Child Health Check-ups

What is Child Health Check-ups?

The Child Health Check-Up (CHCUP) program is Florida’s well child program. The program promotes check-ups for children as they grow and develop. Check-ups can help doctors find and treat health problems before they become worse. Children get check-ups from birth to 21 years. Check-ups should include:

The parts of a Child Health Check-up exam are:

1. Health History
The doctor will ask questions about health problems your child has had. The doctor will ask about diet, prior illnesses, and family related illness

2. Physical Exam
The doctor will examine your child and will:

3. Growth and Development
The doctor will also teach you about stages in your child’s development.

The doctor will weigh and measure how tall your child is. Checking growth stages helps to find out if the child is growing properly. A good diet is important. The doctor may ask about what food the child eats. The doctor may ask questions about behavior or school-work.

4. Hearing Test
A hearing test is part of a check-up. This test checks for ear infections and hearing loss.

5. Vision Test
The doctor will check the child’s vision. Eye exams can help find vision problem early. Problems with vision can make learning harder for children. Vision problems found early can often be fixed.

6. Lab Test for Lead
Lead poisoning can cause problems with learning. A lead test is a simple way to check if your child has lead in their blood

7. Shots
Shots protect your child against childhood diseases. These diseases can be serious. It is very important that your child receives their shots. In Florida, children have to get certain shots before they can go to day-care, pre-school and school

8. Health Education
The doctor will provide education and safety tips. These tips can cover safety in the home and outside. They will talk about smoking, diet and stages of growth.

9. Referral and follow-up
If the doctor finds a problem during the check-up, they may have your child see another doctor for specialized treatment

When do I need to get a Check-up?

Good health begins with regular child health check-ups. A check-up can help prevent health problems before they become serious. Get your child a check-up at the proper time. Make sure your child gets the medical care they need. If your child misses a check-up, schedule one as soon as you can. Your child should get a child health check-up at the following ages:

Babies need check-ups at ages:

Toddlers need check-ups at ages:

Young children need check-ups at ages:

You may also schedule a check-up at any time, if you think your child needs one. Most schools require a complete physical before children can start classes. This is a perfect time to schedule a child a health check-up!

DISCLAIMER: The Information on this site is not intended to take the place of your doctor or other healthcare professionals. It is a resource to help you make the best decisions and get the most from the medical services available to you. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions.