Foster children have experienced a lot of loss and upon entering your foster home, have been through several changes. The change of a new school, is yet another stress.
One bit of parenting advice I have to offer is to give them a couple of days before starting school, if possible. I've done this for each foster child that has joined our foster home mid-semester.
After I've enrolled the foster child into school I ask if the child can get a quick tour of the building, if possible. For younger children, it's usually pretty easy to get to visit the child’s classroom. It may be more difficult for older students who have several classes.
I prefer to enroll a child on one day and have them begin school the next day. After visiting their new school, I like to take the child out to lunch. It gives the child a chance to think about everything before actually starting school and gives me another chance to form a connection with the child.
