Back-to-School Health Checklist for Kids

Annual Physicals & Sports Physicals

Yearly physicals or sports physicals are recommended for all children, whether they play sports or not! All kids entering kindergarten, 6th and 11th grades need physicals completed before the start of the year. Many Fall sports require physicals to be done before August 1, but double check with your child’s school to confirm. We don't want your child to miss out on playing a sport due to not getting their paperwork in on time.

Childhood Immunizations

Your child may be due for certain vaccines depending on their age. Starting early with vaccinations helps protect children from illnesses that can have long-term effects. Some newer vaccines are due for students before they can register for classes in 7th and 12th grades. Our pediatric immunization schedule includes protection against measles, chickenpox, flu, and more.  

Dental Check-Up

Brush up on your family’s oral care by keeping your children’s teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free. Dental checkups should be performed every six months and children should have a basic mouth check by the time they turn two. In Pennsylvania, most schools require a dental check-up for students entering school, along with 3rd and 7th grade. Visit your CHDC dentist regularly for a healthy smile. 

Vision Exam

Common eye conditions in children include amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Regular eye exams are essential in catching vision problems early. Vision problems may contribute to difficulty learning and focusing in school, making eye exams an important part of your back-to-school routine.

Emotional Well-Being Care

At CHDC we offer integrated behavioral health services for CHDC medical patients. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, reach out to their primary care provider who will connect you with one of our behavioral health consultants. We offer in-person visits and telehealth visits depending on your child’s needs. 

Whole Body Health

In addition to caring for your child’s physical and mental health, there are other important ways to support them for the upcoming school year. Start with a digital detox so you can ease your child off technology and create a healthy boundary with the devices they use. Make sure their emergency contact information, allergies, and medications are up to date with their school. Add healthier snacks and meals into their daily routine so they can stay focused and do their best in class. Not only is a balanced meal important, but a consistent sleep schedule. The week before school starts, have your child go to sleep earlier in the night so they start to wake up earlier in the morning. Lastly, create a quiet space at home so they can complete their homework with no distractions. 

CHDC is Here to Help

We know the importance of having a trusted provider for your child's health. Whether it's for regular checkups, dental cleanings, eye exams, or when your child isn't feeling well, our providers are ready to help. We focus on building strong relationships between families and our medical team to ensure your child receives the best care possible. Ready to start your back-to-school checklist? Call 610-326-9460 to schedule your child’s medical, dental, and vision appointments. Ask about integrated visits to see if you can schedule multiple appointments on the same day. 

Thank you to Mary Dressler-Carre, CHDC Pediatric Provider, and Dr. Chen, CHDC Optometrist for their insight on this blog.