Back-to-School Checkups: What Every Parent Should Know

During a back-to-school checkup for children, a pediatrician typically performs a full physical exam. 

This can include:

• measuring their height and weight
• conducting a head-to-toe physical exam
• vision and hearing screenings
• examining their eyes, mouth, and ears
• listening to their heart and lungs
• taking their vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
• testing their reflexes
• asking questions to understand their cognitive and social-emotional development

General health discussion

A pediatrician usually also asks questions to give them a better picture of the child’s overall health and provides education to help support a child’s growth and development.

This can include discussion of the children’s: 

• health and wellness, including recent illnesses, chronic conditions, and injuries
• eating habits
• sleeping habits, including how many hours they sleep
• physical activity and hobbies, and how often they engage in them
• mental health practices
• social development and friendships
• schoolwork
• development
• any learning disabilities

Required paperwork

During a back-to-school checkup, a pediatrician can also complete any paperwork required by the school district. This can include physical forms needed to participate in sports or extracurricular activities. The exam helps ensure your child is safe to participate.

What should you bring for a back-to-school checkup?

Items you may need include:
• the child’s immunization history and medical history, including past illnesses, injuries, and procedures
• a list of the child’s current medications
• the child’s family medical history, including the relation and their diagnosis
• any paperwork required by the child’s school for the doctor to complete

Authored by Dr. Bassem Shamseddine, Specialist Pediatrician