Preschool (3–5 Years)
Preschool Child Health PhilippinesAges 3 to 5 Years — School Readiness & Wellness
The preschool years are critical for social, cognitive, and physical development. Learn the milestones, vaccines, and health checks every Filipino parent needs before school entry.
Year by Year
Preschool Milestones by Age
Development benchmarks and health priorities for ages 3–5
3 Years
- Uses 3–4 word sentences; tells stories
- Preschool / Kinder readiness assessments
- Tricycle riding; dresses with little help
- Booster doses for DTaP + IPV if not yet given
- Vision screening important before school entry
4 Years
- Draws a person with 4+ body parts
- Follows 3-step instructions
- Catches a ball; skips on one foot
- Annual flu shot especially during June–October
- Dental check: first set of teeth should be complete
5 Years
- Ready for formal school (Kinder 1)
- Counts to 10+; recognizes letters
- Runs, hops, somersaults
- MMR 2nd dose if not yet given
- Pre-school health certificate required for DepEd enrollment
School Readiness
Is Your Child Ready for School?
Philippine DepEd requires children to be at least 5 years old for Kinder 1. Here are the 4 key readiness domains.
Cognitive
- Recognizes own name in writing
- Understands basic concepts (big/small, up/down)
- Can follow 2–3 step instructions
Social-Emotional
- Takes turns and shares
- Plays cooperatively with peers
- Separates from parents without extreme distress
Physical
- Holds pencil/crayon correctly
- Can use scissors safely
- Uses the toilet independently
Language
- Speaks in complete sentences
- Strangers can understand 75%+ of speech
- Listens and follows classroom instructions
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