools, 24 GNETS programs, and three state schools to address school security needs including but not limited to school resource officers, safety infrastructure, safety training, the development of school safety plans, mental health supports, and other options. Learn more here.

Additional Information

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety and support improved academic outcomes.More information about PBIS can be found here: PBIS.

School Climate

We recognize that students learn best in schools with positive climates, where people are engaged and respected. Simply put, if a child is not physically and mentally in attendance, learning cannot take place. To learn more about the importance of school climate and evidence-based solutions (e.g. PBIS) to improve climate please visit: School Climate.

Mental Health and Wellbeing