September is just around the corner, which means a brand new school year is on its way! Whether your child is entering a new program, or new facility altogether, you will want them to be prepared for the year ahead. As always, there are a few things to take care of before you are ready to send your children back to school.
Check out our official back to school checklist to get yourself organized, and start your child’s year off on the right note.
Back to School Checklist:
- Doctor and Dental Check-ups – Before sending your child back to school, it’s helpful to have an up-to-date scope of their overall health. This way, you will be able to provide their educators with any new concerns that may have developed.
- Wardrobe – Does your child’s facility require a uniform? Make sure they have all the items they need in place well before school starts, in case any pieces need alterations or dry cleaning of any kind. Otherwise, make sure their school-appropriate clothing items from the previous year still fit well!
- Supplies – While some facilities will supply children with everything they need, including markers, paper and other craft items, make sure you are picking up anything else your child needs. Older children may need pens and notebooks, in addition to the school-supplied items, and something like a supply box or pencil case will help keep all lose items together.
- Backpack –A backpack is essential to hold all your child’s odd and ends when heading to and from school. Be sure to pick one up for your child if they are new to school or make sure their backpack from the previous year is free of any rips and tears and is clean and ready to go for their first day!
- Lunchbox with Snacks – As with supplies, some facilities will provide children with their nutritious meals and snacks for the day. If this is not the case, be sure to send your child to school with their own lunch and lunchbox, as well as a few snacks to get them through the day.
- Reusable Water Bottle – It is important for your child to stay hydrated. While they may not use this within the classroom everyday, this is important to have on hand for days with outdoor activities or any possible trips.
- Prescription Medication – If your child requires any specific medications, make sure their educators are aware and your child’s medication and paper work are sent to school with them.
- Curriculum Review – You may or may not be able to do this before the beginning of the school year. Take a look at your child’s curriculum for some of the subjects and activities outlined, so you can know what they are learning and how to best assist them at home to further their development throughout the school year.
- Talk With Your Child – Before another school year begins, this is a good time to sit down with your child to discuss the upcoming changes. They may be finding it difficult to get back into the school routine and perhaps they are even nervous about their new program ahead. Sitting down for a talk is a great way to be on the same page with your child’s feelings and start off the school year understanding what they are experiencing.
Each child is unique and therefore may require a few tweaks or changes to the back to school checklist above. Make sure you are taking your individual child’s needs into consideration in your preparations, and you should be all set for a great year of school ahead!
What is on your back to school checklist? Did we miss any of your must-haves? Let us know in the comments below!
