The beginning of the school year can sneak up on kids and parents alike. So, we&rsquo;ve got the list you need to get prepared &ndash; mentally, emotionally, AND physically.


<h5>Health prep</h5>

1.	Update vaccinations

Immunizations can protect your child against serious diseases, and some are required for entry into school in the state of Arizona.
Arizona school immunization laws require students to get vaccinated and submit those records before entry to preschool programs, child care, and school (with some <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https%3A//www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00873.htm" target="_blank">exemptions</a>).
<ul>
 <li>For a full list of required vaccinations for child care, preschool, or head start, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/school-childcare/immunizations-preschool.pdf">CC Guide to Immunizations Required for Entry, 2025 ENGLISH</a>.</li>
 <li>For a full list of required vaccinations for grades K-12, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/school-childcare/school-immunization-requirements.pdf">K-12 Guide to Immunizations Required for Entry 2025 ENGLISH</a>.</li>
</ul>

If you have questions, check with your school!

Did you know? Eligible children can get immunizations at no cost through the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/index.php#program-overview" target="_blank">Vaccines for Children</a> (VFC) program in Arizona. Providers may charge an administration fee, but they must waive the fee if the parent is unable to pay.

2. Schedule a sports physical 
An exam can give you peace of mind that your kid can handle the physical demands asked of them in school sports and extracurricular activities. In fact, a lot of sports require a physical for a medical eligibility form.&nbsp;
<h5>At-home prep
</h5>
Before the first day of school, spend time with your child on some important issues:

1.	Talk to your kids about bullying

<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/womens-childrens-health/bullying-prevention/" target="_blank">Bullying </a>is linked to a range of educational and emotional problems. Make sure your child knows:
<ul>
 <li>To seek a trusted adult for help if they are bullied.</li>
 <li>How to respond nonviolently to bullying.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>That you're monitoring their texts and social media accounts for bullying behavior.</li>
 <li>That it's never OK to bully someone, even if encouraged by others.</li>
</ul>

2.	Transition to school sleep/wake schedule

A good night's sleep will help your child concentrate, retain information and prevent mood swings. To aid the transition from vacation time to school time, figure out how many weeks it will take for your child to fall into an optimum sleep routine for school nights if they go to bed and wake up 15 minutes earlier every few days before school starts.

Getting back into a school routine can be challenging, so give yourself &ndash; and your child &ndash; grace when easing back into it. Before you know it, it&rsquo;ll become a daily routine again!

Your Back-to-School Prep List: Health Edition 

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