Be Well: Get ready for back-to-school

Welcome to Part 2 of our Summer member newsletter. We’re here to provide you with information, tips, and resources to help you stay healthy and get the most from your CHPW Individual & Family Plan.

Missed the first part of our summer newsletter? You can find that and our previous quarterly newsletters in our Be Well archive.

The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety for parents and children alike. Before the first bell rings, make sure your child is healthy, protected, and ready to learn.

From state-required immunizations to sports physicals and vision exams, here are some tips and resources to help get you and your family back-to-school ready.

Schedule child health check-ups early

Don’t wait until the last minute! Book important child health appointments now to beat the back-to-school rush.

Immunizations and well-child visits: Make sure your child’s vaccines and well-child visits are up to date. Washington State requires proof of certain vaccinations (such as chickenpox and measles) before kids can attend school or childcare. Yearly well-child checkups are the best time to catch up on required vaccines and ensure your child is growing and developing on track.

WATCH: Why well-child visits matter

Learn how regular checkups help support your child’s health and development.

Eye exams and dental checkups: Clear vision and healthy teeth can make a big difference in learning. If your child hasn’t had an eye exam or dental checkup recently, now’s a good time to schedule one.

Sports physicals: Does your child plan to join a team? Most schools require a completed physical before practice begins.

Did you know: CHPW Individual & Family Cascade Select plans cover well-child visits, immunizations, and children’s eye exams at no cost when your child sees an in-network provider.

Too sick for school?

As the school year begins, colds and other seasonal illnesses become more common. If your child isn’t feeling well, keeping them at home helps protect their classmates and teachers.

Not sure whether your child is too sick for school? Talk with their doctor, use CHPW Virtual Care, or call CHPW’s 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-866-418-2920 (TTY: 711) for guidance.

Back-to-school expenses can add up quickly. These free or low-cost community resources may help you save money on school supplies, food, and childcare.

School supplies & clothing: Local nonprofits and community fairs often host free school supply and clothing drives. You can also use Findhelp, a free online tool, to search by ZIP code for local programs offering free or reduced-cost food, transportation, clothing, childcare, and more.

School meals: Use the Washington School Meals Application Finder to see if your school district offers free or reduced-cost school meals. Many schools also offer free after-school meal programs that provide kids with healthy food after classes.

Affordable childcare: Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps low-income families pay for childcare while parents work or attend school. Child Care Aware of Washington can also help you find out if you qualify for financial assistance.

Still looking for help?
CHPW’s Community Health Workers can connect you with local programs and services for food, transportation, childcare, and other everyday needs. Call 1-866-418-7006 or email [email protected].

Looking for more summer tips? Read our Be Well article: Your guide to a healthy and affordable summer.

Back-to-school changes can be stressful for the whole family. Read our CHPW Connections blog post, Managing changes together: Family mental health, for more on how parents can support their children.

Visit HealthyChildren.org for tips to help ensure your child has a healthy and happy start to the school year.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. If you need someone to talk to, support is available—and you don’t have to leave your home. Visit our Virtual Care webpage to learn more about behavioral health telehealth options for CHPW members.

More resources

• Be Well: Stay healthy and save this summer
• How to help children build healthy digital habits
• Be Well: Are you and your kids ready for the end of summer?
• Managing changes together: Family mental health

That’s all for now. Until next time, be safe and be well.

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