5-year check-up
The 5-year check-up assesses the child’s readiness for school — speech, motor skills, vision, hearing and social skills. A free preventive visit.
What to expect
A key visit to determine readiness for school. The doctor may issue an opinion and referrals to specialists.
What the doctor checks
- School readiness — A comprehensive assessment of whether the child is ready to start school.
- Speech — Assessment of pronunciation of all sounds — speech issues may make learning to read more difficult.
- Vision and hearing — Detailed screening before school — often requiring a specialist visit.
- Fine motor skills — Assessment of hand skills — holding a pencil, using scissors, fastening buttons.
- Emotional maturity — Whether the child can focus, work in a group, and cope with frustration.
What to ask your doctor
- Is the child ready to start school this year?
- Would it be worth delaying the start of school?
- How can we assess school readiness at home?
- Is a speech therapist visit needed before school?
- How can we prepare the child for school-related stress?
Frequently asked questions
What is checked at age 5?
School readiness: speech, fine motor skills, vision, hearing and behaviour.
What if the child is not ready for school?
The doctor will give recommendations; the readiness decision is made individually.
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