Back-to-School Checklist

Date: 08/08/24

Oklahoma City, OK

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, preparing can make the transition smoother for children and caregivers. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help foster families get ready for back to school:

• Ease back into sleep routines. Before the new school year, get back in the habit of being on schedule. Elementary students need 10 – 12 hours of sleep; teens should aim for 9 hours.

• Prior to start of school, arrange time to create or update your child’s school health care plan • Have up-to-date immunization records and any medical history needed by the school.

• Incorporate your child and ensure they are aware and can recognize their food allergies or diet restrictions.

• Complete wellness exam to ensure they are ready for school.

• Schedule an eye exam if the child hasn’t had one recently.

• Ensure the child’s dental health is up to date. • Make sure any necessary medications are updated and have a plan for administering them at school.

• Plan for nutritious and healthy meals. Encourage drinking plenty of water.

Gearing up for the new school year involves a lot of planning, but with this checklist, foster families can ensure they cover all the bases. Here’s to a great school year ahead!