A bit of this and that from a variety of About.com Guides to help going back to school or switching schools mid-year a success. Consider this your mega back to school checklist.
Get the Basics Taken Care of First
Are you ready to send the kids back to school? What about any new children that have been placed in your home either because of adoption or foster care? From how to open a locker to safe rides, this handy checklist will help you send them back to school with less stress.
Get All Needed Paperwork in Order
It's not as much paperwork as when you're buying a house, but it is still quite a stack! Find out what you need to have on hand when enrolling a foster or newly adopted child.
Choose Between a Public or Private School Setting
I have spoken with several teachers and other professionals and have come up with a list of points to consider when pondering the difficult decision of school choice for your newly adopted child.
Prepare the Child for the School
Don't leave them to their own devices, most kids end up telling everything they know about their foster care or adoption. Sometimes this can lead to heartache and teasing. I'm a firm believer in the use of cover stories to stall the bullies and otherwise just plain nosy kids.
Identify Possible Trouble Spots
Trouble at school can be found in a variety of places from gym class to recess. Keep a watchful eye with these sharp guidelines.
Prepare the School for the Child
You live with this child. You are the expert. Share needed information, keeping the child's confidentiality in mind, with the teacher for a successful school year.
Start Off Right with Careful Planning
Check out these six strategies for starting school on the right foot and making it a memorable and positive experience. Many times birth parent visitation occurs during the school day, see how you can help advocate for what works best for the child.
Think of Ways You Can Mentor a Birth Family Throughout the School Year
There are a number of ways we as foster parents can mentor birth family during the school year and help keep a child's family connection strong.
