As August winds down and the new school year is just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to take steps to make sure every student starts the year safe, happy, and healthy. This updated guide covers everything you need — from required vaccines to mental wellness and bus safety — to set your child up for success.
Get Caught Up on Required Immunizations
Connecticut state law requires students to have up-to-date vaccinations before entering school. These vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child and the entire school community from serious, preventable diseases. Even if your child seems healthy, missing shots can mean missing school.
| Vaccine | Grade(s) Required | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP/DTP/DT | Pre-K (4 doses), K-6 (≥4 doses) | Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus (lockjaw), and Pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening. |
| Tdap (Adolescent booster) | Grade 7–12 (1 dose) | A crucial booster to maintain protection as childhood immunity wanes. |
| MMR | Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) | Prevents highly contagious Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, which can have serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) | Protects against the itchy and sometimes severe chickenpox virus, which can cause skin infections and pneumonia. |
| Hepatitis B | Pre-K through Grade 12 (3 doses) | Prevents a serious liver infection that can become chronic and lead to liver cancer. |
| Hepatitis A | Pre-K through Grade 12 (2 doses) | Prevents a contagious liver infection that spreads easily in schools, especially since young children may not show symptoms. |
| Polio | Pre-K through Grade 12 (≥3 doses) | Protects against a crippling and potentially fatal disease that has been eliminated in the U.S. thanks to vaccination. |
| MenACWY (Meningococcal) | Grade 7–12 (1 dose) | Protects against a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord lining. |
| HPV | Grades 7–12 (Strongly Recommended) | A cancer-prevention vaccine that helps prevent several types of cancer later in life. |
Annual Check-Ups & Mandated Screenings
Beyond vaccines, routine well-child visits are essential for a healthy school year.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: State law mandates these screenings for students in kindergarten, first, third, fourth, and fifth grades to detect issues that can impact learning.
- Dental Check-Up: Good oral health is linked to overall well-being. Schedule a cleaning and exam before school starts.
- Asthma & Allergy Action Plans: If your child has asthma or severe allergies, update their inhalers, EpiPens, and emergency plans with the school nurse. Share any food allergy information with teachers and cafeteria staff.
Build Healthy Routines from Day One
A strong routine and self-care go a long way in keeping kids physically and emotionally ready to learn.
- Sleep Schedule: To support learning and emotional regulation, aim for 9–11 hours per night for elementary students and 8–10 hours for teens.
- Balanced Breakfast: Fuel up with protein and fiber to boost focus and energy.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated improves brain function. Pack a reusable water bottle every day!
- Hand-Washing: Proper hand-washing (20 seconds with soap and water!) is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Prioritize Mental & Emotional Wellness
A happy school year is more than academics — it’s about feeling supported and connected.
- Open Conversations: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. The Jed Foundation offers great conversation starters for parents of teens.
- Bullying Prevention: Talk to your children about bullying and what to do if they see or experience it. For resources and information on Connecticut's anti-bullying laws, visit StopBullying.gov.
- Know the Resources: Your school counselor and the Uncas Health District are valuable resources if you have concerns about your child's mental health.
Safety on the Way to School
- Backpack Safety: An overly heavy or improperly worn backpack can cause pain and posture problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a backpack weigh no more than 10-20% of a child's body weight and that both shoulder straps are always used.
- Bus Safety: Review getting on/off procedures and staying seated until the bus stops fully.
- Walk & Bike Routes: Practice the route to school and always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking.
- Car Seat & Booster Seat Safety: Ensure your child's car seat meets current Connecticut standards. For detailed information and to find a local car seat clinic, visit Safe Kids Connecticut.
- Teen Driving: Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens. Remind new drivers about the risks of distracted and impaired driving.
