@GoodsideHealth
@GoodsideHealth
@GoodsideHealth
@GoodsideHealth
@GoodsideHealth
As the final days of summer wind down, families are busy prepping backpacks, buying school supplies, and organizing schedules. But before the first bell rings, it’s essential to make sure your child is physically, emotionally, and medically ready to take on the new school year.
At Goodside Health, we believe every student deserves to start the year with confidence — and that means having their health in check. Whether it’s a routine exam or an in-school visit through SchoolMed, we’re here to help your child thrive from day one.
Here’s your ultimate Back-to-School Health Checklist to make sure nothing gets missed.
✔️ Annual Checkups: Not Just a Box to Check
An annual wellness visit is more than just a checkup — it’s a proactive step to support your child’s healthy growth and development. These visits help:
- Track physical and developmental milestones
- Keep immunizations up to date
- Complete required screenings and sports physicals
- Address any physical, behavioral, or emotional concerns early
🩺 Pro tip: Our sister company, Urgent Care for Kids, offers both urgent and primary care — including annual checkups — at 21 convenient locations across DFW and Houston. With extended hours and same-day availability, scheduling is easy. Contact their team to schedule a visit.
👓 Vision: A Clear View on Learning
Struggling to see the board can affect your child’s learning, focus, and confidence. If they’re squinting, tilting their head, or complaining of headaches, it might be time for an eye exam.
While some schools provide basic vision screenings, a comprehensive exam by an eye care provider can catch issues screenings may miss — like farsightedness or tracking problems.
💡 Pro tip: Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation, or try one of these tools to find a kid-friendly eye doctor near you:
- AOA Doctor Locator (American Optometric Association)
- AAO EyeCare America (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
- Vision Source Doctor Finder
🦷 Dental: Don’t Let Cavities Disrupt Class
Toothaches and dental issues are a leading cause of missed school days. If your child hasn’t had a dental cleaning in the last six months, now’s a great time to schedule one.
💡 Pro tip: Not sure where to start? Look for a pediatric dentist, who specializes in caring for children’s teeth from infancy through adolescence. Ask your pediatrician for a trusted recommendation, or use one of these resources to find a provider near you:
- Find a Pediatric Dentist – AAPD
- Check with your dental insurance for in-network options
- Explore children’s hospitals or local dental schools with pediatric programs
Preventive care now can save your child from pain — and missed class time — later on.
🧠 Emotional Wellness: Check In, Early & Often
The start of school can be exciting — but also overwhelming. Academic pressures, social dynamics, and new routines can impact mental health.
Take time to ask your child how they’re really feeling. Keep an eye out for:
- Changes in mood or appetite
- Sleep disruptions
- Withdrawing from activities they love
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Your school nurse, primary care provider, or SchoolMed partner can help guide the next steps.
💉 Immunizations: Stay Current, Stay Protected
Vaccines protect your child and their classmates. Texas schools require certain immunizations before students can attend class, so make sure your child is current on all school-required shots.
Not sure what your child needs? Your primary care doctor or school nurse can walk you through it.
🎒 Health Forms, Medications & Chronic Conditions
Does your child take daily medication, manage asthma, or have severe allergies? Before the first day of school:
- Refill prescriptions
- Submit updated health forms and care plans to the school
- Provide inhalers, EpiPens, or any necessary medications
Proactive prep ensures your child is safe — and ready — from day one.
🏫 Health Services at School, Too
Through SchoolMed, Goodside Health delivers pediatric care right where students learn. From virtual telehealth visits to on-campus care to SchoolMed At-Home, we partner with school districts to make high-quality health services more convenient than ever.
🎒 Ready to enroll? Register your student today.
Let’s start the school year happy, healthy, and ready to learn!
About Urgent Care for Kids
Urgent Care for Kids, a subsidiary of Goodside Health, provides high-quality, compassionate medical care, specifically in pediatrics. Our mission is to ensure that every child receives prompt and professional care in a kid-friendly environment. Our team of board-certified pediatricians and healthcare professionals specialize in treating a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, from common colds and flu to minor fractures and sprains. For more information, visit urgentcarekids.com.
About Goodside Health
Goodside Health is advancing the delivery of pediatric care by partnering with communities to provide access to telehealth, mental health, and well-care services at school, at home, and in the clinic. Relentless advocates for expanding access to care and promoting health equity, Goodside Health leverages a Whole-Child Approach to care and lives our mission of closing gaps in children’s healthcare through innovation and execution. To learn more about Goodside Health, please visit goodsidehealth.com.
Back-to-School FAQ
When should I schedule my child’s annual checkup?
Aim for 4–6 weeks before school starts to allow time for follow-ups and vaccine updates.
What vaccines are required in Texas and New Mexico?
Requirements vary by grade and state. Common vaccines include DTaP, polio, MMR, varicella, hepatitis A & B, and meningococcal. Check with your pediatrician or school health office.
If my child passed a school vision screening, do they still need an exam?
Yes. School screenings are limited — a full exam can catch things screenings may miss.
What medical info should I give my child’s school?
Submit updated health forms, allergy/asthma/diabetes action plans, and any medications needed at school.
How do I know if my child is struggling emotionally?
Look for changes in behavior, mood, appetite, or sleep. Talk with your child regularly and reach out for help if needed.
What is SchoolMed and how do I know if it’s at my child’s school?
SchoolMed brings telehealth into schools. Ask your school health office or visit goodsidehealth.com/register to see if your district is enrolled.
At A Glance
- ✅ Annual Checkups: Ensure your child is growing strong and staying current on vaccines.
- 👁️ Vision Screening: Catch issues early to support classroom focus and performance.
- 😁 Dental Visit: Prevent toothaches and missed school days with regular cleanings.
- 🧠 Mental Health Check-In: Talk openly and watch for signs of stress or anxiety.
- 💉 Immunization Review: Confirm your child meets school vaccine requirements.
- 🏫 Health Forms & Medications: Submit everything your school needs for ongoing care.
- 📍 SchoolMed Services: Access convenient care at school through Goodside Health.
