As a parent, you play the most important role in your child’s early learning. In this section you will find many tips and resources that can help you to give your child the best start possible and help prepare them for kindergarten. Children learn from the world around them. One of the most important things that you can do is to spend time with your children and help them to explore their world in these first 5 years.

A Back-To-School Checklist for Parents

Enroll your child in healthy insurance today
Health insurance can help you afford the routine and emergency care your child will need to stay healthy. You can explore available health coverage options for children at www.100percentcampaign.org/needinsurance, or you can call 1-877-KIDS-NOW to find out if your child qualifies for free or low-cost comprehensive coverage through Medi-Cal or Healthy Families.

Make sure our children have needed physicals and/or shots before school starts
Before they enter school, all children are required by law to be up-to-date on their recommended immunizations and vaccinations. You can learn more about the school immunization requirements at www.shotsforschool.org. If you need help, contact your local department of public health or your county’s Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program office, which provides free age-appropriate periodic health assessments and exams (including immunizations) for low-income children.

Keep the name and contact information for your child's doctor(s) handy 
It is important to be able to reach your child’s provider(s) quickly and easily, especially in the case of an emergency. Make sure the necessary information for your child’s pediatrician and other regular providers are kept somewhere safe and easily accessible, as well as shared with close family, friends, or neighbors.

Schedule a dental check- up for your child
Maintaining good oral health is a key factor in children’s success in school and it is recommended that children visit a dentist every six months. In fact, California law requires all kindergartener's to have a dental check-up. Schedule a dental check-up for your child now to make sure they see a dentist regularly and continue to practice positive oral care habits.

Set a reminder to re-enroll your child in health coverage
Health coverage generally needs to be renewed every 12 months, but depending on the type of coverage it may be more frequent. Put a reminder in your calendar for a month before your child’s coverage expires to make sure that any renewal paperwork is submitted so there is no lapse in your child’s coverage.

Print your very own Back-to-School Checklist: 
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The 100% Campaign is a collaborative effort of Children Now, The Children's Partnership, and Children's Defense Fund-California, working together since 1998 to ensure that all of California's children gain access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage. Go to www.100percentcampaign.org  to learn more. 

The California School Health Centers Association is leading the movement to put health care where kids are -- in schools. Our mission is to promote the health and academic success of children and youth by increasing access to the high quality health care and support services provided by school health centers. Learn more at www.schoolhealthcenters.org