Kindergarten
Keep your children happy, safe and healthy with public health guidance, resources, programs, and services to support your child and family.
Services
Public health information
A Public Health Nurse from your local health unit is assigned to each school. The Public Health Nurse provides educational health and safety resources, immunizations and communicable disease control.
Find your local public health unit
Routine childhood immunization
We recommend Kindergarten children be immunized before starting school. Children 4 years of age need a booster of Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Tetanus, Polio and a booster of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (Chicken Pox).
Learn more at immunizebc.caWhere to get immunizations
If your child is not yet fully immunized, immunizations are available at your local public health unit, some family doctors or select local pharmacies. Learn more about public health Immunization Clinics.
Immunization records
Providing immunization records to public health helps us respond quickly to outbreaks in schools and helps everyone get back to learning as soon as possible. Since 2019, the collection of immunization information for school age students is also required by law. Please provide your child’s immunization record when registering at your school or use the online school immunization reporting form.
How to prevent the spread of illness
Parents and guardians play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age. Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Hand washing is important before and after eating, using the toilet, and blowing your nose.
What to do when your child is sick
Students who are exhibiting symptoms of illness, including respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, should stay home until they are well enough to participate in regular activities. Those who are vomiting or have diarrhea should be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before returning to school. For up-to-date information on childhood infections, visit the BCCDC's Quick Guide to Common Childhood Diseases.
Dental, hearing and vision health
Dental: Children with healthy teeth have better mental and social well-being and learn better at school. Tooth decay can be prevented with good daily dental care, nutrition and regular visits to the dentist or dental hygienist every six months. To learn more about dental health and for information about free & low-cost dental services, visit the Dental Public Health Program page.
Hearing: The Hearing Screening Team visits Kindergarten students in every elementary school to screen for hearing loss and for medical conditions of the outer and middle ear. Learn more about audiology Services.
Vision: Good vision is important for children’s learning and development. All children should see an optometrist before kindergarten, to start school ready to learn. Learn more about vision services for children
Management of medical conditions in school
Please let your school know if your child requires additional support at school for the management of anaphylaxis (severe allergy), diabetes, seizures, asthma and/or any other complex medical needs.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding health and safety resources, immunizations and communicable disease control, you can speak with a Public Health Nurse by calling your local public health unit.
Resources
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Healthy Kids Program
The Healthy Kids Program provides coverage for basic dental treatment, optical care and hearing assistance to children in low-income families.
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Canada Dental Benefit
The interim Canada Dental Benefit is intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year.
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Parenting preschoolers (3-5 years)
HealthLinkBC - Learn ways that you can nurture your child’s development and help build your relationship with them.
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Screen time and the young child
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Sleep and your preschooler
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The morning struggle
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