FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN CHECKLIST

Starting Kindergarten can bring jitters to children and families alike. When you, as a parent, interact with and support your children, your children are more likely to be successful. The following checklist will help create some order and help make the first day of school transition easier:

MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

ü Discuss your child’s academic levels with her preschool teacher and understand what they mean. Speak to the principal or counselor of the new school in the spring about what your child is expected to know by the time she enters kindergarten or first grade.

ü If necessary, help her get up to speed so she is not at a drastic disadvantage with the rest of her class. But know that teachers will expect many different learning levels during the first part of school, so don’t try to over-achieve.

ü If your child has any special needs, notify the school, understand your options, and confirm that acceptable accommodations can be made.

ü If needed, schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician for a physical exam. Also, be sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.

WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

ü Sort through the clothes closet to see what outfits have been outgrown or are too worn out for school.

ü Go shopping for a few new outfits but don’t buy everything at once. Many children will soon want additional clothes once they see what everyone else is wearing.

ü If you'll be buying a school uniform, find out from your school whether any local retailers offer discounts and check for on-line special deals on websites. Also be on the lookout for used outfits.

ü Stock up on supplies your child will need to bring to school. But be aware that many teachers distribute supply lists during the first few days of school. So unless you are certain of required items, it may be best to purchase only generic items such as pencils and paper rather than spend money on unused items.

ü Be sure the “home office” is well stocked so that your child will be ready to go with the first homework assignment. Organize a box with pencils, pens, markers, succors, etc. that are to be used only for homework so that these supplies will always be readily available.

ü Have your child select her own lunchbox, backpack, and outfit for the first day of school. These can be very important decisions for children, so have patience when shopping for these items.

ü Bring the school's medical form to your child's Pediatrician’s office so it can be filled out.

ü Make arrangements for after-school activities or childcare.

ü If you plan to participate in any carpools, start organizing them now. Check with neighbors, friends, and also your school’s office. Some schools have on-going carpool lists.

ü Mention starting school with your child occasionally and address any concerns or fears your child may have. Build a positive feeling about going to this 'new place' by talking with your child about the interesting experiences school will offer - new friends, games, painting new equipment to play on etc.

ü Use indelible ink to label your child’s personal belongings such as jacket, lunchbox, binders, backpack, pencil box, etc.

ü Place a card with emergency phone numbers in your child’s backpack.

ü Help your child remember her name, address and phone number.

ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

ü Make sure all necessary forms have been completed and returned to school.

ü Read through and review school handbooks or rules with your child.

ü If your school permits you to do so, take your child to check out her classroom and meet the teacher. However, understand (and follow) your school’s guidelines were prior-to-school classroom visits are concerned. At the very least, visit the school itself even if a classroom visit is not allowed.

ü If there is one, attend an open house or orientation at your school with your child.

ü Familiarize your child with the route to and from school.

ü Discuss after-school routines.

ü Gradually begin moving your child’s bedtime back until you’ve reached the designated school bedtime.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

ü Designate a place in the house for school paperwork and be sure both your child and you check it daily.

ü Select a spot for parking the backpack.

ü Double check your child's backpack to be sure she has everything she needs.

ü Review after-school plans with your child.

ü Have your child help select lunch box ingredients, pack lunch, and refrigerate it until morning. Tuck a special note or picture in to surprise your child during her first lunch.

ü Help your child select and lay out clothes for the next day.

ü Start the bedtime routine a little early so you have a bit of talk time to answer any last minute questions.

THE MORNING OF THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

ü Prepare a nutritious breakfast to get your child energized for the big day.

ü Encourage your child to start getting her morning routine together on her own, but don’t expect too much on the first day. Be guiding and supportive.

ü Remind your child of her after-school plans.

ü Take your child to the bus stop or to school on the first day. Although this may not be the permanent arrangement, it will help you child begin her first day with comfort and confidence.

ü Say a cheerful goodbye and leave promptly when the bus comes or bell rings.

END OF THE FIRST DAY

ü Have a yummy snack waiting for your child when she gets home.

ü Sit down with her and encourage her to share her thoughts, feelings, concerns, etc. about the first day.

ü Ask for and ready any notices, and complete any forms that were sent home.

ü Purchase whatever additional school supplies and materials are required.

ü Plan a special family dinner – prepare a fun meal and make time for first school day discussions.

There will only be one “first day of school” in a child’s life so it’s up to parents to help create fond memories. With plenty of time given to listening and attention given to preparation, getting your child off on to the right start will be as easy as . . . 1, 2, 3!

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