Ready for School

Very soon, your preschooler will be starting full-day kindergarten and their first year of school. Here are a few things that parents can do to make it a great experience.

When you register your child at school, a 3 Year Nipissing Developmental Checklist will be given to you in the information package provided from the Middlesex-London Health Unit. You can also get this checklist at other community sites such as the Ontario Early Years Centers (OEYC). 

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is suggested that you seek help before your child starts school. We want to assist each child to develop to the fullest and be ready for school. In Middlesex-London, call the Health Connection at 519-663-5317, ext. 2280 to speak to a Public Health Nurse.

Another great resource is the full-day kindergarten information from the Ministry of Education.

What’s next?

When a child is starting school in the fall, it’s important to contact the neighbourhood school in January. By calling ahead and/or visiting the school website, you’ll find out how to register your child and what kind of information they need.

Some schools offer a great orientation program for parents and children. For more information, check with your local school board or school.  For example, there is the Thames Valley Neighbourhood Early Learning Program (TVNELP).

What are some new habits and routines to practise before school starts?

Here are some things that you can do to help your child’s development and be better-prepared for school:

• Take time to visit the school and become familiar with it. Walk the route they would be walking
• Start routines about a week before school begins e.g. bedtime, get up at the time they would for school, get dressed and have a healthy breakfast
• Encourage taking turns and sharing
• Encourage independence. Teach your child how to dress themselves
• Provide lots of chances to run, skip and play
• Encourage learning at home. Play ‘I spy’, read together, play counting games
• Listen to your child and encourage questions, but also teach them the skill of listening
• Respond to your child’s emotional needs and teach them the skills to cope with challenges
• Allow opportunities for your child to play with other children and make friends.

Remember, when your child begins school, it’s a time of change for both of you. Your child may be ‘out of sorts’, more tired or hungrier than usual. What can you try?

• Make sure your child gets some extra rest
• Offer a small snack when they first get home
• Perhaps cut back on extra activities to give some them quiet time

What health check-ups do I need to think about?

Before starting school, your child needs to have:

1. A check-up with your family doctor to make sure your child's immunizations are up to date. You can also get immunizations at the Health Unit's Immunization Clinic. You must provide an up-to-date record of your child’s immunization to the Health Unit. This can be done in a variety of ways. Visit the Health Unit's Immunization Records and Reporting Page to find the easiest way to do this.
2. A vision test done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Your child’s Ontario Health Card will cover the cost of a yearly eye exam, so it’s free. You may also visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists or Eye See…Eye Learn for more information about eye doctors or assistance to purchase glasses.
3. A dental check-up. If paying for dental care would cause financial hardship, your child may qualify for free dental care.  In Middlesex-London, call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2231 for details. The Oral Health team will be offering dental screening to all children in junior kindergarten, senior kindergarten, and grade 2 at their schools throughout the year. We encourage you to participate in this program.

What should I share with the school?

These are just a few examples of the type of information that you may want to think about sharing with your child’s school. If you child has:

• A hard time being away from you
• Lost someone important to them not long ago
• Seen any kind of specialist or therapist

If you’re not sure if something is important, call the school and arrange a time to have a confidential discussion.