State law requires all children entering kindergarten or first grade to have a complete health exam and up-to-date immunizations. Health exams help identify health problems before they become more serious. The exam may be obtained as early as 18 months prior to first grade entry.
Approximately one in ten children starting school has an unknown health problem, such as asthma, hearing loss or vision loss. A comprehensive physical exam increases the opportunity to detect health problems early so that the conditions may be treated and long-term complications may be prevented. A healthy child does better in school!
Low and moderate income children may get their exams and shots free through the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program. About 50% of the children entering school qualify for an exam paid for by CHDP. A family needs to meet income guidelines to qualify for a free health exam.
A school entry exam should be arranged through a child’s regular medical provider. However, referrals to doctors and clinics are provided on request by the CHDP Program.
For more information about school entry health exams, call the Sacramento County CHDP Program at (916) 875-7151.
For additional School Entry Exam information, please use the links below.
