A Back-to-School Toolkit, From Us to You
We know the “back-to-school” season asks a lot of you. New families, new paperwork, new routines—all before the first child walks through the door. So, we are sharing three free resources to help lighten that load:
Each of these free resources is designed to be copied, customized, or used exactly as-is—whatever works for your program.
Why Back-to-School Prep Matters
The first days of a new school year set the tone for the entire year. A warm welcome letter helps new families feel confident before they even walk in the door. A clear day-one checklist keeps enrollment paperwork, emergency contacts, and health forms from slipping through the cracks. And having the right words ready for that first drop-off—when separation anxiety runs highest for both children and their families—helps your team turn a hard moment into a reassuring one.
How to Use These Resources
A quick note before you share these: not every resource is ready to hand out exactly as written.
- Welcome letter — this one needs a pass first. Fill in your program’s name, your first-day date and drop-off time, your director’s name, your contact info, and a link to your handbook before printing or sending it to families.
- Day-one checklist — an internal reference for your team, not for families. Requirements vary by state and license type, so review the items flagged for licensing and adjust them to match your state’s rules.
- Drop-off tips — ready to use as written. Share the language prompts with teachers to keep on hand and share with any staff members who are greeting children.