WHAT WORKING PARENTS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL
 Back-to-school is a time of opening minds, renewed friendships and unlimited possibilities. It can also be a giant pain in the...er...neck. Especially for working parents who need to balance their professional responsibilities with their parental ones.
Here's a refresher course that will help ensure that both you and your children are prepared for the new school year ahead.
Scheduling. Most likely, getting the kids to school, childcare arrangements and after school extracurricular activities will all require an adjustment from your current schedule. Some things to consider are:
Parents can develop a schedule and post it on a bulletin board or refrigerator - leaving room to add school concerts, sporting events, parent-teacher meetings, etc. It's smart to transcribe all activities into your daily planner, too. Providing older children with their own planner is a good idea as well.
Kids can use the evening to lay out school clothes and assemble the books,
supplies and homework they'll need for the next day.
Parents can arrange transportation ahead of time. Be sure your kids have a safe way to get where they need to be. It's smart to have back-up arrangements
in place, too.
Kids can commit back-up plans to memory to use in the event of an emergency - they should know who to call, where to go and how to seek help. Be sure your kids know all of your phone numbers - home, work, and wireless.
Getting ready for class.Going to school means more than just showing up - it can require a lot of preparation. To make the school year go smoothly:
Parents can create folders for each child that contain: birth certificates, emergency contact information, immunization and medical records, proof of residency - and any other paperwork required by the local school system for enrollment.
Kids can develop a list of school supplies they'll need. Parents or older siblings may have to help younger children, but older kids can go online to the school web site - or call the school - for a recommended supply list.
Parents can talk to kids about their goals and expectations for the coming school year, and address any fears they may have.
Kids can keep a journal with the details of their daily homework assignments, and set aside a specific time to do it after school or in the early evening while their minds are alert.
Together, kids and parents can set a time for a "homework check" to make sure the assignments get done and ensure the children have any guidance they might need.
Your colleagues can also be a great source of help. Parents who work together can form support groups - adjusting schedules to cover any school-related absences, carpooling, purchasing supplies, sharing information, and being an emergency resource.
Remember, when it comes to education, kids look to parents as a source of structure and inspiration. And as a parent, you can turn to us as a local source for the supplies your kids need for school.
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