School will be starting before you know it. Fall sports may start even earlier. Make sure you are prepared. Your child needs to be up to date with checkups for Valley Pediatrics to complete school, day care and sports forms. Schedule your child’s checkup at Valley Pediatrics now before the school year starts.
School Physicals
Don’t delay getting your physicals and forms. Some schools require new forms each year, other schools may only need them at the beginning of Elementary, Middle and High School or only for new students. It is important for the school staff to be aware of any medical conditions your child has, e.g. asthma or a nut allergy. Some medical problems may entail modified PE class or other accommodations. The school may need to have medication available in case of emergency. These are all reviewed at the checkup.
Schools need to be aware of any behavioral, emotional or developmental delays, e.g. autism, anxiety, speech delay. This helps the school provide the proper supports for your child, which may include anything from setting up an IEP meeting, meeting with a social worker, or arranging for extra help in math.
After the visit, we complete the school paperwork, including vaccine records, and permission to allow the school to administer needed medication if needed.
Sports Physicals
If your child is playing a sport at school, they will need proper clearance. This is to avoid problems that may affect your child’s health and well-being. At Valley Pediatrics, we combine a sports physical with your child’s regular yearly checkup. We believe that a proper sports physical includes review of your child’s overall health and well-being.
If there are concerning findings, for example a heart murmur, we may need to refer your child to a specialist for clearance. This can delay clearance by a few weeks so don’t wait until the day before try-outs!
In some cases, your child may have to miss team try outs if the paperwork is not up to date and at the school so don’t wait until the last minute to bring in the forms.
These Health Exams Are Important
Prior to your visit to Valley Pediatrics, we will send you surveys via the patient portal. These surveys help to screen for development, mental health and other challenges, and help to focus on your concerns at the visit.
Since so many kids need physicals this time of year, our schedules may fill up quickly. Don’t wait for the last minute. Call Valley Pediatrics now to schedule your child’s appointment.