The Top Back-To-School Shopping Questions For Daycare Center Parents
Posted on: 26 July 2022
Is your back-to-school list ready to go? Whether this is your child's first year in a daycare center, they're transitioning to a new pre-K, or you are just searching for new ideas, take a look at what you need to know about back-to-school shopping for preschoolers.
Do All Preschoolers Need the Same School Supplies?
There isn't one universal school supply list that works for every preschool-aged child's needs. Start with the early learning or child care center. Many schools supply parents with lists. If your child's program doesn't have a list or the teacher doesn't require specific supplies, ask for ideas. The program's director or your child's new pre-K teacher may have age-appropriate suggestions.
Will A Preschooler Need A Backpack?
Even though your child won't need to tote textbooks and binders from school to home and back again, they may still need a bag. Your preschooler can use their backpack to carry their lunch/snack (if needed), naptime supplies, an extra change of clothes, or anything else the program may require young students to bring daily. They can also use the pack to safely bring home artwork, newsletters, or anything else from school.
Choose a sturdy pack with wide, cushioned straps. Give your preschooler ownership of this purchase and encourage them to choose their own school bag. This allows your child to exert their growing sense of independence.
What Art Supplies Do Preschoolers Need?
Many preschool programs provide the children with all the arts and crafts supplies they need. But this doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't buy your child some art items of their own. Again, consult the school's supply list or ask the teacher first. Common art supplies for preschoolers include safety scissors, crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, and an art smock.
Do Preschoolers Need Lunchboxes?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. The first is your child's school-day schedule. Does your child attend full-time or part-time daycare? If your child only goes to morning or afternoon pre-K or is on a partial-day daycare schedule, they may not need to eat lunch at school. This means they would only need a lunchbox if the program asks parents to supply midday snacks.
Your child also won't need a lunchbox if the school supplies meals and snacks. But if your child has a food allergy or sensitivity, or just prefers your meals to what is on the school's menu, you will need to buy a new lunchbox for the preschool year.
Choose an insulated lunchbox and add in a reusable ice pack to keep cold items cool. Some lunch boxes are made from a freezable material. This eliminates the need for an extra ice pack.
Contact a local daycare center to learn more.
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