Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or you’ve done back-to-school prepping for years, getting a head start on the to-do list is the secret to not stressing.

We’ve put together the ultimate back-to-school preparation checklist for parents broken up into chunks of time so the tasks can be completed easier, and hopefully give you more time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer break stress free. Trust us, your future self will thank you!

 

2-4 Weeks Before School Starts

 

Create a dedicated homework workspace

Maybe it’s time to get your child their first desk, or if not, set up a small cabinet or rolling cart near your dining room table that can be stocked with school supplies for homework (paper, pencils, pencil sharpener, crayons, calculator, tape, stapler, etc.)

Write down a list of lunch ideas

There’s nothing more frustrating than going into the first days of school not knowing what to pack for lunches. Sit down with your child and create a list of meal ideas together that they are happy to take with them. You don’t need to come up with a ton – 10 or 15 complete meal ideas is more than enough to get you through the first month or two of school.

Create a lunch packing station

Grab a bin and gather all your lunch packing supplies – containers, water bottles, baggies, pre-packaged items, etc. You will thank yourself later for having all your lunch packing supplies in one easy to grab location.

Have your child practice opening packaging

If you have a younger child, have them practice opening their own containers and plastic packaging so they can be more independent in the lunchroom.

Start a filing system

Kids come home with lots of things – forms to sign, flyers, informational handouts, artwork, awards etc. Create a filing system now that makes storing and finding these items simple and easy to use.

Complete paperwork

Make sure all paperwork has been completed for registration.

Schedule any required physicals

Don’t forget vision screenings as well.

Start to re-stablish a bedtime and wake up routine

Begin shifting your child’s bedtime back to their school-year schedule a little bit at a time. A gradual transition makes it easier for everyone to adjust.

Arrange before and after school care

Register here for Apollo After School.

 

1-2 Weeks Before School Starts

 

Figure out drop-off and pick-up procedures

Make sure you know how your child’s school handles drop-off and pick-up and go over your families plan with your child.

Shop for school supplies

Plan a special one-on-one back-to-school shopping day with your child. Shop for clothing, school supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc. before grabbing lunch somewhere fun.

Be sure to watch for sales and shop your house first for any leftover school supplies you may have.

Create a morning checklist

Think about exactly what needs to happen to get everyone out the door on time and write those things down to refer back to on busy mornings.

Attend teacher meet-and-greets

If your child’s school offers a teacher meet-and-greet visit, plan to attend it so you and your child can start to become familiar with the people and places where they’ll be spending plenty of time during the upcoming year.

Plan first day of school outfits

Make sure your child’s favorite outfit is clean and ready to go for the first day of school.

Label everything

Take time to label water bottles, lunch boxes, backpacks, and jackets with your child’s name.

Get back-to-school haircuts

 

The Night Before School

Taking care of these small tasks the night before can make the first morning of school feel much less rushed.

• Charge school-issued devices
• Lay out first-day outfits
• Pack backpacks
• Fill water bottles
• Prep lunches
• Double-check paperwork
• Set alarms
• Review tomorrow’s schedule
• Leave out any first-day-of-school photo supplies
• Get everyone to bed early