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A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Getting ready for a new school year involves more than school supplies.
Depending on your child's age, health needs and activities, their back-to-school checklist may include a well-child exam, updated immunizations, a sports physical or developmental screening.
Planning ahead can give your family time to review health records, complete school or sports forms and discuss any concerns with your child's doctor.
If you're preparing for a new school year in the Pomona Valley area, here's what you need to know about back-to-school checkups.
Four to six weeks before school starts can be a convenient time to review your child's preventive care needs. Scheduling early may give you more time to gather records, complete required forms or follow up if your child's doctor recommends additional evaluation.
Depending on your child's age and needs, a back-to-school health checklist may include:
A family medicine provider or pediatric care team can help you determine which preventive visits and screenings are appropriate for your child.
A well-child exam is a routine checkup that assesses your child’s growth, development and overall health. It can also be a good time to discuss questions or concerns before the new school year begins.
Depending on your child's age, a well-child visit may include:
Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC) provides pediatric care for children and adolescents, including well-child exams and preventive services.
A well-child visit looks at more than your child's physical health. Depending on their age, your doctor may ask about sleep, nutrition, physical activity, learning, behavior and how your child is doing at home and at school.
If you've noticed a change in your child's health or behavior, write down your questions before the appointment. Bringing a short list can help you remember what you want to discuss and make the most of your visit.
Well-child visits are recommended throughout childhood, with screenings and assessments based on age and individual needs.
If your child's regular checkup is coming up, scheduling it before school starts may give your family a convenient opportunity to review their health records and discuss any concerns.
If you're unsure whether your child is due for a visit, their doctor can review their health history and help determine when their next preventive visit is appropriate.
California has specific immunization requirements for children attending school. Requirements vary by grade level, so your child's needs may differ from those of another child.
California school-entry requirements generally include documentation of vaccines protecting against:
Students advancing to seventh grade also need documentation of a Tdap dose, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Your child's doctor can review their immunization record and help determine whether they are up to date or whether a catch-up schedule may be appropriate.
For more information, see our childhood vaccine schedule.
If your child has missed a recommended vaccine dose, don't assume they need to start the series over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) catch-up schedule provides guidance based on a child's age and previous vaccination history.
Your child's doctor can review their records and determine whether a catch-up schedule is appropriate. Starting the process early may give your family more time to complete any recommended doses before school begins.
If your child plans to participate in school sports or another organized athletic activity, they may need a sports physical or other participation form before the season begins.
A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical evaluation, may include a review of your child's medical history and a physical exam.
Your child's doctor may also ask about:
School and athletic programs may have their own forms and deadlines, so check with your child's program to find out what is required.
If your child needs an evaluation before participating in sports, reach out to the PVHC sports medicine center.
Your child's health checklist isn't limited to physical health. Back-to-school preparation can also be a good time to consider how your child is doing developmentally, socially and emotionally.
Depending on your child's age, preventive visits may include developmental or behavioral screening. Your child's doctor may ask about:
If you've noticed changes in your child's mood, behavior, communication or school performance, be sure to bring them up during the visit. Your child's doctor can help determine whether additional screening or evaluation may be appropriate.
PVHC also offers childhood development services to support your child’s developmental needs.
A little preparation can make a back-to-school checkup easier for your family. Before the appointment, consider gathering:
It can also help to think about any changes you've noticed since your child's last visit. Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, mood or behavior may be worth discussing with the doctor.
You don't need to have every answer before the appointment. Sharing what you've noticed can give your child's care team helpful information to consider during the visit.
Consider scheduling your child's back-to-school checkup a few weeks before the school year begins. This gives your family time to review immunization records, complete school or sports forms and follow up on any concerns identified during the visit. The ideal timing depends on your child's age, health needs and school requirements.
If you're unsure when your child is due for a well-child exam, their doctor can review their health history and help determine when to schedule the next visit.
Not necessarily. School and district requirements vary, but children should receive regular well-child visits throughout childhood and adolescence. A school may also require a physical for enrollment or participation in certain activities. If you're unsure whether your child needs a physical, check with their school and ask their doctor when the next preventive visit is appropriate.
In some cases, a well-child exam and sports physical may be completed during the same visit. A well-child exam and sports physical have different purposes, so it's important to tell the PVHC team what your child needs when scheduling. They can help determine what can be completed during one appointment and whether additional visits are needed.
California requires children to have documentation of certain immunizations before attending school, with requirements varying by grade level. Required vaccines include protection against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and chickenpox. Students entering seventh grade also need documentation of a Tdap dose.
Requirements can change, so check your child's immunization record and current California guidance or ask their doctor what vaccines may be needed.
Insurance coverage for pediatric checkups varies by health plan, provider and service. Your insurance company can confirm your specific benefits and coverage. If you have questions about scheduling a visit at Pomona Valley Health Centers, call 909-630-7829.
The PVHC team can help answer questions about appointments and direct you to the appropriate location or care team.
Disclaimer
This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about questions or concerns related to your child's health.
Getting your child's health needs taken care of before school starts can help your family feel prepared for the year ahead. Pomona Valley Health Centers has five Southern California locations offering convenient care for children and families.
Find a location near you or use our online appointment form to get started. You can also call 909-630-7829 to schedule your child's visit.
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