The back-to-school season is an exciting time for students and their families, but preparing for a successful school year involves more than just buying new supplies or clothes. Ensuring your child’s physical and emotional well-being is equally important. From vaccinations to mental health considerations, setting up a comprehensive health routine can help kids and teens thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Use this practical back-to-school health checklist to ensure your child starts the school year healthy, prepared, and ready to succeed.
Vaccinations and Immunizations
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines
Vaccinations are the building blocks of preventive healthcare for children. Schools usually require proof of certain immunizations, and ensuring your child is caught up on their shots minimizes the risks of preventable diseases.
Key Vaccines to Consider:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Meningococcal vaccine for older teens
- Annual flu shot
- COVID-19 booster (if eligible)
Check with your local school district or pediatrician for specific vaccination schedules, since requirements vary by state. Visit CDC.gov for detailed guidelines on childhood immunizations.
Schedule Physical and Dental Exams
Annual Check-Ups
An annual physical is essential for identifying any underlying health issues and screening for growth or development milestones. If your child participates in sports, a sports physical is often a separate requirement. Make your appointment early to avoid the seasonal rush.
Dental Health
Regular dental check-ups are recommended every six months. A dentist can assess your child’s oral health, ensuring no issues interfere with concentration or confidence at school.
Vision and Hearing Exams
Poor vision or hearing can affect your child’s academic performance. Schedule screenings to catch any issues early. Students may not always communicate that they’re struggling to see the board or hear instructions, so annual checks are important.
Hint: Vision screenings are particularly crucial before entering kindergarten or middle school.
Establish Healthy Sleep Routines
Sleep is vital for academic performance and overall well-being. During summer, kids may adopt irregular sleep patterns, so easing them back into a consistent routine two weeks before school starts is ideal.
Guidelines by Age:
- Ages 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep
- Teens require 8–10 hours
Tips for Better Sleep
- Avoid electronics at least one hour before bed
- Establish a calming bedtime routine, like reading together
- Maintain consistent wake-up times, even on weekends
Explore more sleep tips from HealthyChildren.org.
Focus on Nutrition
Start the Day with Breakfast
Breakfast boosts energy levels, memory, and concentration. Keep quick but nutritious items like oatmeal, yogurt, and fruits on hand for busy mornings.
Pack Balanced Lunches
Include a variety of food groups to keep your child energized. Whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables should make up the bulk of their meal. Avoid sugary or processed snacks as much as possible.
Healthy Hydration
Send your child to school with a refillable water bottle to promote hydration throughout the day.
Gear Up with Essential Supplies
Backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies often dominate pre-school shopping lists, but don’t overlook health and safety essentials.
Must-Have Health Supplies:
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or wipes
- A reusable water bottle
- Masks (optional, but useful in crowded spaces)
- Sunscreen, if spending time outdoors
Weight matters when it comes to backpacks. Ensure your child’s bag weighs no more than 10–15% of their body weight to avoid back strain.
Address Mental Health and Social Preparedness
Ease First-Day Jitters
Starting a new school year can cause anxiety, especially for younger kids or those changing schools. Ease their worries by visiting the school beforehand, meeting teachers, or organizing playdates with classmates.
Encourage Open Communication
Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings. If your child seems overwhelmed, professional counseling may help them manage anxiety or stress.
Teach Anti-Bullying Techniques
Discuss what constitutes bullying and encourage your child to speak up if they witness or experience it. Schools typically have policies in place to address bullying, and you can learn more from resources like StopBullying.gov.
Stay Organized with Medical and Emergency Info
Update Documents with the School
Ensure the school has up-to-date information on medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. If your child has a personalized health plan (such as an asthma action plan or food allergy management plan), review it with school staff before the first day.
Review Safety Procedures
Teach kids basic safety rules for getting to and from school, whether walking, biking, or taking the bus. Equip younger children with emergency contact details for quick access if needed.
Check-in Regularly
Health and wellness are ongoing concerns. Schedule periodic check-ins with your child to discuss their school experience and address any issues that arise, from academic challenges to social conflicts. Maintaining an open line of communication is key to their success.
Take Action Today
Preparing for the school year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you use a checklist to stay organized. Comprehensive health planning, including vaccinations, screenings, and healthy habits, sets the stage for a successful academic year.
Need a professional consultation about your child’s health? Book an appointment with A-Z Primary Care by visiting www.azprimaryclinic.com or calling 281-801-4286.
Equip your kid or teen with the tools they need to excel this year, starting with their health. Together, let’s help them bring their best selves to the classroom!