In addition to making sure your kids are well-fed in the mornings and dressed appropriately for the school day, parents should also be sure they do extra homework on the side to get to know all the "important people" at school or child care. Here's who should be on your "must know" list.
So that you can best understand your child's day as well as any expectations or overall rules, make a point to get to really get to know your kid's teacher or primary care provider. Really learn her personality, her favorite things as well as pet peeves, and what she hopes to accomplish this school year. And, yes, ask how you can help her to be more successful...and then do it!
Introduce yourself to the instructional leader of your child's school or daycare and ask whether there is information about a school-year plan that you can review. Does the school or daycare have any set goals or vision that can be shared? Ask how to get the most-up-to-date information on matters that affect the overall school (is it a newsletter, email notice, parent-teacher nights)? Ask open-ended questions about how you can best connect with the school.
Even if your child seems perfectly adjusted to school and its structure, make a point to get to know the school's counselor and find out what behaviors and actions will be emphasized this year. Counselors do much more than just working with kids with emotional or behavioral issues. They also often lead assemblies about bullying, character traits they want to see embodied at the school, appropriate lunchtime behavior, and how to handle situations that concern kids.
Introduce yourself to the school's health care professional and ask to see where the clinic/office is located. Ask about any health-related school policies (such as how long after a child's fever breaks before she is allowed back at school). Find out if the nurse issues health warnings or alerts if there is an outbreak or how parents can best stay informed (understanding that there are child health privacy issues that must be followed as well).
The PTA President or Advisory Chair typically has a close relationship with the school's principal or administrator, and is in the know about plans and direction. By introducing yourself and expressing interest in helping as appropriate, you could contribute much-needed experience or helping hands to a project that you may not have otherwise known about. The associations are truly design to help all kids; see what they're all about and how you can be a contributor as you can.
Most schools and daycares have type of formal site-based committee that meets on a schedule to review direction, accomplishments, areas of concern, and other issues. This committee is often the first group asked for input, advice, feedback, and suggestions. Find out whether your school/daycare has something like this and how the information that flows from it is communicated. Then, keep abreast of matters that will affect your child's place of learning.
If your child rides the bus every day or even just on occasion, take time to introduce yourself to the bus driver. After all, he has a vital role in ensuring your child's safety. Offer support and appreciation of his service. Talk with your child present so that the driver can associate your name/face with that of your child. Ask whether there is anything you can do to help or if there are supplies that may be desired on the bus (such as a box of kleenex for kids when cold season hits.)
Your child will undoubtedly meet new friends who she is super-excited about, so seek out those friends' parents at meet-the-teacher outings and other school events. That way, if the friendship progresses to a playdate opportunity, you'll already at least be familiar with the family. Building those acquaintances through your child's friends can lead to alliances and even new adult friendships through your child's school years.
