Transitioning to School (KinderStart)
Supporting your child’s health and wellbeing: Transitioning to school (KinderStart)
KinderStart is a school transition program offered to young children in the year before kindergarten.
Public Health is here to help support your child’s health and well-being as they prepare for Kinderstart. Families often have questions when their children start school. Some of the common health concerns are addressed below.
The role of the public health nurse (click to expand) »The public health nurse supports families in keeping their children healthy by:
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Preventing illness (click to expand) »Please ensure that the public health nurse for your school has a current immunization record for your child. The public health nurse will review student records to ensure up-to-date immunization status.
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Preventing and managing head lice (click to expand) »Dealing with head lice can be frustrating. Some people are embarrassed that their family has head lice, but it may help to talk with a public health nurse.
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Healthy eating (click to expand) »Eating well is one of the most important things parents and caregivers can do for their children’s health.
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Immunization (click to expand) »The nurse will offer vaccinations according to the provincial immunization schedule and direction.
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Allergies (click to expand) »Allergies are common among school-aged children. All families have a role to play in keeping children safe.
Learn about being allergy aware. |
Physical activity (click to expand) »Movement is an important part of healthy living at any age. It is essential for children.
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Personal hygiene (click to expand) »Good hygiene practices help prevent the spread of certain diseases.
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Sleep (click to expand) »Preschool and school-age children typically require 10-12 hours of sleep every night to be rested and alert during the day. For tips and resources, please visit:
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Child car safety (click to expand) »As parents, you want to keep your child safe. The proper use of car seats is an important part of keeping your child safe. You can:
For more information and resources, please visit Car seat safety. |
Head injury prevention (click to expand) »Head injuries are the number one cause of severe injury and death to kids on bicycles. Bike helmet use can make a dramatic difference, cutting the risk of serious head injury by up to 80 percent. Choose the correct helmet for each activity, fit it correctly, and see that it is certified (meets approved CSA standards). For more information and resources, please visit Helmets. |
Sexuality (click to expand) »Parents are the first and most important sexual health educators of their children. As a parent of a young child, discussing healthy sexuality may not seem like a topic you should consider so early – but it is! Learn more: Sexual health – young child (birth-5). |
School readiness (click to expand) »Many parents think children are ready for school if they’ve learned certain academic activities, such as knowing the alphabet. In fact, school readiness means much more. It means that children start school with the basic skills to learn to read, write and count. It also means that children are healthy and can get along with others. Learn more: Is my child ready for school? |
Free online positive parenting program (click to expand) »Parents Empowering Kids is a free online program for parents of children ages 3-12. Learn more at Bridge the Gapp. |
Enjoy the Journey!
- The road to success in school begins early.
- Good health, loving and respectful relationships, parental support, and praise all help children do well later in life.
- You are the most important person in your child’s life.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555