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Kindergarten readiness and parenting supports

Getting ready for Kindergarten

Children start kindergarten at different stages and with different life experiences. This is normal. The tips and resources below can help you support your child as they get ready for school and feel excited about learning. 

As your child starts school, it is important to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date and reported to Huron Perth Public Health. 

It is a parent's/legal guardian’s responsibility to report their child’s immunizations to HPPH. Most healthcare providers do not routinely report your child’s immunization record to Huron Perth Public Health.  

Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), requires school-aged children to be immunized against: 

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio 
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella 
  • Meningococcal disease 

Once a year, the Health Unit mails ISPA notices home to families of children with missing records or no valid exemption on file. 

How to report your child's immunizations: 

Keeping records up to date at the health unit avoids unnecessary ISPA reminder letters and helps keep schools and kids protected. 

Good oral health starts early. Caring for your child’s teeth and gums helps prevent cavities and supports overall health. 

Huron Perth Public Health’s Oral Health team visits elementary schools each year to provide free dental screenings. Unless you choose not to take part, children in JK, SK, and Grades 2, 4, and 7 may be screened by a Registered Dental Hygienist. 

School dental screenings do not replace regular dental visits. Seeing a dentist helps find problems early and supports long‑term dental health. 

If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, please contact the HPPH oral health team at 1-888-221-2133, Ext. 3561 to talk about options. 

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a free dental program that helps eligible children and youth (17 years and under) access essential oral health care. If your family does not have dental insurance and covering the cost of care is difficult, your child may qualify for this program. 

Learn more about free dental programs and dental hygiene for children aged 0–17: 
Oral Health | Huron Perth Public Health  

Children may not know they are having trouble seeing. Regular eye exams help catch vision problems early. 

OHIP covers the cost of annual eye exams for children and youth aged 19 and under. 

The Eye See…Eye Learn® program (Ontario Association of Optometrists) provides one free pair of glasses, if needed, for children in junior or senior kindergarten:  

Hearing concerns can be hard to notice in young children. If you are worried about your child’s hearing, contact your healthcare provider for a referral, or contact an audiologist directly.  

Learn more: 

Most school boards generally expect children to manage toileting on their own when they start school. However, toileting is a developmental skill, and children reach this milestone at different times and in different ways.  

Most children learn to use the toilet between ages 2 and 4. With patience, routine, and encouragement, you can help your child feel confident and independent. 

Learn more: 

Routines and Care | Huron Perth Public Health. Tips on building daily routines and caring for babies/toddlers, including sleep, toileting, and healthy habits. 

Toileting learning for children with complex needs 

Some children, including those with developmental delays or autism, may benefit from additional support. Schools can work with families to explore accommodations, routines, and strategies to help meet a child’s individual needs and support their comfort and independence at school. 

Helpful resources: 

Healthy habits and daily routines

Healthy habits start with daily routines. Predictable routines help children feel safe and lower stress for the whole family. 

A calm, predictable morning routine helps your child feel confident and ready for their kindergarten day and makes mornings easier for everyone. 

Tips to support your kindergartener’s morning routine: 

  • Try to follow the same steps each morning. Consistent routines help children feel secure and understand what to expect.
  • Use a simple visual schedule with pictures or objects to show each step and build independence.
  • Limit distractions, such as screens, to help your child stay focused.
  • Offer gentle transition reminders like, “In five minutes, it will be time to put on your shoes.”
  • Check in with your child’s feelings about the day ahead, with a simple question like, “How are you feeling today?” to support emotional readiness.
  • Encourage routine with positive, specific praise: “You got dressed all by yourself, great job!” 

Sleep supports learning, mood, growth, and overall health. 

Children 3-4 years old need 10-13 hours of good quality sleep per day, including naps. 

Children ages 5–13 usually need 9–11 hours of sleep each night. Needs may vary. 

