Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for parents, caregivers, and children. This resource contains health information and recommendations to help support a positive transition to school.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit works with schools and school boards to create safe, healthy environments where all children can thrive through the delivery of educational supports and clinical services.

Immunization and Reporting
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Starting Junior Kindergarten? Don’t Forget Immunizations!

It is up to the parent or guardian to make sure all immunization records are reported to the Health Unit, or that a valid exemption is on file. Healthcare Providers do not automatically share immunization records with the Health Unit. Ontario law requires students to be immunized against:

✔ Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio

✔ Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella

✔ Meningococcal disease

The Health Unit will mail letters home to families with missing immunization records or no valid exemption on file.

Steps for families:

  • Check your child’s record and catch up on any missing doses.
  • Book appointments with your health care provider, walk in clinic or health unit clinic.
  • Report every dose to the Health Unit - remember, healthcare providers do not automatically send records to local public health units.
How to Report
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Keeping records up to date avoids surprise letters and helps to keep kids protected.

Staying Healthy and Preventing Illness
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There are simple actions that your family can take to stay healthy throughout the school year.

Handwashing

Encourage your child to wash their hands:

  • After they use the washroom
  • Before eating
  • After sneezing and coughing
  • After being in a public place like school

Stay Home when Sick

  • If your child has symptoms of illness, keep them at home.
  • Have a plan in place to care for sick children at home.

For information on common illnesses and how to care for a sick child, visit the Caring for Kids website, Health Conditions and Treatments (ENG) or Troubles de santé et traitements (FRN)

School Lunches to Help Children Learn, Play, and Grow

Include a variety of foods in school lunches to help your children adjust to the new school environment. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Involve your kids in planning and packing.
  • Use easy-to-open containers.
  • Use insulated lunch bags and thermoses to keep cold food cold and hot food hot.

For more information visit School Lunch Your Kids Will Munch (ENG) or Dîner d’école dont vos enfants raffolent (FRN).

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health at School

School brings new opportunities, challenges, and changes—and as a parent, you playa key role in helping your child manage them.
The School Mental Health Backpack offers:

  • Simple, ready-to-use tools to support your child’s well-being
  • Tips for managing stress and building healthy routines
  • Resources that encourage confidence and resilience
  • Guidance to help families create a positive and supportive school experience

 

Active and Safe Travel to School
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Car Seats and Booster Seats: What Parents Need to Know

Car seats and booster seats are essential for keeping children safe while traveling. Ontario law requires:

  • Car Seats for children until they reach 18 kg (40 lbs).
  • Booster Seats for children until they are at least 4’9” (145 cm) tall, 36 kg (80 lbs), or 8 years old—whichever comes first.

Make sure your child is in the right seat for their age, height, and weight to reduce the risk of injury in a crash.
For more information, visit the Child Safety page from Southwestern Public Health.

Dental and Vision Screening
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Dental Screening

Healthy teeth and gums are essential as your child grows because they help your child eat properly, speak clearly, smile confidently, and develop strong adult teeth in the future. Children’s teeth should be brushed two times a day for two minutes each time.
Don’t forget to floss.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Oral Health Team visits elementary schools every year to provide important dental screenings. Unless you state otherwise, children in JK, SK, Grade 2, 4, and 7 may be screened, with additional grades possible. Free dental screenings will be provided by a Registered Dental Hygienist. Dental screening does not replace regular check-ups by your child’s dentist. School dental screenings are important for early detection of oral health issues and help children become comfortable with dental professionals, promoting lifelong positive dental habits, and reducing future treatment needs.

If you have any concern about your child’s teeth, please call us to discuss options. For more information about free dental services for children aged 0-17, or visit the Healthy Smiles Ontario page on the MLHU website.

Vision Screening

Children often don’t realize they have vision problems, which is why regular eye exams are important.

Screen Time and Sleep
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Screen Time

Your child needs quality family time and active play to grow and develop. When you interact and engage with them, you are supporting the development of essential life skills, such as language, self-regulation, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Screens often get in the way.

REDUCE SCREEN TIME TO 1 HOUR A DAY - LESS IS BETTER

Icrease:
Decrease:
Time spent reading or storytelling with an adult or sibling
Time with any screen, including television, computers, mobile devices (smart phones and tablets), and gaming devices
Energetic play
Sitting activities
Outdoor play and activities
Indoor play and activities

Check out this page form Caring for Kids about Screen Use and Development.

Sleep

Sleep is essential for health, well-being, and school success. Consistent routines for bedtime and morning wake-up time contribute to good quality sleep and help to prepare your child for busy school days.

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that children 3-5 years of age:

  • Have 10-13 hours of good quality sleep
  • Have a nap, if needed
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks
  • Avoid screens before bedtime

Learn more at the Caring for Kids website, Healthy Sleep for your Baby and Child.

Parent Resources
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Parenting is rewarding, but it's also very challenging. Find useful resources for expecting parents, parents of newborns, and parents of school-age children, including public health resources, community resources, and links to other useful websites under the Pregnancy and Parenting menu on the MLHU website.

The Ministry of Education’s resource, Preparing for Kindergarten outlines expectations and readiness information to help support a positive transition to school.

For more information, contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit by calling 519-663-5317.

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