• Decide if your child is going to a private/public school.

• Find out which elementary school are you eligible for.

• Is your child registered officially at her/his school ?

• Do you have a copy of the birth certificate and proof of residence (deed/rental contract)?

• Get a physical examination and all the immunizations required by the school done beforehand and keep the records.

• Fill out all the necessary health forms and emergency contact forms provided by the school.

• Find out when is the open house/orientation day for kindergarten families
  
  
• What date is the first day of school?

• What time does your child have to be in school on the first day?

• Is your child going to use school transportation, if available and where is the bus stop going to be? What is the bus time schedule for pick up and drop off?

• Who will be responsible for taking the child to the bus stop and picking the child from the bus stop in the afternoon?

• This is important, as kindergarteners have to be accompanied by an adult at all times at the bus stop.

• Do you know your child's teacher and where her classroom is?

• What is your child's daily schedule going to be?

• When is the snack/lunch break? Does the school cafeteria provide lunch and how much does it cost?

• Can you visit your child during lunchtime?

• Request for the monthly menu provided by the county food services.

• Get a copy of the classroom school supply list and make sure you purchase them prior to the first day of school.

• Your child may also need a book bag, or a backpack and a lunch box (snacks/drinks).

• Some schools request an extra set of clothing incase if an accident. Make sure you replace them the very next day, if ever used.

• Does your school follow a dress code? Will your child need a different set of clothing for gym days.

• Make sure you provide your child with a list of important phone numbers, in his/her backpack.

• If your child needs medical care or is on prescription medication, inform the school office and the school nurse about his/her needs.

• Discuss with your child where he/she is supposed to go after school and whom to expect at the bus stop.

• Have an emergency back up plan ready, incase of emergency holidays, delayed openings and early closings. The school is not responsible for your child under such circumstances.

• Finally help your child overcome first day jitters by rehearsing for the first BIG DAY! Practice the new routine couple of times by actually pretending to get ready and go to school.

• Be enthusiastic, excited and positive about the first day and your child will take the lead from you!