Healthy sleep habits include: 

  • Consistent bedtimes and wake up times
  • Daily physical activity
  • Creating a relaxing and predictable bedtime routine (for example, bath/shower, brush and floss teeth, pajamas, story time/reading)
  • No screens 1–2 hours before bed 

Learn more: 

Sleep | Children and Youth | Huron Perth Public Health. Information on why sleep is important, how much children need, and tips to help them build healthy sleep routines.

Being active every day supports children’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Physical activity helps children and youth build strong bones and muscles, improve mood and focus, and develop confidence and social skills. Being active together as a family can also strengthen connections and build healthy routines. 

Did you know? Children 3-4 years old need at least 180 minutes spent in a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, of which at least 60 minutes is energetic play. More is better. Children and youth ages 5–18 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day, plus light activity. 

Learn more: 

Physical Activity for Children and Youth | Huron Perth Public Health. Information on the importance of physical activity, how much kids need, and ways families can help children stay active. 

Many children walk to school. This is a great way to give an active start to their day, improving mood and focus; providing opportunities to develop skills and confidence. 

No matter how your child gets to school, every family can help make the journey to school safer: 

On a bus route? Take the bus – less cars in the school neighbourhood means more safety and better air quality for children who walk to school  

In the walk zone? Plan and role model – find the perfect route for your family. Paths and sidewalks, crossing guards and crosswalks, shade trees and slow traffic speeds, all help make your walk safer and more enjoyable. Role model and narrate safe habits like always crossing at crosswalks, looking left-right-and-left-again to help children prepare to do the journey safely and independently when they’re older. 

Have to drive? Walk-a-block!  Everyone’s life situation is different, and some people need to drive kids to school (e.g., out of boundary students). Plan your route and parking to avoid your car being a danger in the school neighbourhood. A short walk is a great way to start the day. 

Learn More: 

First Rider Program | Huron Perth Student Transportation Services.  Introduction to school bus safety for new riders, helping children and families feel comfortable using the bus. 

Active Transportation | Huron Perth Public Health. Information on walking, biking, and other active ways to travel, with benefits for physical and mental health. 

Bike and Road Safety | Huron Perth Public Health. Safety tips and resources for sharing the road, including cycling, driving, and pedestrian safety. 

Too much recreational screen time can affect sleep, attention, and well‑being. 

Parents and caregivers can help by: 

  • Encouraging active and outdoor play
  • Setting clear screen‑time limits
  • Modelling healthy screen habits
  • Setting screen-free spaces (e.g., dinner table, vehicles) 

Learn More: 
Screens and Digital Media Use | Huron Perth Public Health. Information on healthy screen use, including risks of too much screen time and tips for managing children’s digital media use. 

Packing nutritious, balanced lunches can help your child feel more comfortable and energized as they settle into the school day. Offering a variety of foods supports focus, growth, and a positive relationship with eating. 

Helpful tips for packing lunches: 

  • Involve your child in planning and packing their lunch
  • Choose easy‑to‑open containers they can manage on their own
  • Use insulated lunch bags and thermoses to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot 

Looking for inspiration? Check out Mini Meals for Nutritious Breaks for simple, kid‑friendly meal ideas.  

Viruses are easily spread in schools and other group settings. Here are some key actions you and your family can take to reduce the spread of illness: 

  • Check your child’s immunization records online to make sure they are up to date with all required immunizations, as per Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule.  HPPH also recommends yearly influenza and COVID vaccine for your family to protect against severe illness from these viruses. 

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds and dry hands completely. Consider packing alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your child’s lunch bag or backpack. Look for at least 70% alcohol content.  

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. 

  • Stay home when sick. Do not return to school until symptoms are improving and no fever for 24 hours (48 hours if vomiting or diarrhea). If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms contact your healthcare provider or call 811. 

  • Encourage children to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, hair accessories, water bottles, cutlery, and items that have been in the mouth. 

