HHS shares tips and resources to support healthy back-to-school routines

As students prepare to head back to school, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages families to support children’s well-being by focusing on healthy routines, preventive care and emotional readiness. Establishing healthy habits as summer winds down – focusing on sleep patterns, screen use, physical activity, mental health and overall wellness – can help children return to school prepared, healthy, confident and ready to learn. 

Healthy Habits Checklist

HHS offers the following six healthy habit ideas for families as they prepare for a new school year.

1. Support Healthy Sleep: Sleep is essential for learning, memory and emotional regulation. Children ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, and teens need 8 to 10. Begin adjusting sleep and wake times before the first day of school. Turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime also supports better rest. According to the North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 70% of high school students are not getting enough sleep on school nights.

2. Manage Screen Time: Set expectations around screen use, especially during meals, bedtime and homework. Reducing recreational screen time supports better focus, behavior and sleep. 

3. Reestablish Routines: Gradually introduce consistent routines for meals, sleep, schoolwork and physical activity. Predictable daily schedules reduce stress and help children feel more secure during transitions.

4. Encourage Physical Activity: Children and teens need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Active play, sports, walking or biking to school all help improve concentration and mood while supporting long-term health.

5. Schedule a Medicaid Wellness Visit: A wellness visit is an opportunity to ensure children are growing and developing well. Wellness visits can also include sports physicals, immunizations and screenings for hearing, vision and behavioral health.

6. Talk About the Transition: Ask children how they feel about returning to school and listen with openness. Acknowledge their emotions and remind them that it’s okay to feel nervous or excited. Supportive conversations can help build emotional resilience.

HHS Resources

HHS offers numerous resources to support healthy families including food assistance programs, help with child care costs, medical coverage, immunization costs and guidance, and behavioral health support.

Food Assistance

Many families qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, even if they are not enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

• For SNAP, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp

• For FDPIR, contact a Tribal Food Distribution Program.

Temporary Cash Assistance and Work Readiness

The TANF program helps families achieve self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance along with work readiness, training and job placement services. To apply for TANF, visit hhs.nd.gov/tanf.

Help with Child Care

HHS offers several child care programs that may reduce costs for eligible families:

• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): Supports families who are working or in training/education.

• Working Parents Child Care Relief Pilot: Matches employers and state funds for families with children under age 3.

• Crossroads Program: Assists parents under age 21 with child care and transportation costs while they continue their education. 
  Visit hhs.nd.gov/childcare to learn more.

Routine Immunizations

Vaccines protect children and others from serious, preventable diseases. Check with your trusted health care provider to ensure children are up to date. 
Required vaccines include:

• Grades K–6: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP, polio, chickenpox, hepatitis B

• Middle school: Tdap and meningococcal

• High school (Grade 11): Meningococcal booster

The Vaccines for Children program helps cover vaccine costs for families who are American Indian, Medicaid, uninsured or underinsured. Visit hhs.nd.gov/health/diseases-conditions-and-immunization/immunizations/schools-and-child-care to learn more.

Medicaid Covered Services for Youth

Children and youth enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid are eligible for a range of preventive services including wellness visits, immunizations, dental care, hearing and vision screenings and behavioral health assessments. Medicaid also covers sports physicals when paired with a wellness visit. Families are encouraged to schedule a wellness visit and sports physical together. Contact a provider or local public health unit.

Behavioral Health Support