Bedtimes, Backpacks, and Boosters: Back-to-School Health Checklist for Parents

Back-to-school season brings so much excitement: new teachers, fresh school supplies, reuniting with friends, and the energy that comes with new learning adventures. As a parent and emergency physician, I know that back-to-school preparation becomes much more manageable when you have a clear roadmap for keeping your kids healthy.

You already have everything you need to make this your family's healthiest school year yet. These simple strategies help you stay organized and confident, whether you're managing one child's needs or juggling multiple kids' schedules. Here are my top suggestions for boosting your child's immune system before school starts.

Vaccines and Health Checkups for Children

Good news: keeping up with immunizations is simpler than it seems once you know what's needed. Michigan schools have clear requirements that vary by grade level, and most families are already closer to being caught up than they realize.

Kindergarten Requirements:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
• Polio vaccine
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (chickenpox)

6th Grade Requirements:

• Tdap booster
• Meningococcal vaccine

Missing records? Behind on a vaccine or two? This happens to lots of families, and catch-up schedules are specifically designed to get children protected safely without starting over. The sweet spot is starting about 4-6 weeks before school, providing plenty of time to handle anything that comes up without the last-minute rush.

A trick that saves my family time: create one folder with each child's immunization records. You can use either a physical folder you keep in an easy-to-find spot or a digital folder on your phone with photos of the records. Then bookmark your school district's health requirements page. This way, you can quickly compare what vaccines your child has received against what the school requires, whether you're at the doctor's office or filling out forms at home.

Complete Back-to-School Physical Needs

Think of your child's school physical as so much more than just checking boxes on paperwork. It's your chance to make sure they're thriving and ready for everything the school year brings. During these visits, your PCP may assess growth patterns, check vision and hearing, evaluate posture and development, and address any concerns you've noticed at home.

You know how sometimes kids seem distracted or aren't following directions as well as usual? Vision and hearing screenings can reveal simple solutions. What looks like attention issues might actually be trouble seeing the board, or what seems like defiance could be difficulty hearing instructions. Catching these things early gives your child the best shot at a successful year.

This is also the perfect time to discuss any health concerns, update emergency medications, and ensure your child's health information is current with the school nurse.

Fall Sports Physicals for Young Athletes

If you've got a budding athlete in the family, their sports physical is like a tune-up for their body. We look at everything (heart health, flexibility, strength, any old injuries) to make sure they're ready for the demands of their sport.

Here's something that makes a huge difference: properly fitted equipment. I know it seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many injuries happen because a helmet's too loose or cleats don't fit quite right. Work with coaches to understand conditioning expectations and gradually build your child's fitness level before intensive practice begins.

One thing I always tell parents: help your child build relationships with the school nurse and athletic trainers. These are the people who'll be watching out for them during practices and games. And teach your kid that speaking up about pain isn't being weak, it's being smart.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need

You probably already know this, but it bears repeating: what happens at home sets the stage for success at school. Sleep needs vary by age: elementary students need 9-11 hours nightly, while middle schoolers need 9-10 hours. Pro tip from one parent to another: start shifting bedtimes earlier about 2-3 weeks before school starts. Future you will thank present you when those first school mornings aren't a battle.

Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas

For breakfast, think of it as fuel that lasts. Protein and complex carbs (like eggs, yogurt, whole grain toast, oatmeal, or fruit) keep kids satisfied and focused, while sugary cereals set them up for that mid-morning crash we've all experienced.

For lunch planning, involve your children in choosing healthy options they'll actually eat. Pack familiar favorites alongside one new item to gradually expand their palate, and remember that colorful fruits and vegetables give their growing bodies the vitamins they need to fight off classroom germs.

When it comes to after-school snacks, pair something they love with something nutritious. Apple slices with peanut butter or crackers with cheese give them energy for homework and activities.

Managing Children's Stress and Mental Health

Here's something that might surprise you: your child's emotional wellbeing directly impacts their immune system. When kids feel stressed, their bodies release cortisol, which suppresses immune function and makes them more likely to catch those back-to-school bugs.

Simple daily check-ins make a real difference. Even five minutes at bedtime asking "What was the best part of your day?" helps kids process feelings and keeps their immune systems stronger. When children feel emotionally supported, they're not just happier, they're healthier.

When to Schedule Your Appointments

The magic timeline? Schedule physicals about 4-6 weeks before school starts. This gives you breathing room for any follow-up appointments without the stress of last-minute scrambling. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your child's vision, hearing, behavior, or physical complaints that interfere with daily activities. 

For routine school physicals and wellness checkups, your child's pediatrician or family doctor is your best starting point. At RightCare Clinic, our board-certified emergency medicine physicians provide comprehensive sports physicals, ensuring your children are healthy, protected, and ready for athletic success. We understand the unique needs of growing children and work efficiently to meet all school requirements.

Ready for a Health School Year

Those first few weeks back in the classroom are always an adjustment as kids reconnect with friends and settle into new routines. Even kids who love school can feel anxious about these transitions, so keep an eye out for changes in sleep, eating habits, or mood—these are your child's way of processing big changes. Creating predictable routines at home (regular meal times, homework spaces, and family time) helps children feel secure during this period.

It's completely normal for children to pick up the occasional cold or minor bug during this transition: it's simply part of being back in a school environment. If your child does feel under the weather, RightCare Clinic offers convenient same-day appointments to help them feel better quickly and get back to all the fun parts of school without missing a beat.

This back-to-school season can be your most organized and confident one yet. With the right preparation and a clear plan, you can efficiently manage all the health requirements while setting your child up for their healthiest, most successful school year yet.

Todd Chassee, MD, FACEP, is Medical Director for RightCare Clinic and Vice President of Clinical Services at Emergency Care Specialists