Five Ways to Prepare Your Foster Child for Going Back to School

The back-to-school season can be stressful for foster families under the best of circumstances. This year, children, youth, and foster parents may have extra challenges, particularly with the continued uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the proliferation of new variants. Here are five ways that foster parents can help prepare their child or youth for the road ahead: 

Get into the school routine in advance. Children are sometimes allowed to stay up later, or sleep in longer during the summer months, but it’s best to prepare them for the new school year by establishing an earlier sleep routine at least a week before school starts.

Go back-to-school shopping together. There is no better way to look forward to the new year than with a new outfit or two, and fresh-out-of-the-box (or -bag) school supplies. Check in with your child on their preferred clothing colors and styles, and monitor your school portals and email for back-to-school supply checklists and communication from teachers. Connecticut’s tax-free week runs from August 15 through August 21, so be sure to shop during this period and enjoy the additional savings.

Maintain the educational mindset by working on and completing an educational goal each day or week, even through August, to keep youth in the learning mode. The tasks can be as simple as the completion of a math worksheet or reading a book chapter.

Plan for the future. Discuss with your child their plans and preferences for school-year activities, including sports, scouts, and clubs. Gauge your child’s interests, and complete sign-ups early, to the extent that you can.

Talk to your kids about their worries or fears. With so many news stories about COVID-19, including masking requirements, it is easy for families and youth to become confused or increasingly concerned. Talk to your child about their fears. Stay close to guidance from your school leadership. And, if your child is experiencing an unusual level of fear and anxiety, you may want to engage additional support, either through your school or through a behavioral health provider such as Wheeler.

If you are a Wheeler foster family, be sure to attend our back-to-school event on 8/13. Backpacks, school supplies, and other surprises will be shared with youth and their families!

For more information about Wheeler Foster Care programs, click here.

To schedule an appointment with Wheeler, call 888.793.3500.