Noting that most school-based health care is provided at the secondary level, this report provides background and a rationale for implementing such services at the elementary school level. The first section of the report addresses several questions about school-linked health services, including: what are school-based health centers, why should they be placed in elementary schools, how are they funded, and how do they meet children's health and educational needs? This section also examines how state and federal governments have supported school-based health centers. A case study of a medical center that conducts a school-based health program, and comments on the need for a national focus on elementary school health are also included in this section. The second part of the report is a series of appendices describing model programs and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. Appropriate contacts for further information are also listed. Included is an overview of the National Health and Education Consortium and a list of its members. (BAC)