Back-to-school season comes with a long to-do list.
There are supplies to buy, schedules to sort out and lunches to plan. But before the first day arrives, there’s one more thing to check off: your child’s health.
From physicals and vaccines, to medications and school health forms, getting everything up to date now can help you avoid a last minute scramble later.
“A back-to-school appointment isn’t only about signing forms,” says Andaleeb Shariff, MD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “It gives us a chance to look at your child’s overall health before another busy school year begins.”
So, what belongs on your child’s back-to-school health checklist?
Here are a few things to take care of before the first day.
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1. Figure out which appointment your child needs
An annual wellness visit and a sports physical aren’t always the same appointment.
A wellness visit looks at your child’s overall health, including growth, development, sleep and emotional well-being. Depending on your child’s age, the provider may also discuss school performance, puberty or other changes happening at home.
A sports physical focuses more closely on whether there’s anything that could make athletic participation unsafe.
“Sports physicals are designed to identify concerns that may show up during exercise,” says Dr. Shariff. “But they don’t always include everything we cover during a complete wellness visit.”
Some providers may be able to complete both during the same appointment. That can depend on when your child’s last physical occurred and what the school or athletic program requires.
Not sure where to start? Try checking in with your school or provider on what exactly your child needs to start the school year.
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2. Check vaccines before you need the paperwork
Vaccine requirements can change based on your child’s age, grade and school.
They may also be due for a recommended vaccine that isn’t connected to a school deadline.
“Parents don’t need to memorize the entire vaccine schedule,” Dr. Shariff says. “We can review the record and explain what’s recommended based on the child’s age, health history and previous doses.”
That individual review matters because some children may need a catch-up dose or a different schedule based on a medical condition.
Don’t assume the school automatically receives updated information from your provider. Families may need to request a new record and submit it themselves.
To stay ahead of things, try asking for a printed or electronic vaccine record during your child’s appointment so it’s ready if and when the school requests it.
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3. Get medication forms ready early
If your child needs medication during the school day, sending it in the backpack usually isn’t enough.
Schools may require written authorization from both a parent and a health care provider. Medication may also need to arrive in its original labeled container.
“Every school can handle medications a little differently,” says Dr. Shariff. “Connecting with the school nurse early gives families time to complete the right forms and understand where the medication will be stored.”
This can apply to daily prescriptions, emergency medications and some over-the-counter products.
Adding those details to your child’s back-to-school health checklist early can prevent a gap in treatment once classes begin.
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4. Update plans for allergies and chronic conditions
Children with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or severe allergies may need a written action plan at school.
The plan helps staff recognize your child’s symptoms and understand what to do if they need help.
“An action plan makes the response less dependent on guesswork,” Dr. Shariff says. “It gives the school clear instructions that are specific to that child.”
Even if your child had a plan last year, it’s worth checking whether anything has changed. Medicaion could have been adjusted or symptoms might be showing up differently.
The school should know who to contact and where your child’s medication or equipment can be found.
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5. Bring up changes in vision or hearing
Children don’t always realize when they’re having trouble seeing or hearing. And sometimes, the signs can be easy to mistake for something else, like difficulty paying attention in class.
Your child may move closer to the television, complain about headaches or struggle to follow spoken directions. A teacher may notice that they’re missing information written on the board.
“Children can adapt to vision or hearing changes without understanding what’s happening,” says Dr. Shariff. “That’s why changes in behavior or school performance can be important clues.”
School screenings can identify some concerns, but they don’t replace a full evaluation when symptoms are present.
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6. Make mental health part of the visit
Going back to school can bring excitement and stress at the same time.
A child may be worried about a new teacher or classroom, changing friendships or keeping up in school. Older students may also feel pressure from sports, activities or expectations about their future.
“Mental health is part of a child’s overall health, so it belongs in the same conversation,” says Dr. Shariff. “Changes in sleep, mood or behavior can tell us that a child needs more support.”
You might notice that your child is more irritable, withdrawn or resistant to going to school.
The annual visit can give them an opportunity to talk about how they’re feeling. Older children and teenagers may also benefit from having part of the appointment privately with their provider.
> Related: Spot the Signs: Mental Health Struggles in Children
A little preparation can prevent a last-minute scramble
You don’t need to fix every health concern before the first day of school. But taking care of appointments, forms and medication plans early can make the transition easier.
“A well-prepared school health plan gives parents peace of mind and helps children get the support they need,” says Dr. Shariff. “The goal is to make sure health concerns don’t get in the way of learning or participating in the school day.”
