Back to School Checklist
The one you didn’t know you needed.
This checklist is for you. Every parent and caregiver who feels overwhelmed by back-to-school season and isn’t quite sure where to start. My hope is that this gives you a little structure, some guidance, and a few practical things you can focus on as the new school year begins.
I created it with one important thing in mind: we are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same body of water. Every child is different, every family is different, and every school situation is different. This checklist may not apply perfectly to your child or your circumstances, and that’s okay. Take what is helpful and leave what isn’t.
A little advice as you head into a new school year: You are your child’s biggest advocate.
And sometimes, you simply don’t know what you don’t know yet.
Do not hesitate to ask questions of your child’s teacher, support team, therapists, bus driver, school staff, or anyone else who will be part of their day. It is okay to want details. It is okay to ask for clarification. And it is completely understandable to feel nervous about a new school year, too.
From my own experience, asking questions helped me feel more prepared and a little more in control. If I could visualize my child’s day, understand what would be expected of them, know how their teachers and support team planned to help them regulate and establish clear expectations around communication, I felt better equipped to prepare my child because I felt more prepared myself.
As the year goes on, celebrate the wins and pay attention to what is working.
Notice patterns, too. Think about what is happening in your child’s life during times when they are thriving, and also during the harder seasons. Keeping track of those patterns can become incredibly helpful when it is time for an IEP meeting or when you are trying to better understand what your child needs.
Over the years, we began noticing that certain months or seasons were consistently more difficult for my child. Once we recognized those patterns, we were better able to anticipate needs and plan supports ahead of time.
Working as a team with your child’s school can make such a difference. And when you feel unsure, confused, or like too many questions are piling up, ask for a meeting.
You do not have to have everything figured out before the first day.
Take it one step at a time.
Celebrate the progress.
It is going to be a great school year.