Back-to-School Health Checklist: What Every Parent Should Know Before the First Bell Rings

Between shopping for school supplies and packing lunches it's easy to forget one of the most important back-to-school essentials: your child's health. Whether they're starting kindergarten or heading into high school, a healthy start can make all the difference. From vaccines to vision screenings, now's the time to make sure your child is set up for a successful and sickness-free school year. 

"Annual wellness visits aren't just for shots or sports physicals," said Dr. Dinesh Patel, pediatrician at Archbold Pediatrics-Camilla. "These appointments give us a chance to track your child's growth and development, talk about nutrition and sleep, and catch potential issues early."

Schedule a Back-To-School Wellness Visit

Annual checkups help ensure your child is developing on track- physically, mentally, and emotionally. During a well visit, your child's provider will typically check height and weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing, developmental milestones, and mental healthy. Immunization records are also reviewed to make sure your child is up to date. 

"If your child hasn't had a well visit in the past year, now is the time to schedule one," said Dr. Patel. "These visits give parents peace of mind and help children stay healthy and focused in the classroom."

Don't Skip Immunizations

Vaccinations are an essential part of school readiness. Most schools require certain vaccines to protect children and the community from preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough. required school vaccines often include DTaP, MMR, polio, varicella, hepatitis B, and for older students, Tdap and meningococcal vaccines. 

"It's important to keep your child's vaccine schedule up to date—not just for school requirements, but for their long-term health," said Dr. Patel. 

If your child is entering kindergarten, seventh grade, or college, double-check with your healthcare provider to ensure they've received all necessary vaccines. 

Reestablish a Sleep Routine

A good school day starts the night before. Over the summer, many families fall into late-night routines that don't translate well to early mornings. Gradually shifting bedtime earlier can help children ease back into the school schedule. 

"Children and teens need more sleep than most parents realize," said Dr. Patel. "Younger kids may need 9 to 12 hours a night, while teens do best with 8 to 10 hours."

To help your child adjust, start moving bedtime earlier one to two weeks before school starts. Reduce screen time before bed and maintain consistent routine, even on weekends.

Pack Nutrition into Every Day

What kids eat has a significant impact on how they feel and perform in school. Focus on protein-rich breakfasts, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and water instead of sugary drinks. Also, limit processed snacks when possible. 

"We talk a lot about food choices during wellness visits," said Dr. Patel. "Kids who eat well tend to sleep better, stay focused in class, and have fewer sick days."

Don't Overlook Mental Health

The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but also anxiety, especially for children facing transitions, social challenges, or academic pressures. 

"Parents know their child best," said Dr. Patel. "If something feels off—maybe your child is withdrawn, more emotional, or not sleeping well—it's important to bring that up with your provider."

Mental and emotional wellness are just as important as physical health. Your provider can offer support or refer you to additional resources if needed. 

Keep an Eye on Vision and Hearing

Clear vision and good hearing are essential for learning, especially in the early grades when kids are learning to read and follow instructions. Yet many children with undiagnosed vision or hearing issues may struggle in the classroom without realization there's a problem. 

"Sometimes what looks like a behavior or attention issue is actually a child not being able to see the board or hear clearly," said Dr. Patel. "That's why screenings are a key part of your child's annual checkup."

If your child squints, frequently turns up the volume, or appears inattentive in class, schedule a more in-depth screening with a vision or hearing specialist. 

Stay Ahead of School Forms and Medication Needs

If your child takes daily medication, has asthma, severe allergies, or a chronic condition like diabetes, don't forget to update their care plan with the school nurse. Most schools require forms signed by your child's provider, along with instructions and emergency medication if needed. 

"We help parents with these forms every year," said Dr. Patel. "It's best to bring any school paperwork to you child's wellness visit so we can take care of everything at once." 

Also, ensure your child knows when and how to take their medication if they're managing it during the school day, and confirm that the school has up-to-date emergency contact information on file. 

Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit Early

Ready to get your child's health on track for the new school year? Don't wait! August appointments fill up fast. Dr. Dinesh Patel and the team at Archbold Pediatrics - Camilla are dedicated to caring for children of all ages. From checkups to vaccines and everything in between, we're proud to support families throughout South Georgia. 

Need to Schedule a Visit? Call Archbold Pediatrics - Camilla at 229.336.1988 or visit archbold.org to find a pediatrician or primary care provider near you.