Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Preschool

As summer starts to wrap up, the excitement of a new school year is just around the corner… and for parents of littles, this can mark a significant milestone: the first day of preschool! This big day is both thrilling and daunting as you prepare your child for their first time in a structured educational setting. To help ease the transition, I’ve compiled the ultimate back-to-school checklist for preschoolers, ensuring you have all the essential items for a smooth and successful start. This list is also great for any preschoolers returning to school as well!

1. New Backpack

A new backpack is at the top of the school supplies list. Choose a toddler or mini backpack that is the right size for your preschooler and has enough compartments to hold their essentials. Personalizing it with their name is a great idea to help your children’s teachers identify their belongings.

2. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated throughout the school day is crucial. A durable, spill-proof kids water bottle is an essential item for your child’s backpack. Make sure to label it with their name to avoid mix-ups!

3. Name Sticker Labels

Personalized name sticker labels are a must-have for preschoolers. These can be used on lunch bags, water bottles, and other personal items to ensure nothing gets lost. They are a great way to keep track of your child’s belongings, especially in a busy preschool classroom. We use ours on their comfort items as well – their pacifiers, lovies and any toys they insist on taking 🙂

4. Nap Mat

For younger children, nap time is an important part of the school day. A comfortable nap mat will help your child rest and recharge. Look for nap mats that are easy to clean and come with a built-in blanket and pillow and that you can personalize with their name.

5. Lunch Box

A good lunch box is essential for packing nutritious meals and snacks. Opt for a lunch box that is easy for little hands to open and close. Including an ice pack or freezer pack will help keep perishable items fresh until lunchtime. We love this Bentgo compartmentalized lunch box that I added a personalized name sticker to!

6. Extra Diapers

For children who are not yet potty trained, extra diapers are a must. Pack a sufficient supply (4+ extra depending on how many hours they attend school), along with a change of clothes in your child’s back pack or tote bag. Some schools require diapers with tabs, not pull-ups, so make sure to check with your teachers.

7. Comfort Items

Comfort items such as pacifiers, lovies, or plush pals can go a long way in soothing younger kids who might feel anxious in their new environment. These items provide a sense of security and familiarity and can help them transition into sleeping in a new place as well.

8. Portable Snacks

In addition to lunch, pack some portable snacks that your child can easily eat during breaks. Healthy, non-perishable options like veggie pouches, granola bars, or crackers are ideal. Make sure to check with your child’s school for any allergy policies.

9. First Day of School Sign

A personalized first day of school sign is a wonderful keepsake to commemorate this special milestone. Take a photo of your child holding the sign on their big day to capture the memory of their first step in their educational journey!

10. Gift for Teachers

Starting the school year with a small gift for your child’s teacher is a thoughtful gesture. It could be a simple handwritten note, personalized stationary, or a coffee gift card. This is a great way to build a positive relationship and show appreciation for their hard work.

Prepping for the First Day

The beginning of the year can be overwhelming, especially for younger children experiencing preschool for the first time. Here are some tips to ensure your child is ready for their new adventure:

• Visit the School: Visiting the school with your child before the start of school can help familiarize your little with their new environment. Meeting their preschool teachers and seeing their classroom can make the first day less intimidating.
• Discuss the Routine: Talk to your child about what a typical school day will look like. Explain the activities they will participate in, such as playtime, learning sessions, and nap time. This helps set expectations and reduces anxiety.
• Practice Independence: Encourage your child to practice skills they will need at school, such as opening their lunch box, laying on their nap mat, and washing their hands. These skills enhance their fine motor skills and build confidence.
• Label Everything: From backpacks to lunch boxes, labeling all items with your child’s name helps prevent lost belongings. This is especially important in a preschool setting where items can easily get mixed up!
• Pack Lunch the Night Before: The first few days of school will be hectic as you get your family into a new routine! I like to pack my kids’ lunches the night before so there’s one last task the morning of.
• Pick Out Two Outfits for Kids to Choose From: If your toddlers are anything like mine, they have strong opinions! I like to pre-select two outfits for each child to choose from the morning of so they feel confident and in control.

The transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured school season can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a positive and exciting experience for both you and your child. By following this ultimate back-to-school checklist for preschool, you’ll ensure your little one has all the essential items for a successful school year.

Remember, the first day of preschool is just the beginning of a long way educational journey! Embrace this new adventure, support your child, and look forward to the new friends and experiences that await. With a well-prepared child and a positive learning environment, the start of school will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

Make sure to check off each item on the preschool checklist and enjoy this special time as your child embarks on their first steps towards a lifelong love of learning. Here’s to a successful school year filled with growth, discovery, and lots of fun!