From toddlers starting preschool to teens entering high school sports, here’s a health-focused checklist for parents to ensure their children are ready to return to the classroom safe, strong, and smiling.

As summer in the desert, on the coast, and everywhere in between winds down — and another school year approaches — it’s time for families to switch gears from sunscreen and staycations to school supplies and schedules. But amid the hustle of buying backpacks and checking class rosters, one crucial area often gets overlooked: your child’s health.

“Good health is the foundation for a successful school year,” says DAP Health Director of Pediatric Services Dr. Jasmin Brown. “When children feel well — physically, emotionally, and mentally — they’re more able to focus, participate, and thrive in the classroom. Making sure your child is up to date on vaccines, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals are just as essential as school supplies when preparing for back-to-school.”

Here’s a quick guide to help you make sure your child is top of their class.

1 – Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup

An annual physical is one of the best ways to monitor your child’s overall health and development. Pediatricians check vision, hearing, growth, and milestones, and can screen for mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.

Bonus tip: If your child has a chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, ADHD), make sure to update their care plan and share it with the school nurse or health office.

2 – Make Sure Immunizations Are Up to Date

Despite what some believe, it’s been proven time and again that vaccines protect kids — and the community — from preventable diseases like measles. Schools typically require proof of immunizations, especially for kindergarten, seventh grade, and college entry.

Common required vaccines by age group:

• Preschool/Kindergarten: hepatitis B, DTaP, polio, MMR, and varicella.
• Middle School and older: Tdap booster starting at 10 years old (along with previous preschool/kindergarten vaccines).

Check with your child’s pediatrician, or your local health department, for updated state-specific school requirements. Although crucial vaccines such as hep A, pneumococcal, haemophilus influenzae, HPV (human papillomavirus), meningitis, and flu are not required by schools, pediatricians still highly recommend them for the safety of the child, as many preventable diseases can be transmitted by classmates.

3 – Book a Dental Exam

Many school districts require dental exams for kindergarten and select grade entries. Dental health affects more than just smiles — untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and learning difficulties.

• Schedule a cleaning and checkup before school starts.
• Ask the dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments.
• Teach (or re-teach) daily brushing and flossing routines. 

4 – Don’t Forget the Eye Exam

Undiagnosed vision problems can interfere with learning, focus, and behavior. Even if your child passed a vision screening at school last year, it’s a good idea to get another comprehensive eye exam, especially if they’re:

• Squinting at screens or books.
• Getting frequent headaches.
• Falling behind in reading.

Children as young as six months can start getting eye exams — ask your optometrist about age-appropriate testing.

5 – Get That Sports Physical

If your child plans to join school athletics, most districts require a sports physical before they can participate. These checkups focus on heart health, joint flexibility, past injuries, and family history to ensure your child is fit to play.

Bonus tip: Book this early — clinics often fill up in August with student athletes.

6 – Review Nutrition and Eating Habits

Nutrition plays a huge role in academic performance, energy levels, and emotional well-being. Start getting kids back into structured meal and snack routines.

• Reintroduce regular meal times two weeks before school starts.
• Let older kids help plan lunches.
• Encourage breakfast (even if it’s on-the-go).
• Cut down on sugary snacks and soda.

Consider meeting with a pediatric dietitian if you have questions about your child’s dietary needs.

7 – Reset Sleep Schedules

Summer often brings late nights and lazy mornings, which can be hard to reverse. A week or two before school starts, shift your child’s bedtime and wake-up times gradually to match the school schedule.

Sleep guidelines by age:

• Ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours (including naps).
• Ages 6 to 12: Nine to 12 hours.
• Ages 13 to 18: Eight to 10 hours

Limit screen time in the hour before bed to improve sleep quality.

8 – Prioritize Mental and Emotional Wellness

Back-to-school jitters are real — especially after a long summer, or if your child is starting a new school. Check in regularly about how they’re feeling.

• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques.
• Encourage open conversations about fears or excitement.
• Reach out to a counselor if your child is showing signs of anxiety, mood changes, or behavioral issues.

Let school staff know if there have been major life changes — moves, losses, divorces — so they can provide support.

A Final Thought

Getting your child ready for school goes beyond new clothes, book bags, and school supplies. It’s about setting them up for a healthy, confident, and successful year ahead. By taking these steps now, you’re giving them the tools to thrive in class, on the field, and everywhere in between.

If your child is already a pediatric or dental patient at DAP Health, please call your preferred clinician or dentist to make your appointment now.

To learn more about DAP Health’s pediatric and dental services, click here and here, respectively.

If you would like your child to become a DAP Health pediatric or dental patient, please click here.