Transitioning to School (KinderStart)

Public health nurses help keep children healthy by:

• Supporting schools with disease prevention (like handwashing and head lice management)
• Promoting healthy eating, habits, and lifestyle choices
• Giving immunizations as needed
• Educating school staff and families
• Referring families to other services

The public health nurse at your school needs an up-to-date immunization record for your child. The nurse will check student records to ensure everyone is up to date with vaccinations.

• Information on health conditions and treatments.

Head lice can be annoying, but talking to a public health nurse can help. It’s important to remember that anyone can get lice, and it’s okay to ask for help.

• Learn more about head lice.

Eating well helps children grow strong and healthy. Here are some tips:

• Pack healthy snacks and lunches for school. Check out some ideas for healthy lunch and snack ideas for school.
• Offer water instead of sugary drinks. Learn more in Canada’s Food Guide. Drinks with caffeine are not recommended for children.
• Learn more about healthy eating and how to help your child make good choices using Information for Parents and Caregivers to Help Support Healthy Eating.

• Child Health Clinic (4-year-old)
  Call your local public health office to schedule your child’s clinic visit, which includes:
  • Developmental screening
  • Immunizations

• School vaccination program
  Offered in specific grades according to the provincial immunization schedule, with written consent from parent/guardian.

Allergies are common among school-aged children. All families have a role to play in keeping children safe.

• There may be children in your school who have life-threatening allergies. Inform the school if your child has a life-threatening allergy.
• Your school may restrict certain food items in the classroom or the whole school.

Learn about being allergy aware.

Children need to be active to grow and stay healthy. Movement is an important part of their development. Check out the Canadian guidelines for physical activity for young children:

• Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines – early years (0-4 years)
• Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines – children (5-11) and youth (12-17)

Teaching your child good hygiene, like washing hands, is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness.

Children usually bathe:

• once or twice a week.
• when they get dirty (e.g., playing in the mud).
• after being in a pool, lake, ocean or other body of water.
• as often as directed by their doctor if they are treated for skin problems.

Preschool and school-aged children need about 10-12 hours of sleep each night. A good night’s sleep helps them stay alert and ready to learn.

For tips and resources, please visit:

• Sleep: Benefits and recommended amounts for children (About Kids Health)
• Are Canadian Children Getting Enough Sleep? Infographic (PHAC)

Have your child’s car seat installed properly and your child is always buckled in, even for short trips. The back seat is the safest place for your child.

For more information and resources, please visit Car seat safety.

Head injuries can happen while biking but wearing a helmet can reduce the risk by 80%. Your child’s helmet should be the right fit and certified for safety.

For more information and resources, please visit Helmets.

As a parent, you are the first teacher about sexual health. Even with young children, it’s important to start healthy conversations.

Learn more: Sexual health – young child (birth-5).

Being ready for school isn’t just about knowing the alphabet. It’s about being healthy, working well with others, and having the basic skills to learn.

Learn more: Is my child ready for school?

Check out the free online program Parents Empowering Children, which supports parents of children ages 3-12.

Learn more at Bridge the Gapp.