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For new parents who may not know what we’re talking about, a Kindergarten physical is an exam that the school systems and physicians feel is important to access the health of children entering school. It helps with identifying problems with learning, speech, and listening, and can also help identify health conditions that need extra attention. For example, someone with diabetes, seizure disorders or food allergies need special care. If this is identified before the child enters school, the schools will know what’s going on and what they need to do in case of an emergency. There is also a dental examination requirement.

 

“Most importantly are the required immunizations,” Fan says. “Because there are so many children at school and all of them come from different environments, it’s easy to pass along germs. Immunizations are your child’s best defense from serious ailments.”

 

Fan says all Kindergarten-aged children need their booster shots. Assuming that they have already had all their immunization shots since birth, by ages 4 or 5. If the child isn’t up to date with their vaccines, there’s no need to worry. Dr. Fan says it’s quite simple catching the children up with their shots. He says as long as the child has started their series of shots, the schools will not refuse admittance to school. “Once you start, you must remember to come back and finish the series or we’ll have to start all over again,” he says.

 

So when should you come in for a kindergarten physical?

 

Most school systems prefer the physicals be completed six months prior to the start of school. So, for those of you doing the math, that’s March. Although March has already passed, Dr. Fan says don’t wait any longer, make your appointment today and avoid the last minute crunch.

 

“I really want parents to take advantage of getting their physicals done early. I want them to start thinking about this at four years of age. By getting a head start and getting some of the shots out of the way, when the child turns five and is ready for kindergarten, the child won’t be overwhelmed with a lot of shots,” he says. “No one likes to go through having a lot of shots done all at once.”

 

A series of immunizations consists of three to four shots, a skin test for tuberculosis and the schools like for there to be an anemia test too. That’s a lot of pokes!

 

Since the physical does include some vision testing, Fan also suggests parents work with their children on learning the names of shapes. “This helps the child’s memory as well,” he says. “It’s important to do whatever you can to get your child ready for school.” Make sure to contact your child’s school district for more specifics.