School age children

School Health

Healthy students are better learners

At the Durham Region Health Department, we have a team of health professionals which include school public health nurses, immunization nurses, oral health staff and health protection staff that are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children and youth in all schools in Durham Region. Our team strives to achieve optimal health of the entire school community through partnership and collaboration with school boards and schools.

Learn more about the school health team!

Parents

Welcome to kindergarten

The 1 ,2, 3 Get Set for Kindergarten resource can help you get your child ready to learn and off to a healthy start at school. It includes information about healthy habits that will support learning along the way.

Visual health

Up to one in four children have problems seeing which can affect their learning. Some of these problems can be treated only if identified while children are young.

Every year in Ontario:

7000 children needlessly lose the use of an eye because they were not treated promptly for a problem.
15,000 children have trouble learning to read just because they need glasses.

To find an optometrist, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website or call 1-800-540-3837.

Importance of eye exams

Eye exams remain an important component of child visual health. Comprehensive eye exams can identify children who may have no apparent symptoms, eye abnormalities or blurred vision. If left untreated, these problems may lead to permanent vision loss or poor academic performance in school. It is recommended that all children see an optometrist for an eye exam. A yearly eye exam is free for children up to 19 years of age with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.

Find an optometrist near you

Getting help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses

School-based public health clinics

Grade 7 school vaccine clinics

For the 2024-2025 school year the Durham Region Health Department will be providing three vaccines (listed below) to eligible grade 7 and 8 students at your child's school. It is safe for your child to get multiple vaccines at one time.

The following school-based vaccinations are free at Durham Region Health Department clinics. They are not free through your health care provider:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (2 doses, 6 months apart)
Hepatitis B (2 doses, 6 months apart)
Meningococcal C-ACYW-135 (Men C-ACYW-135) (one dose only)

Get more information on our Child Immunization and School Clinics page.

School screening dental clinics

The school dental screening program is offered to all schools in Durham Region.
A dental screening is a quick look at the teeth and gums with a dental mirror. It is performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. All schools in Durham Region participate in the school dental screening program.
If you would like your child to receive a free dental screening or if you have any questions regarding your child’s oral health, please contact the Health Department, Oral Health Clinic at 1-866-853-1326 extension 4567.

Learn more on our School Screening Dental Clinics page