PHYSICAL HEALTH Doctor Visits. A 5-year-old check-up is recommended for all children, not just for entry into kindergarten, but also so that your doctor can find out about your child's physical, social, and learning accomplishments over the past year. At a typical well-child visit, the pediatrician will do a physical exam and record height and weight measurements, as well as checking urine, blood, and blood pressure.
Immunizations. Between the ages of 4 and 6, children should receive a set of recommended vaccines. You should be sure to have your health care provider give you a record of these (and all of your child's previous) shots, since they are generally required for school entry in most states.
Dental Care. Regular dental checkups are in order, both to teach good home care and to detect early dental problems. You might want to consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist who has two years of additional training in child behavior and dental health, or someone who is accustomed to caring for children.