Back to school planning can feel so stressful, but it doesn’t need to be that way. One thing that I started years ago is having a big binder that acts almost like a checklist. I simply go through each section and make sure it’s ready for open house, parent night, and/or back to school. It’s nothing fancy, but sometimes that’s what works best. At least for me! So I thought I’d share what I put in my back to school binder.
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Our first day of preschool is on September 10th. While it’s over a month away, I know how quickly that time will go. Organization is important, especially right now while putting together rosters, parent packets, schedules, etc.
One thing I could never go without is my 1 1/2″ back-to-school binder.
Inside it, I have page dividers for the following:
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- 2’s Roster
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- 3’s Roster
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- Birthdays
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- Morning Schedule
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- Year Calendar
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- Special Events
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- Curriculum Outline
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- Welcome Letter (to be mailed)
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- Supply List (to be mailed)
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- Separation Anxiety Information (to be mailed.)
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- Questionnaire (to be given out at parent night)
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- Parent Tidbits (to be given out at parent night)
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- Photo Permission Slip (to be given out at parent night)
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- Staff/Board Meeting Notes
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- Open House/Parent Night Information (what I’ll need to cover)
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- Scholastic Book Order Information
- Sign In Sheets
I have a tab for each of those. As I print the latest copy to give to parents, or as my director gives me the latest copy of her information, I place it behind the appropriate tab.
This is pretty much everything I’ll need to work on before school starts.
However, I keep this binder and use it all year, adding as we go along.
I use page protectors for many of the categories so that I can place several sheets inside. (For example, I have one sleeve for each month of teacher/board meetings and everything from that one month slips into that one sleeve.)As I’m planning for back-to-school, each section reminds me of what I need to mail, what needs to be updated, copied, purchased, etc.
And that’s it! Nothing fancy, but it really keeps me organized for back to school!
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Wow this is great! I am going to share this with my team and director. Nothing feels more calming at the start of the new school year -than being organized! There is so much essential info that needs to be taken care of and this system will assure that nothing is over looked. thanks for sharing!
Thank you! It has been a wonderful tool for me and I feel much more on top of things during a time that really could be very stressful!
I love this. A great tool for me as an accredited childminder. Thankyou.
I am looking your plan such a nice and great plan on this new year… I love this plan…
new year wishes
In two weeks I am starting a new job teaching two-year-olds and your site has been super helpful! I was wondering what questionnaire you used and also if I could use your separation anxiety letter? It is really well written.
Thank you!
Meg Magnusson (megmagnusson@gmail.com)
Hi Meg! As soon as I put my packets together, I will e-mail them to you.
I am moving from assistant teaching 1 year olds to head teacher in 2’s. I would also LOVE any gems that you have!
I would love a copy of your packets too! This is awesome!
Hi there. Im also getting ready to be lead teacher in the 18 month to 2 yr old class. I would love love love a copy of your packets. I love how organized you are. I would be so grateful!
Thank You
Wendy (weboothe@yahoo.com)
I will add you to the list, Wendy. Just need to get them all put together.
I love your note on separation anxiety. Wondering if I could see an example of the parent questionnaire you hand out please?