Skip to main content

Preschool (3–5 years) · School age (5–12 years) · Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years) · School & sports, Seasonal, Vaccines

Back-to-school health checklist for Georgia families

Before a Georgia school year: an up-to-date immunization certificate (Form 3231), the screening form (3300) for new students, medication and action plans on file at school, and a well visit if it has been a year. Book in June or July to beat the August rush.

Key takeaways

  • Form 3231 (immunizations) is required for new students and updated at 7th grade
  • Form 3300 (hearing, vision, dental, nutrition) is required for first-time enrollment
  • Asthma, allergy and seizure action plans must be renewed each year
  • Sports physicals: bring the GHSA form
  • Sleep schedules shift back a week before school starts

Forms Georgia schools require

  • Form 3231, Certificate of Immunization: for any child entering a Georgia school or daycare, updated before 7th grade (Tdap and meningococcal) and 11th grade (second meningococcal dose)
  • Form 3300, Certificate of Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition Screening: for first-time enrollment, within 12 months
  • Medication authorization forms: for any medicine given at school, including inhalers and epinephrine
  • Action plans: asthma, food allergy, seizure or diabetes plans, signed each year

Timeline

  1. June–July: book the well visit; most vaccines and forms are done there
  2. Two weeks before: move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few days
  3. One week before: drop off medications and plans at the school clinic
  4. First week: expect tiredness and a cold; keep evenings light

Healthy habits that help school

  • 9–12 hours of sleep for ages 6–12, 8–10 for teens
  • Breakfast with protein
  • A water bottle instead of juice
  • Screens off an hour before bed

When to call us

  • You need forms and the last well visit was more than a year ago
  • Your child is behind on vaccines or you cannot find records
  • Morning stomach aches or headaches that vanish on weekends: this can be anxiety, and we can help

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…

  • This guide is about planning; for an emergency call 911

Questions parents ask

My child’s vaccine records are from another state. What do I do?

Bring whatever records you have. We enter them into the Georgia registry (GRITS) and issue a Form 3231. Missing doses go on a catch-up schedule.

Not sure? Ask us

Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.

(770) 615-7000

Trusted further reading

More guides for this age

  • Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years)

    Turning 18: your care here until 21, and how we hand off to adult medicine

    Dare2Care Pediatrics sees patients through age 21. From 18 the patient, not the parent, controls their records and decisions; we keep well visits, mental health screening and vaccines going and plan the move to an adult doctor together.

    Growth & development, Behavioral & mental health

  • Infant (2–12 months) · Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years)

    Developmental milestones by age, and when to ask for help

    Milestones are the things most children do by a certain age: a social smile by 2 months, sitting by 9 months, first words by 15 months, two-word phrases by 30 months. Missing one is a reason to check in, not to panic; early help works best.

    Growth & development

  • Infant (2–12 months) · Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years) · School age (5–12 years) · Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years)

    Sun, heat and hydration: keeping kids safe in the Georgia summer

    In Georgia’s heat, children overheat faster than adults. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun, use SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen from 6 months, offer water every 20 minutes during play, and never leave a child in a car, even for a minute.

    Safety, Seasonal