Sharpen your pencils and zip up your backpack because it’s time to go back to school San Diego! That nervous excitement which comes only once a year can mean lots of anxiety for both children and parents as you prepare.
Starting off the school year can be easy if you take a few minutes to plan. This includes looking at children’s health and readiness. Vaccinations are an important way of keeping kids safe and healthy particularly when they’re going back to school.
What do parents need to be aware of this coming school year?
· Make sure to get your school medical checkups and records in order as early as possible. In California, that means No Proof, No School. The only reason not to have a vaccine is because of a medical reason.
How serious are vaccine preventable diseases?
· Kids are in close quarters on a daily basis so stopping the spread of infectious disease such as measles, mumps and other virus is extremely important. The most recent outbreak of measles in the U.S. have focused attention on this very contagious disease.
· “Flu season” occurs in the fall and winter. The CDC recommends that people 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu.
· Whooping cough is particularly severe for young infants. Immunize your school-aged child so that they don't bring whooping cough into the household.
What if you don’t have a regular physician or can’t get into see your family doctor before the school year starts?
· You can find a community health center in your town.
· If you don’t know of one call or go online to 2-1-1 to find the nearest clinic.
Getting prepped for the first day.
· Build in extra time that morning
· Make it a return to routine vs a big day
· Arrive at school early so kids can get the jitters out by visiting with friends
· Go by the school a couple of days in advance to see what your child’s room is.
· Check your school supplies: generally, a list available online
Transitioning to a new grade or school?
· Find out the teachers, class rules and schedules in advance. This is particularly important for incoming kindergarteners, middle and high school students.
· Talk to your child about what they are learning in a positive way without imposing your own experiences on them
· Be patient. Reinforce successes and discuss learning through failure.
· Lastly, we cannot stress enough the importance of Parent Involvement!
· It’s easy to be involved in the elementary grades, but equally important if your child is an older student – just different.
For more info and a lot more resources be sure to visit the San Diego County Office of Education.
Have fun and enjoy the new school year. You got this San Diego!
