Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for parents, caregivers and children. The following information will help you prepare for a healthy and enjoyable transition to school.
Une entrée saine à la maternelle ou au jardin d’enfants (French)
Is your child ready for school?
Does your child have an up-to-date immunization record with WDG Public Health?
To have an up-to-date immunization record, children attending school need to be immunized according to Ontario’s Immunization Schedule (PDF) and the immunizations must be reported to Public Health. Parents must report their child’s immunizations to Public Health. Schools and doctors are not required to do this. To learn more and how to report immunizations or view your child’s record, visit School and Child Care Immunizations.
Has your child visited the dentist?
Oral health plays an important part of your child’s health, self-esteem and well-being. Public Health offers free dental services for eligible children and youth who cannot afford the cost of dental care. Our Oral Health Services team can also help eligible families apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Visit Children’s Dental & Oral Health or call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661 for more information.
Has your child had an eye examination?
Proper vision is important for a child’s movement and coordination, independence, play and learning. Children and youth (0-19 years old) are eligible for a free exam by an eye doctor every 12 months through OHIP.
The Eye See…Eye Learn® program is available to children in junior or senior kindergarten and will provide one pair of glasses per child when the exam is done through a participating optometrist. Visit Vision Health for more information about the program.
Sight for Success Program
In addition to Eye See…Eye Learn®, the Sight for Success Program supports students in grades 1-12 who have financial need and require prescription glasses. This Public Health program provides a subsidy of up to $160 toward the cost of glasses for eligible students. To qualify, a student must:
- Be enrolled full time at a school in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
- Complete a comprehensive eye exam with an Ontario optometrist within the past six months (covered by OHIP)
- Meet financial eligibility criteria as determined by Public Health
For more information or to apply, visit Sight for Success Program or contact Client and Community Support at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 or email clientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
Public Health supports for parents
Public Health provides supports for parents and caregivers. Public health nurses are available to answer questions about your child’s health, assist you with accessing programs and services, and provide resources with more information. Visit Supports for Parents and Caregivers for more information or ask our chatbot your parenting questions – click the “Need help?” button to start chatting!
You can also contact 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 or email clientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
