As families prepare for the 2026-27 school year, getting children ready for school involves more than buying backpacks, notebooks and new clothes.
Parents also need to make sure children are healthy, up to date on required immunizations, prepared for the school day and ready to access meals and health support when they need it. From vaccination records and school health forms to food allergies, medications, school meals and mental health, here are some important health and wellness reminders before the first day.
Immunizations: Check the Records Now
One of the most important back-to-school tasks is making sure a child's immunizations are current. Pennsylvania has specific immunization requirements for students attending school. Requirements can vary by grade, so parents should review their child's vaccination record and check with their healthcare provider or school if they are unsure whether anything is missing.
Parents should also make sure the school has the required documentation. Don't wait until the first day of school to discover a missing record or required vaccination.
Families who have questions about immunization requirements, exemptions or documentation should contact their child's school or healthcare provider.
School Health Requirements
Depending on the student's grade and school district, families may also need to provide health-related documentation, including physical or dental examination forms. Parents should check their district's back-to-school requirements and ask:
- Does my child need a physical examination?
- Is a dental examination required?
- Are there forms that must be completed by a healthcare provider?
- Does the school have my child's current health information?
- Has anything changed since last school year?
Keeping health records current can help schools respond more effectively if a student becomes sick or has a medical emergency during the school day.
Food Allergies: Make Sure the School Knows
For families dealing with food allergies, back-to-school preparation can be particularly important. Parents should make sure the school has current information about a child's allergies and knows what to do in an emergency. Ask the school:
- Who has been informed about the allergy?
- How are cafeteria workers notified?
- What procedures are in place for allergic reactions?
- Where is emergency medication stored?
- Who is authorized to administer medication?
- What happens during classroom parties or events involving food?
Parents should also update the school if a child's allergy, medication or emergency plan has changed.
School Meals: What Will Your Child Eat?
School breakfast and lunch are an important part of the school day — and for many families, school meals are an important part of the household food budget. Before school starts, parents should find out:
- Is breakfast available?
- Is lunch available?
- Are meals free for all students?
- What are the meal prices?
- Does the family need to complete a meal application?
- How does a student receive meals?
- What options are available for students with food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Parents should also check whether their school district has made changes to its meal program for the 2026-27 school year.
Medications at School
If a child needs medication during the school day, parents should not assume last year's arrangements automatically carry over. Districts have policies governing how medications are brought to school, stored and administered. Parents should check with the school about:
- Required medication forms
- Physician authorization
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medications
- Inhalers
- Epinephrine auto-injectors
- Who can administer medication
- Whether students are permitted to carry certain medications themselves
Getting this information settled before the first day can prevent problems later.
Mental Health Is Part of School Health
Going back to school can also bring stress, anxiety and social challenges. Parents should know who students can turn to if they are struggling. That may include school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, nurses, teachers, and student support teams.
Parents can also ask how students can access mental-health services and what happens when a student needs additional support.
And don't overlook bullying and cyberbullying. A child's emotional well-being is part of their ability to learn and feel safe at school.
Healthy Habits Matter, Too
The transition from summer to a school schedule can be difficult. Parents can help children get ready by reestablishing regular routines for sleep, breakfast, physical activity, hydration, homework, and screen time.
A consistent routine can make the transition back to school easier for both children and parents.
Back-to-School Health Check
Before the first day, parents should make sure:
The Bottom Line
Preparing children for school means preparing for more than academics. Health, nutrition, mental wellness and safety all affect a student's ability to learn.
Taking care of immunizations, health forms, medications, allergies and school meals before the first day can help families start the school year with fewer surprises.
Pittsburgh Urban Media will continue its Back-to-School 2026 coverage with information families can use before the first bell.