Preschoolers 3-5 years | Southwestern Public Health

Your child is learning so much every day! Between ages 3 and 5, kids grow their independence, learn how to share and play with others, and start to understand their feelings. This is an exciting time, and there are lots of ways you can help them thrive.

Is your child starting school soon? Check out the section below called "How can I get my child ready for kindergarten" for tips to make the transition easier.

Learn more how Southwestern Public Health supports children in school.

How do I support my preschooler's growth?

Preschoolers are curious, busy, and full of energy! Here’s how you can help them grow:

Speech and language

Around 3 to 3 ½ years old, your child will be full of humour, confidence, and charm. They’ll start talking more and learning new words every day.
Preschoolers are curious about the world and will ask lots of “why” and “how” questions. This is a perfect time to explain how things work and introduce new words for objects, ideas, and feelings. Reading books and telling stories is a fun way to help your child learn and grow their imagination.

Independence and responsibility

Your child is becoming more independent. They may want to put on their own shoes, get a drink of water, or brush their teeth by themselves. They are also discovering what their body can do, like running faster or jumping higher. Your encouragement, praise, and support will help them feel confident.
You can let your child help with simple tasks, like putting groceries in the cart, shovelling snow, or stirring the bowl while you cook. Be patient and notice their efforts. Focus on what they’re doing well and thank them for being such a great helper!

Empathy

Your child is starting to understand their own feelings and care about how others feel too. It’s important to listen to your child and show respect for their emotions. Avoid making fun of their fears or shaming them for how they feel.
Encourage your child to play with other kids. Playing together helps them learn to take turns, share, and use their imagination while building early friendships.

Safe play

Preschoolers still need close supervision because they are learning right from wrong and don’t always know their own limits. By teaching simple rules and setting clear boundaries, you can help your child stay safe while still having fun and exploring.

What are some tips to bond with my preschooler?

Building a bond with your child helps them feel supported. Here are some ideas:

Listen when they talk, and ask about their day
Show them how to handle feelings by talking about your own emotions
Do fun activities together, like drawing, playing games, or exploring outside
Create routines so they know what to expect every day

How can I get my child ready for kindergarten?

There are a few things you can do to help make the transition to school an easier one for you and your child.

Immunization Reporting

Did you know that your child’s vaccines need to be reported while they are in school? Doctors don’t report your child’s vaccines, but you can report them directly to us here .

Before your child starts school be sure to share proof of these vaccines with Public Health:

- Tetanus
- Polio
- Rubella
- Diptheria
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Pertussis
- Mumps
- Varicella

What if you decided not to vaccinate your child before school?

If you choose not to vaccinate your child, we are required to have one of the following documents on file, under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. You will need to provide us with one of these documents before your child starts school.

Either:

- A completed statement of medical exemption (your health care provider can complete one for you) or
- A completed statement of Conscience/Religious Belief Form (which need to be witnessed and signed but a commissioner for taking affidavits)
- You can find out more information about immunization Exemptions here

You can report your child’s vaccines in mail or in person to the health unit or follow the instructions here.

St. Thomas Southwestern Public Health office

1230 Talbot Street

St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Phone: 1-800-922-0096 or 519-631-9900

Fax: 519-631-1682

Woodstock Southwestern Public Health office

410 Buller Street,

Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Phone: 1-800-922-0096 or 519-421-9901

Fax: 519-539-6206

Packing Nutritious Lunches

Ensuring your child has foods they will eat and enjoy can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you pack a lunch your child will love:
- Involve your child in making their lunch, make it fun!
- Pack a variety of different foods, including vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein rich foods
- Use child friendly containers that are easy to open
- Use insulated lunch bags and ice packs to keep your child’s food cold, and a thermos to keep your child’s food warm
Want to learn more about packing your child’s lunch? We have a helpful video series you can access here. You can also check out our School Lunch Your Kids will Munch resource.

Arriving Safely

What are the requirements for my child’s booster and car seats?
- If your child is under 40 lbs (18 kg) they need a car seat
- If your child is under 4 foot 9 inches OR under 80 pounds OR under 8 years old they need a booster seat
Why should I walk or bike with my child to school?
- Walking or biking to school helps your child use their additional energy so they can focus in class.
- Walking or biking to school helps your child be active, supporting their mental and physical wellbeing
- Walking or biking to school relieves traffic congestion around the school, making it a safer place for the children.
Where should I go to find out more about keeping my child safe as they travel to school?
- You can find out more about keeping your child safe while travelling to school through Active and Safe Routes to School at http://activesaferoutes.ca/

Dental Screening

Our Oral Health Team traditionally visits elementary schools in our region. Unless you state otherwise, your child in JK, SK and Grade 2 will receive free dental screening by a Registered Dental Hygienist.
If you have a concern about your child’s teeth, please call us to discuss options.
For more information about dental services for children aged 0-17, visit our page on Dental Services for Children and Youth.

If you would like to learn more on how to get your child ready for kindergarten you can watch our video series here, or read the Healthy Start to Kindergarten brochure here (in English) and here (in French).

Where can I find more Child and Family Health support?

Explore additional support services available to you:

Join the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program for free support for your family’s health from our Public Health Nurses or a Parent Resource Worker
Learn more about Child & Family Health Topics – Explore our resources on child and family health topics

How can I reach SWPH for parenting and child support?

Have questions about parenting, health, or development? Call our Know & Grow Line to speak with a Public Health Nurse:

Oxford County: 519-421-9901 ext. 3473
Elgin County: 519-631-9900 ext. 1400