Child health is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address the many factors that influence it and are influenced by it. In light of the complexity of children's health, the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) was developed as a framework for a systems approach to planning and implementing school-based children's health programs. CSHP implementation focuses on building healthy school environments that foster healthy lifestyles. This paper describes the process of implementing CSHP in a rural, elementary school district in Southern Illinois. Each of the eight components of CSHP is identified, followed by a discussion of its application in the school district. A District Wellness Committee and School Health Teams were formed, teachers were provided new health education curriculum and received training in integrating the new curriculum into their practice, and a District Wellness Policy was developed and approved by the School Board. Numerous other initiatives were implemented and are described in the paper. Finally, a discussion of lessons learned in the process is offered to assist others who may wish to implement CSHP.