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August can get busy quickly for families. Between school supplies, new schedules, registration paperwork, and fall sports, there is a lot to take care of before the first day. For many parents, that also means making sure their child’s health records, immunizations, and medical forms are ready.

School physicals and sports physicals can sound like the same thing, but they serve different purposes. California also has specific requirements that can be easy to confuse with older rules or general information found online.

If your child needs a back-to-school physical, here is what California families should know about school physicals, immunizations, sports clearance, and the forms required before the school year begins.

School Physicals in California: Does Your Child Need One?

California no longer requires a physical examination for school-aged children before statewide school enrollment.

The state’s former Child Health and Disability Prevention program, commonly known as CHDP, was discontinued effective July 1, 2024. With that change, the former Report of Health Examination for School Entry and waiver forms became optional resources rather than mandatory statewide enrollment forms.

That does not necessarily mean your child will have no health paperwork to complete. Individual schools, districts, programs, or activities may have their own forms or procedures, so it is still a good idea to check with your child’s school before the appointment.

Even when a physical is not required for enrollment, regular well-child visits remain an important part of preventive care. The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains a schedule of recommended screenings and assessments throughout childhood and adolescence.

During a routine pediatric visit, a provider may review your child’s medical history, growth and development, medications, vital signs, and other age-appropriate health needs.

For parents looking for a school physical in Covina or nearby communities, scheduling a well-child visit before school begins can also provide time to review immunization records, school paperwork, medications, and any health concerns that may affect your child during the school day.

What Immunizations Are Required for California Schools?

California’s school immunization requirements remain in effect even though the statewide school-entry physical requirement changed.

California schools check immunization records for new admissions from transitional kindergarten or kindergarten through 12th grade. Additional requirements also apply when students enter seventh grade.

Required school vaccines include protection against illnesses such as:

●     Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

●     Polio

●     Hepatitis B

●     Measles, mumps, and rubella

●     Varicella, or chickenpox

●     Tdap for students entering seventh grade

The exact number and timing of doses can depend on your child’s age, grade, and vaccination history. Because requirements can change, families should check the California Department of Public Health’s current Shots for School guidance and their child’s school before the new year begins.

Bringing your child’s immunization record to a pediatric visit gives the provider an opportunity to review what has already been completed and discuss vaccines that may still be due.

Is an Oral Health Assessment Required for California School Entry?

California public-school students entering school for the first time may also need an oral health assessment.

California requires children entering public school for their first year in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten, or first grade if they were not previously enrolled, to have an oral health screening completed by a licensed dental professional. Proof of the assessment is generally due to the school no later than May 31 of that school year.

This requirement is separate from a school or well-child physical, so parents should check their enrollment paperwork to make sure both medical and dental requirements are covered.

Does Your Child Need a Sports Physical for California School Sports?

Students participating in school athletics may need a sports physical even though a general physical is no longer required for statewide school enrollment.

A sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical evaluation or PPE, focuses specifically on whether a student can safely take part in athletic activity.

During the evaluation, a provider may review:

●     Previous injuries or concussions

●     Asthma or breathing concerns

●     Current medications

●     Heart-related symptoms

●     Relevant family medical history

●     Heart and lung health

●     Muscles, bones, and joints

●     Strength and flexibility

The California Interscholastic Federation provides preparticipation physical evaluation forms for student-athletes, and CIF guidance requires student-athletes to be medically evaluated and cleared by an appropriate healthcare provider.

Because individual schools, districts, and CIF sections may have their own procedures and deadlines, families should confirm the current requirements with the school’s athletic office before scheduling an appointment.

For families searching for a sports physical in West Covina, bringing the required athletic paperwork to the visit can help avoid having to return later for missing forms.

What Is the CIF Physical Form?

The CIF physical form is part of the preparticipation evaluation process used for California student-athletes.

CIF provides official PPE materials that include medical history and physical examination documentation. Parents should obtain the form requested by their child’s school or athletic program before the appointment whenever possible.

Complete any parent or student sections ahead of time, then bring the form to the physical so the medical provider can review the health history, perform the evaluation, and complete the appropriate medical portion.

If you are unsure which CIF physical form your child’s California school requires, check directly with the school or athletic department before the visit.

What Should You Bring to a School or Sports Physical?

A little preparation can make a back-to-school appointment much easier and reduce the chance of having to make a second trip.

Before your child’s appointment, consider bringing:

●     Your child’s school, district, or athletic physical forms

●     The appropriate CIF paperwork for school sports

●     Current immunization records

●     A list of medications

●     Information about allergies

●     Relevant medical or surgical history

●     Information about previous sports injuries or concussions

●     Glasses or contact lenses, if your child wears them

●     Any health questions or concerns you or your child would like to discuss

If your child takes medication during the school day or has a condition that requires special instructions, check with the school ahead of time. Additional forms may need to be completed by a medical provider.

New patients can also complete Mayflower Medical Group’s pediatric registration forms before arriving for their appointment.

When Should You Schedule a Back-to-School or Sports Physical?

It is usually better to schedule before the final rush of the back-to-school season.

Late summer is a busy time for physicals, and waiting until just before classes, practices, or tryouts begin can leave less time to handle missing paperwork or follow-up care.

Scheduling earlier gives families time to:

●     Confirm immunization records

●     Complete required school or athletic forms

●     Follow up on concerns identified during the visit

●     Meet sports or school paperwork deadlines

●     Avoid adding another last-minute task to an already busy week

When appropriate, families may also be able to address a routine well-child visit and sports clearance during the same appointment, helping simplify the back-to-school schedule.

School and Sports Physicals at Mayflower Medical Group

Mayflower Medical Group helps families prepare for the school year with pediatric care, well-child visits, immunization reviews, and school or sports physicals.

Mayflower serves families through locations in Anaheim, Covina, La Puente, El Monte, and West Covina, providing local options for families across the surrounding communities.

Whether your child needs a routine pediatric visit, an immunization review, help understanding school paperwork, or a completed sports physical, our team can help you determine what to bring and what comes next.

Before your appointment, check with your child’s school or athletic program for any required forms, gather current immunization records, and bring the paperwork with you.

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A new school year comes with plenty to organize. Taking care of your child’s health paperwork early can make one part of that process easier and help your family start the year prepared.

Where your health is our mission.