Back-To-School Checklist for Parents

Education

It can be difficult to think about school while you’re still enjoying summer vacation, but September comes quickly, and being prepared makes all the difference for a successful school year.

Here’s a helpful back-to-school checklist for parents, to take some of the the sting out of prepping for back to school this fall!

1 month before school

  • Mark important school dates on your calendar.
  • Make sure immunizations are up to date.
  • Schedule medical checkup, dental checkup, and vision test for your kids.
  • Research extracurricular activities for the year.
  • Look for before- and after-school care.
  • Coordinate/confirm end date of summer care and start date of school-year before- and after-school care.
  • Check the school’s list of supplies your child will need.
  • Go through kids’ fall clothing and donate or toss anything kids have outgrown or worn out.
  • Start your back-to-school shopping for backpacks, lunch bags, school clothes, and shoes.
  • Review the school’s summer learning requirements.
  • Find out if the school has an orientation or other program or event for parents.

2–3 weeks before school

  • Familiarize yourself with your child’s school dress code, regulations, emergency procedures, and other policies.
  • Get organized! Set up a “go” station by the door to get kids ready on time, consider setting up a homework station and creating a shared calendar for the whole family.
  • Schedule kids’ haircuts for the week before school.
  • Buy school supplies like pencils, pens, crayons, paper.
  • Start gradually moving kids back to the school-year bedtime.
  • Establish a filing spot for all school notices you receive.
  • Set up an inbox/outbox for forms that need to be signed/returned.

1 week before school

  • Get back on school-year bedtime.
  • Get haircuts.
  • Stock up on pantry essentials for lunches and snacks as well as sandwich bags and ice packs.
  • Prep lunches, snacks, and quick breakfasts, and some frozen dinners.
  • Confirm before- and after-school care and extra-curricular activities for kids.
  • Practice getting to school with kids and make sure kids know the pickup and drop-off routine.
  • Make sure young kids know how to open all their lunch bags/boxes and food containers on their own.
  • Talk with your child about what to expect at school and discuss any concerns s/he may have.
  • Make sure your child knows your home address, home phone number, and work phone number.

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