It is normal for both students and their parents/caregivers to feel both excited and nervous at the start of a new school year. The School Mental Health Ontario website has resources to support mental health and well-being at school and at home.

Children’s Mental Health Ontario has created helpful tools for families. Their School Mental Health Backpack includes back-to-school tips to support mental wellness and ways to build relationships at school. It is available in English and French.

Find more information and supports about child and youth mental health.

Children who get enough sleep are better able to learn, play, and manage their feelings. Following the same bedtime routine each night can help children get a good night's sleep.

Children need different amounts of sleep as they grow:

• Children ages 3–4 need 10-13 hours of sleep each day.
• Children ages 5–13 need 9-11 hours of sleep each day.

Learn more about sleep and how to create a sleep routine.

Children who spend too much time on screens do not get enough activity and may have a hard time sleeping. Screens include TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets.

The Canadian Pediatric Society has created resources for parents/caregivers to help set limits, model screen use, and make a family media plan. 

Limit screen time: 

• To less than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 4.
• To less than two hours per day for children 5 years and older. 
• By turning off screens at least one hour before bed.
• By having screen-free spaces (e.g., bedrooms and while eating).

Learn more about limiting screen time and the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. 

The foods you pack for your child will give them the energy they need to learn and play.

Plan and pack school lunches and snacks with your child the night before making sure to include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grain foods.
• Protein foods.
• Water in a reusable bottle.

Other tips for packing lunches and eating well at school include:

• Make sure containers are easy to open.
• Cut food into small, easy to eat bites.
• Get your kids involved. 

If your child’s school has a balanced school day, check out the Packing a lunch for a balanced school day resource. Make sure you check with your child’s school about policies related to food allergies. For more information about healthy eating visit the Government of Canada’s Healthy eating for parents and children webpage.

Before starting school, visit the dentist to have your child’s teeth checked. The Healthy Smiles Ontario program can help families in need to pay for dental care. You can call the Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1199 for more information. 

Dental screening is offered to all schools in Windsor-Essex County (WEC) to children in junior kindergarten, senior kindergarten, and grade 2. Other students may be screened as well. 

Visit our child and youth oral health page for more information and support.

Before starting school, visit an eye doctor to have your child’s vision tested. Healthy eyes and good vision are important for activities like learning to read and write, doing homework, using a computer, and playing.

Yearly eye exams for children are covered by OHIP. Children starting kindergarten, who need glasses, may get one free pair of glasses. Visit the Eye See...Eye Learn website to learn more.

Visit our child and youth vision health page for more information and support.

Ask your health care provider if your child needs any vaccinations. Children, who are not fully vaccinated, may not be allowed to attend school.

When your child receives their vaccinations, remember to update your child’s record with the Health Unit using one of the following options: 

• Secure Online Reporting: immune.wechu.org
• Phone: 519-258-2146 ext. 1222 or 1-800-265-5822 ext. 1222
• Fax: 519-258-7288
• In-Person: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
  Immunization Department
  1005 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, ON N9A 4J8
  OR 33 Princess Street, Leamington, ON N8H 5C5

Learn more about immunization records. For a medical, conscience, or religious belief exemption (i.e., an approved reason not to receive vaccine) from immunization, please contact us at 519-258-2146 ext. 1222.

Keeping sick children at home is important. It helps them feel better sooner and helps stop illness from spreading.

Other ways to help stop illness include:

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer may not kill all viruses.
• Not sharing personal items, such as cups and utensils. 
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. 
• Staying up to date with vaccinations. Vaccines are one of the best ways to help protect children, families, and staff from serious illnesses. Children, families, and staff are encouraged to get the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines if they are eligible.