A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and build healthy habits. Before the first day of class arrives, it’s a good time to make sure your child’s health needs are up to date.
From annual checkups to dental visits and vaccinations, a little preparation now can help your child start the school year ready to learn.
Use this back-to-school health checklist to help your family get ready.
Schedule a Well-Child Visit
Annual checkups help track your child’s growth and development while giving families an opportunity to discuss any health concerns with their provider.
A well-child visit may include:
- Growth and development monitoring
- Vision and hearing concerns
- Nutrition and physical activity guidance
- Behavioral and emotional health discussions
- Review of medications and medical history
- Recommended screenings based on age
These visits are also a great time to ask questions about sleep, school performance, sports participation, and other health concerns.
An annual well-child visit is one of the most important steps families can take to prepare for a successful school year. These visits allow us to monitor growth and development, address concerns early, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and support a child’s physical, emotional, and behavioral health. When children start the school year healthy and ready to learn, they’re better positioned to thrive both in and out of the classroom
Check Immunization Records
Vaccinations help protect children from serious illnesses and may be required for school attendance.
Before school starts, review your child’s immunization records and make sure they are up to date.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs any vaccines, your healthcare provider can review their records and discuss recommended immunizations.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
Healthy teeth play an important role in a child’s overall health and well-being.
Dental visits can help:
- Prevent cavities
- Identify dental concerns early
- Promote healthy brushing and flossing habits
- Reduce missed school days caused by dental pain
- Experts recommend regular dental checkups, even when there are no obvious dental problems.
Review Vision Concerns
If your child has trouble seeing the board, reading assignments, or focusing on schoolwork, it may be time for a vision evaluation.
Common signs of vision problems include:
- Squinting
- Frequent headaches
- Sitting very close to screens
- Difficulty reading
- Complaints of blurry vision
Talk with your provider if you have concerns about your child’s vision.
Support Mental and Emotional Wellness
The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but it can also bring stress and anxiety.
Watch for signs that your child may need additional support, including:
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased worry or anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in school performance
- Early support can make a meaningful difference.
Update Medications and Health Plans
If your child takes medication at school, now is a good time to:
- Review medication instructions
- Refill prescriptions
- Update emergency contact information
- Complete any required school health forms
Starting the year with everything in place can help avoid disruptions once classes begin.
Establish Care Before You Need It
One of the best ways to prepare for the school year is to make sure your child has an established healthcare provider.
Having a primary care provider makes it easier to schedule appointments, manage ongoing health concerns, and access care when your child gets sick.
If your family is looking for a healthcare provider, PHC offers primary care, pediatric care, dental services, behavioral health services, and pharmacy services at locations across Iowa.
Ready for the School Year?
Checking these items off your list can help your child start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
To schedule an appointment, contact PHC or request an appointment through MyChart.
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