Head lice are a common nuisance and can spread whenever there is close to head-to-head contact, particularly among children in childcare programs, schools and recreational groups where close contact happens. Head lice is not a disease and poses no health risk. Learn how to identify and treat head lice. 

Did you know?: Head lice shampoo is available to purchase without a prescription at most pharmacies. It is also publicly funded with a prescription (covered by OHIP+) for anyone aged 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. Talk to your family doctor or a local pharmacist for more information. 

Learn more: 

Head lice fact sheet and FAQ | HPPH. Overview of head lice, including how they spread, symptoms, and how to check and treat them. 

Starting school brings many new opportunities, along with challenges and changes for many students. As parents and caregivers, you play a key role in helping your child manage these new experiences and feel ready to learn. 

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 

 Learn more:  

School Mental Health Backpack | Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health School mental health resources and tips to help parents support their child’s well-being and success at school 

Mental health at home - By your side – Parents and caregivers | School Mental Health Ontario  Tips, activities, and guidance for parents to support their child’s mental health and well-being at home. 

Coping Strategies for At Home - Mental Health and Well-Being | Avon Maitland District School Board  Coping strategies and mental health resources to help students and families build skills like managing emotions and stress at home. 

If you or your child needs mental health supports, community resources are available Get Help Now - Mental Health and Well-Being | Avon Maitland District School Board  

Attendance Matters 

Did you know? Missing just two days of school each month adds up to 10% of the school year. 

In kindergarten, being at school regularly helps children build early skills like reading, while also giving them time to grow their confidence, make friends, and feel part of their classroom and school community. 

Starting good attendance habits in kindergarten helps children learn that being at school on time, every day is important. These habits can help set a strong foundation as they move through school. 

For more information about why attendance matters in kindergarten, visit: 
Attendance (I AM Here) | Avon Maitland District School Board.  Information about the “I AM Here” campaign promoting regular school attendance and supports to help students get to school. 

Social and emotional growth

Social and emotional skills help children build relationships, manage feelings, and feel confident as they learn and grow. The resources below offer simple ways to support your child’s well-being as they prepare for kindergarten.

Helping your child grow socially and emotionally is important. These skills help your child do well in school, make friends, and feel happy. Social and emotional development is how children learn to:

  • build close, safe relationships with family, caregivers, and friends 
  • understand and manage their feelings in healthy ways
  • feel confident to play, explore, and learn 

You can support your child by learning about their needs and helping them feel safe, supported, and cared for. 

Learn More: 

Social & Emotional Learning | Rural Response for Healthy Children  Overview of social and emotional learning with tools and resources for kids. 

RESOURCES | SEL Matters  Downloadable SEL resources like fact sheets and posters to support children’s social and emotional development. 

Coping Strategies for At Home - Mental Health and Well-Being - Avon Maitland District School Board  Coping strategies and mental health resources to help students and families build skills like managing emotions and stress at home. 

Every child experiences emotions differently and expresses them in their own way. 

Their temperament shapes how they react to new situations, show their emotions and connect with others. Understanding your child’s temperament can help you support them during the transition to kindergarten, especially as they adjust to new routines, people, and expectations. 

As a parent or caregiver, it can be helpful to understand: 

  • that no temperament is good or bad, children simply have different ways of responding and feeling 

  • how your own temperament and emotional responses can influence your interactions with your child 

 

Children are still learning how to understand and manage their emotions, because the parts of the brain responsible for self‑regulation and problem‑solving are still developing. They rely on caring adults to help them make sense of big feelings and learn healthy coping skills. Some may express feelings quickly and intensely, while others may take more time to warm up or share how they feel. Supporting your child’s emotional development can include: 

  • noticing and naming their feelings (e.g., “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated”) 

  • helping them feel safe and understood when big emotions come up 

  • gently guiding them toward ways to cope, such as taking a break, asking for help, or using calming strategies 

When you understand your child’s temperament and emotional needs, it becomes easier to set realistic expectations, build strong relationships, and support their readiness for school and learning. 

