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Cook Children’s Back-to-School Checklist
In a few weeks, the new school year will be in full swing with busy drop-off lines, buses back on the roads, and active school zones. Cook Children’s Health Care System knows families want to be prepared, that’s why from physical health to mental wellness, Cook Children’s experts are sharing simple ways to keep little ones safe, healthy and thriving this school year.
Wellness
- Schedule a Check-up: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual checkups from age 3 through adolescence. Schedule early to secure an appointment before the school year starts.
- Mental Health: Have open and honest conversations with children about their concerns. Speak with the pediatrician on tools to help with anxiety.
- Oral health: Children should visit the dentist every six months. Make sure kids brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Make an appointment.
- Update child vaccinations: Navigating vaccines can feel overwhelming. Talk to your pediatrician. The Texas Department of State Health Services requires certain immunizations before children can attend school.
- To schedule an appointment, visit Cook Children’s website or your county’s health department website.
- If a child is not of school age but attends daycare, other requirements may apply.
- College students are required to receive the meningococcal vaccination.
- Sport physicals: The annual UIL pre-participation physical evaluation form applies to middle school and high school students. Sports physicals give doctors the opportunity to check for a variety of concerns, from vision issues and asthma to a lingering sprain or even a serious heart condition.
Healthy Routines
- Sleep: Sleep fuels a child’s memory and concentration. Without consistent rest, children struggle to focus in class and retain what they learn, impacting their academic performance.
- Key elements for building a bedtime routine:
- Establish a consistent schedule by going to bed at the same time each night.
- Limit screen time at least one hour before bedtime.
- Keep bedrooms quiet, cool and dark.
- Create a calming routine, such as reading together.
- Transportation safety:
- E-Bike and E-Scooter safety: Always wear a helmet.
- Driving: Drive slowly through school zones and watch for pedestrians.
- Car Safety: Ensure your child is in the correct car seat or booster for their age and size.
- Nutritious meals: Plan balanced breakfasts and lunches to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
- Screen time: According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8 to 18 in the United States spent an average of 7.5 hours a day using screens in 2025. Set clear daily limits for non-academic screen use.
Make a Plan
- Virtual care: If school district offers it, sign up for the Cook Children’s School-Based Virtual Health Program.
- Allergy action plan: Provide updated emergency allergy plans and medications to the school nurse.
- Medication management plan: Submit required doctor authorization forms for any daily or emergency medications needed during school hours.
This article originally appeared in the Cook Children’s Checkup Newsroom and is shared with permission.
