Back-to-School Checklist (Free Printable and Tips for Parents)

Back-to-school season comes around like a whirlwind. For some parents, this is an exciting time to shop for fun stationery and school supplies. Other parents feel stressed and worried that they'll forget something important. And some parents might feel both! Although there's a lot to organise, getting ready for a new school year doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Our back-to-school checklist is designed to help you transition from summer holiday mode to school routines more easily – and it's free to download.

Whether you're a first-time school parent or a seasoned pro, the checklist will help your family start the school year confidently.

Simply print it out, mark off items as you complete them, and enjoy the peace of mind of being fully prepared.

How to prepare for back-to-school – tips for parents

As the first day of school approaches, there are a few important tasks beyond shopping for supplies that will help your child start the year on the right foot. From updating emergency contact details to practising the school route, these back-to-school preparations will ensure your family makes a smooth transition. By tackling these steps early, you’ll feel more organised and give your child the confidence they need to step into the new school year with ease.

1. Set up a family calendar or planner

• Set up a family calendar to record important school dates.

• Include extracurricular activities and family commitments. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures your family stays organised throughout the year.

• Once your child’s school schedule is available, familiarise yourself with important dates, such as term start and end dates, holidays, student-free days and parent-teacher events. These can vary from school to school – if you have children attending different schools, obtain a copy of each school's schedule.

• Display the family calendar somewhere all family members can see it, such as on the refrigerator.

2. Attend orientation events and meet the teacher

• If there are meet-and-greet or parent-teacher events before school starts, take advantage of these to ask questions and discuss any concerns before the school year begins.

• Some schools also schedule orientation sessions for new students so they can tour the school, meet teachers and see the classroom environment.

3. Review your child's health and immunisation records

• Schedule necessary health checks and vaccination updates in advance of school starting.

• Ensure the school is aware of any health issues or allergies they need to know about.

4. Check emergency contact information

• Check that the school has up-to-date contact details for you, your partner and any other emergency contacts.

• Don’t forget to include any changes in medical information or emergency procedures.

5. Prepare for after-school and extracurricular activities

• Register for after-school and extracurricular activities your child will be participating in.

• Check equipment lists and add any items you need to shop for to your back-to-school supplies list.

6. Submit paperwork and permission slips

• Double-check that any school forms required to be completed, such as health forms, permission slips or transportation requests, have been submitted.

• If your child will be participating in sports or after-school clubs, make sure you’ve submitted the required paperwork for those as well.

7. Organise school supplies and gear

• Ensure your child has enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the new school year, including shoes, socks and uniforms (if applicable).

• Check to see if existing clothes and shoes still fit and are in good condition.

• For younger children, be sure to label everything with your child’s name.

• Go over your child’s supply list and shop for any items that you need. This includes backpacks, lunchboxes, clothing/uniforms, stationery and school-specific items such as prescribed textbooks.

• Choose a comfortable and sturdy schoolbag (backpack) that is the right size for your child and big enough to fit their school supplies each day.

• Practise packing the schoolbag with your child.

8. Mentally prepare your child for back-to-school

• Start a conversation with your child about returning to school and ask them about their feelings, expectations and goals.

• Discuss any changes in the school routine, subjects or activities that might be different and prepare them for any challenges they might face.

• Address any back-to-school anxiety or concerns your child has. Let your child know you are there to support them.

• Focus on the positive aspects of returning to school (seeing friends, learning new things, etc) and try to get your child excited for back-to-school.

• Arrange playdates with their classmates to help your child reconnect socially.

• Use a summer reading program such as ABC Reading Eggs to help your child overcome any summer learning loss ('summer slide') before school resumes.

• If your child is going to school for the first time, make sure they're school-ready and have developed the physical, mental and social skills school requires.

Summer learning loss is a real concern for many parents. Refresh your child's reading skills with ABC Reading Eggs. The personalised and adaptive learning paths will help your child overcome the summer slide and be ready to begin the new school year feeling confident. Free trial

9. Practise the school route

• Whether your child walks, rides their bike, takes the bus or gets dropped off, it’s a good idea to do a practice run of the route at least once before the first day.

• Identify safe traffic crossing points along the way and show your child where the school's designated vehicle pickup zones are located (even if they'll usually be catching public transport).

• Download the relevant public transport apps and make sure the necessary timetables and route numbers are easily accessible for your child. Do this even if your child will usually be dropped off and picked up.

• Refresh your child's knowledge of road and public safety rules.

• Run your child through your family's emergency plans. For example, make sure they know who has permission to collect them from school in the event you or your partner aren't able to.

10. Set up a homework and study space

• Create a quiet, well-lit space where your child will do their homework and study, somewhere free from distractions so they can focus.

• Arrange the area so there is ample storage for books and notes to reduce clutter and keep the desk clear.

• Make sure the space is comfortable and supports a healthy posture; check that the chair and desk heights are ergonomically correct.

• Stock the area with extra stationery in case their school supplies get lost or are left at school.

11. Start planning school lunches and afternoon snacks

• Plan ahead for school lunches, whether you usually make them or use a school meal service.

• Get your child involved in choosing healthy options they’ll enjoy.

• Consider trying out a few lunchbox ideas before the school year begins.

12. Establish a back-to-school routine

• Gradually shift your family’s weekday schedule to reflect school hours.

• Set earlier bedtimes and wake-up times at least a week in advance.

• Plan for the morning routine (getting dressed, breakfast, etc) to make the first day less stressful.

• Create a consistent morning and evening routine that includes time for homework, reading, physical activity and relaxation.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not be suitable for all children or situations. Always consult with your child's doctor, school and any relevant professionals for personalised advice.

Download the FREE back-to-school checklist

Use our handy back-to-school checklist to tick off tasks as you complete them.

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