A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your host child(ren) to be as successful as you can be, please meet with your host parents to discuss topics that will ease the transition going back to school:
Plan for Back-to-School Shopping
Ask your host parents about the school supply list and how you can support shopping and preparing the supply bags.
Stay Organized
In the world of education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation to keep track of. Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Setting up a binder or folder to keep your host child’s special education documentation, meeting notices, and IEPs in sequential order can also help you stay organized.
Create a Healthy Meal Plan
Make a meal plan for healthy breakfast and school lunch options. Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they are part of the plan and preparation.
Anticipate Back-to-School Jitters
Just talking about the upcoming year and changes can help reduce some of that back-to-school anxiety! Talk to your host children about exciting new classes, activities, and events that they can participate in during the new school year.
Discuss the New School Year Routine
Discuss your new schedule and your host children’s new school schedule and extracurricular activities with your host family and how you share schedule changes.
Ask about Last Minute Schedule Changes
Ask your host parents what the child care plan will be in case a host child is sick or school is canceled. Find out if you may be asked to flex your hours or if the parents have back-up care options.