 

Learn more: 
Temperament in your baby and child | Sick Kids. Read about different characteristics and types of temperament and how you can match your parenting approach to your child’s behavioural style. 
 

Healthy Mental & Emotional Development: 4 Key Building Blocks | HealthyChildren.org. Explore how relationships and experiences build kids’ resilience. 

Children are still learning the skills that help them stay calm, focused, and in control of their behaviour. These skills are known as self‑regulation and executive functioning, and they support children at home, at school, and with friends.  

These skills help children to:  

  • listen and follow directions
  • manage feelings in positive ways
  • say what they need appropriately
  • take turns and share
  • get along with others
  • plan ahead and focus on tasks
  • control impulses
  • solve problems and finish tasks 

Children are not born with these skills. They develop over time as children grow. Schools work with students on them and caregivers also need to support the healthy development of these skills at home. There are many simple things you can do each day to help your child build self-regulation and executive function skills. 

Learn More: 

 Your Baby & Toddler's Development | Huron Perth Public Health. Overview of baby and toddler development, including milestones, brain growth, and ways to support healthy development. 

Coping Strategies for At Home - Mental Health and Well-Being | Avon Maitland District School Board. Grade specific tools to support coping strategies at home. 

Separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood that can intensify during the transition to kindergarten, and it looks different for every child. By preschool age (3–5 years), most children can handle separation more easily because they’ve had more practice with goodbyes and are becoming more comfortable with short periods away from their caregivers. 

However, during times of change or increased stress, your child may show more intense reactions to separation. This is normal. Being understanding and offering comfort and reassurance can help your child adjust to separating from you when starting school. 

Before Starting School 

  • Follow your child’s pace and introduce new routines slowly. 
  • Help your child get used to being with trusted caregivers for short, supported separations.
  • Use play and role‑playing to practice school routines.
  • Read books about starting school or kindergarten (check your local library).
  • Attend school orientation events together.
  • Walk through the school and visit places like the office, library, and playground.
  • Talk with your child about the adults they will see at school, such as teachers, early childhood educators, office staff, and other helpers.
  • Meet other families who are also starting kindergarten, if possible. 

These strategies can build your child’s confidence before the school year starts. As school gets underway, you can build on this foundation to help your child manage separation during drop‑off and pick-up. 

When you drop your child off at school or at the bus:  

  • Be consistent with drop‑off routines.
  • Always say goodbye.
  • Use a simple goodbye routine (for example: a hug, a song, or a special wave).
  • Stay calm and confident. Let your child know you understand their feelings.
  • Offer praise and reassurance.
  • Leave promptly and without hesitation. 

When you pick your child up or get them off the bus: 

  • Greet your child with a smile and a hug.
  • Let them know you missed them and are happy to see them.
  • Encourage your child to share stories about their day. 

Working With the School

Let your child’s teacher know if your child has difficulty separating from you. This helps teachers and school administration support your child and work with you to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible. 

Community supports for families

Have questions? Need extra support? Find out more about local resources.

There are many things you can do at home to give your child a positive start to learning and help them feel confident and ready for kindergarten. Even so, it’s normal to have questions or need extra support along the way. 

Preparing for kindergarten is a shared community effort. Many local supports can help you and your child get ready for this important transition, including: 

  • EarlyON Child and Family Centres across Huron and Perth counties 

These organizations offer welcoming spaces, early learning opportunities, and school readiness supports for children and caregivers. 

Online resources for families 

  • Preparing for Kindergarten (Ministry of Education) outlines what families can expect and provides helpful information to support a positive transition to school. 

  • Getting Ready for School (Play to Learn) A resource for parents and caregivers that offers practical tips, tools, and ideas to support your child’s learning and readiness for kindergarten. 

As your child grows and learns, so do you as a parent. For more information on a variety of different parenting topics visit: Parenting | Huron Perth Public Health.  

Contact Us

Huron Perth Public Health

Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0

Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca