Foster Parent Tips for Back to School

Prepare for the school year

• Create a scheduling/appointment checklist
• Establish a consistent daily routine prior to the beginning of school
• Gather documents necessary for student enrollment
• Have proof of residency, such as lease agreements/utility bills
• Birth Certificate and Social Security Numbers may be needed.

Establish Open Communication

• Introduce yourself as a Foster Parent
• Share relevant information about the foster child
• Be proactive by taking the initiative to reach out to the school
• Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss the child’s progress

Communicate Regularly

• Maintain communication w/teachers & school professionals
• Be approachable and supportive
• Be open to feedback from teachers; create a comfortable environment for school personnel
• Respect privacy and confidentiality
• Collaborate with school services/professionals for your foster child’s specific needs
• Effective communication is critical to building strong relationships with the school and advocating for the foster child’s success.
  

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ESSA

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015. ESSA includes provisions that will help to ensure success for students and schools across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Education, ESSA:

• Advances equity by upholding critical protections for America's disadvantaged and high-need students.
• Requires—for the first time—that all students in America be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers.
• Ensures that vital information is provided to educators, families, students, and communities through annual statewide assessments that measure students' progress toward those high standards.
• Helps to support and grow local innovations—including evidence-based and place-based interventions developed by local leaders and educators—consistent with our Investing in Innovation and Promise Neighborhoods
• Maintains an expectation that there will be accountability and action to effect positive change in our lowest-performing schools, where groups of students are not making progress, and where graduation rates are low over extended periods of time.

Your support and guidance are vital in helping the child thrive academically and emotionally.

• Set up a school lunch station that stores all bagged snacks, brown paper bags (or reusable lunch bags), and water bottles together.
• Pick out a week’s worth of outfits at a time to make mornings less stressful.
• Have a folder in your child’s backpack where all school-related papers and schedules go for easy access. Have them return it to a visible place after each school day to check for updates or sign paperwork as needed.
• Update your calendar with important school year calendar dates at the beginning of the year. Set reminders to update it every month with test dates.
• Communicate openly and honestly with your foster child throughout the school year. Create a safe space for them to share concerns and help them with stress management. Listen attentively and provide reassurance and support.
• Discuss expectations with your foster child. Before school begins, talk with your foster child about their expectations and desires for the upcoming school year. Do they want to play a sport? Do they want to try an extracurricular club? Discuss your expectations for homework, test prep, and grades.
• It’s important for the child to feel invested in their education and excited about learning and experiences at school. They should have the same access to school offerings as their peers.

• Be sure to obtain practice schedules, uniform requirements, and details of whatever programs you both agree on and plan accordingly.
• Make back-to-school shopping fun. Who doesn’t love getting new clothes? But many private schools and some public schools have dress requirements. Contact the school to see what their rules and guidelines are. Make sure your child has appropriate clothing but let them pick out a few items. Check with your child’s caseworker about any available clothing vouchers or resources or see if your area has a foster care closet.
• Reach out to the child’s school to get a list of required school supplies. Start shopping early to take advantage of back-to-school sales and discounts. Some areas even offer a tax holiday, allowing you to save more on back-to-school expenses.
• Explore local community programs or charities that provide free school supplies to foster children. Conduct an internet search for “free backpack giveaways” or “free back to school supplies” to see if any local organizations or businesses have scheduled a giveaway in your area.
• Check in with your foster care support group for a list of local resources. Here are typical back-to-school shopping lists for all age groups.

Additional Education Resources

Best Interest Determinations and Immediate Enrollment

Education and Child Welfare Points of Contact

Effective Collaboration

Greater Good in Education

National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments

Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care

Transportation Procedures

U.S. Department of Education Resources

U.S. Department of Education Students in Foster Care