Childhood encompasses the preschool and school years when children develop independence, social skills, and academic abilities. Health focus shifts to preventive care, education, and safety.
Continued growth monitoring
School readiness
Behavioral and social development
Dental health
Accident prevention
Nutrition and physical activity
Annual growth and vital signs
Vision and hearing tests (school entry, annually)
Dental checks every 6 months
BMI monitoring
Lead screening (ages 1–5)
Tuberculosis testing
Developmental and behavioral screening
DTaP boosters (4–6 years)
Polio booster (4–6 years)
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) series completion
Varicella (chickenpox)
Pneumococcal boosters
Annual influenza
Hepatitis A series (ages 12–23 months)
Balanced diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy. Limit sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Aim for 1200–1800 kcal/day depending on age and activity. Encourage water intake; limit sugary drinks.
Establish healthy eating habits and regular mealtimes
Encourage 60+ minutes of physical activity daily
Promote reading and limit screen time
Use sunscreen and teach water safety
Practice good hand hygiene and teach brushing/flossing
Establish consistent sleep schedule (9–11 hours)
Foster social skills and emotional regulation