Just like we make New Year’s resolutions to get healthy, back to school is a great time to check up on children's health and make sure they're protected against dangerous childhood diseases.
Make an appointment now with your child’s healthcare provider to get the child’s required vaccinations and yearly physical.
At JPS, children can get medical care at 19 school-based health centers, JPS community health centers in neighborhoods across Tarrant County, and the Pediatric Clinic and Family Health Center in Fort Worth.
Most school districts require parents to fill out important paperwork before children head off to class. Be sure to complete the health forms so that the school has accurate and complete information to help keep your child safe and well.
“We encourage parents to partner with their child’s school to ensure that all of their needs are met,” says Autumn Morris, a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Georgia Kidwell School-Based Health Center in Euless.
“Children who are healthy can focus on what they are learning and not on how they feel,” Morris said. “By providing schools with up to date information on the health needs of their children, it gives the keys needed to keep children safe and healthy throughout the school year.”
Back-to-school checklist
- Make sure your children have up-to-date vaccinations.
- Ask your child’s healthcare provider to refill any medications that the school may need on hand.
- Complete any forms giving permission for the school to administer those medications.
- Fill out all health forms that the school sends home. If your child gets sick or hurt while at school, it is important for officials to have a record of your child’s medical conditions and medications, and contact information for your child’s healthcare provider and dentist.
- Talk to your school nurse and your child’s teachers about any medical conditions your child may have, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, and any physical restrictions.
- Find out your school district’s rules about whether a child can possess medications and over-the-counter drugs when they are on campus or after-school activities. Find out if the child is allowed to self-administer medicine.
- Update your emergency contact information if it changes during the school year.