Starting school is exciting, but it can also be scary- both for children and caregivers. Luckily, there are things to do prior to school starting, during the first day, and after the first week of school that can help ease this transition.

Before school starts:

• Fill out all the forms you are given, especially those that are asking for allergies and other safety information. Your child’s health and safety take priority in the school setting.

• Attend meet-the-teacher nights and other back-to-school events. This will get your child familiar with the smells, sights, and sounds of the new school.

• Start your school routine early. Make sure the child goes to bed early and wakes up with enough time to get dressed, brush teeth, and eat breakfast.

• Label all school supplies, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and jackets. Make sure the teacher or school nurse has access to your child’s name, address, and phone number where a parent or guardian can always be reached.

• Make sure your child knows how to get to and home from school. Practice walking or bus routes if applicable, and make sure they know who to talk to if you cannot be reached and how to get ahold of them. 

• Read books together about starting school. Not only can reading books before bed become part of a comforting routine, but reading books about starting school can better prepare your child for what’s to come with characters they can relate to.

On the first day of school:

• Give your child a smile and a hug at drop-off, tell them that you love them, but don’t linger too long. They got this, and you do too!

• Find out from the school how to best communicate with your child and download any apps or bookmark any websites that you’ll need for this communication. Trust that the teacher will make your child feel welcome. 

• Remind your child not to be afraid to ask a trusted adult for help when necessary.

• Ask when mealtimes are and how lunchtimes work. Pack lunches from home for the first week just in case, even if your child will be getting lunches from the school cafeteria. Also, some teachers will allow time in the afternoons for a child to eat a snack, especially if they have an early lunchtime, so it’s a good idea to send your child to school with some snacks as well.

During the first week:

• Recognize that it will take time for your child to adjust to a new school and routine.

• Give your child confidence and celebrate their successes! Applaud them for getting on the bus on time or tell them how proud you are of them for raising their hand in class.

• Read everything that the school sends home, especially during the first week when they’re bound to bring home a ton of forms about school routines, important dates, and meetings. Check your child’s backpack to make sure you didn’t miss anything.



• Enjoy this time! Your child is growing up and becoming more independent. Root for them and relish this special time in both of your lives.