Do's and Don’ts when packing your child’s backpack for daycare

When sending your child to a childcare program there are several things you need to keep in mind while packing his backpack. Right from choosing the right backpack to what you put inside it is quite essential for your child. Backpack come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of colors and designs. So you need to pick up one that not only your child loves, but also how comfortably it can accommodate things necessary for him to carry at the childcare facility.

Here are the do's and don’ts when packing your child’s backpack for daycare:

1. Lunch box and water bottle: Your child is going to spend a good amount of time at the daycare facility. It doesn’t matter if you have a small kid or an older child, they all love home cooked food which is not just hygienic but also healthy. You know better what your child loves to eat.  A lunch box to keep all the food safe and clean and a water bottle is a must.
2. Something to write with and write on: Your child’s backpack must have a pencil or two if he is in elementary school whereas if he attends middle or high school, he should have more than 2 pencils or pens. For smaller children, the daycare facility provides papers and drawing books to write and draw on. While older kids should carry a notebook for every subject which helps him organize his assignments systematically.
3. Folders: Small children find it difficult to manage the worksheets and papers while traveling from school to home, so make sure that you pack folders in his backpack to keep his papers and worksheets carefully. Also you may write notes like “Keep at home” on the left pocket for the papers to be kept at home and “Bring back” on the right pocket to bring the papers back to daycare. This way he will be more systematic at home and at the daycare.
4. Books: Make sure that your child’s backpack has all the important reading books to carry at daycare. They read books during downtimes as it keeps them occupied.
5. Cell phones: Well not for toddlers at the daycare, but an important gadget for older students to carry while at daycare. It feels safe for parents and kids to carry cell phone as they can help with urgent messages and after school plans. Make sure that you check the guidelines set by the daycare for kids carrying cell phone at the center and follow it strictly.
6. Important information: Your child’s phone should be programmed with emergency numbers, in case needed it could be quite helpful.
7. Money: Older kids may need some amount of money to keep by their side. A dollar or two to enjoy the cookies and doughnuts at the bake sales or for unexpected expenses.
8. Season essentials: Place a clean napkin, hat and gloves in your child’s backpack during the cool winter months. This will keep them warm while traveling.
9. Toiletries: Lip balm, tissue paper, band-aid etc. should be put in one small sized pouch and kept in the backpack. The older kids might know when to use it. These small things make a lot of difference.    

Great childcare in Albany DOES exist.  If you have questions and are looking for a great program, please call TSL Adventures.  We service all of the Capital Region and are passionate about providing great care.