As the new school year approaches, it’s easy to focus on school supplies, new clothes, and packed schedules. But before your child heads back to the classroom, take a few minutes to check in on something even more important—their health.
Use this checklist to help your child start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Schedule an Annual Wellness Visit
An annual checkup is an opportunity to make sure your child is growing and developing as expected. During the visit, your healthcare provider can monitor growth, review medications, answer questions, and identify potential concerns early.
Vision and hearing screenings are often included as part of a wellness visit. These simple checks can catch issues that may affect your child’s ability to read, follow instructions, or stay focused in the classroom.
If your child participates in sports, schedule any required physical exams before practices begin. These visits help make sure your child is ready for safe participation and address any health concerns before the season starts.
Review Immunizations
Before school starts, check that your child’s vaccinations are up to date.
Ask your healthcare provider about:
- Required childhood vaccines
- Age-based vaccines, such as Tdap, meningococcal, and HPV
- The annual flu shot
Don’t forget to:
- Bring your child’s immunization record to the appointment.
- Keep an updated copy for school, sports, or camp forms.
Update Health Plans
If your child has asthma, diabetes, food allergies, or another chronic condition:
- Review their care plan with the school nurse.
- Refill prescriptions and check expiration dates on inhalers, EpiPens, or other medications.
- Confirm emergency contacts are current.
Reset Healthy Routines
Implementing consistent routines can help children feel their best once school begins.
- Move bedtime earlier one to two weeks before school starts.
- Serve a healthy breakfast each morning.
- Pack lunches with lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Encourage water instead of sugary drinks.
Practice Safe School Bus Habits
As mornings become darker and colder, a few simple safety habits can help keep children visible and safe while waiting for the bus.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and add reflective strips to backpacks or coats so drivers can see your child more easily.
- Choose sturdy shoes or boots with good traction to help prevent slips on wet, icy, or snowy sidewalks.
- Stand at least six feet back from the curb while waiting for the bus.
Checking off these simple steps before school starts can help your child stay healthy, focused, and ready to make the most of the year ahead.