Checklist for Children Returning to School

The following are tips to utilize so that your child can maintain proper safety measures in a number of scenarios:

• Be sure your child knows his or her phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies.
• Plan a direct, safe way to walk to school or the bus stop with your child and take the time to walk it with them. Insist that they don't deviate from this route for any reason.
• Teach children, whether walking, biking, or riding the bus, to obey all traffic signals, signs, crossing guards, and police officers. Remind them to use extra caution when weather turns bad.
• If possible, arrange for them to walk with friends, neighbors, a brother or sister, or a group.
• When car pooling, pick up or deliver children as close to the school as possible. Make sure they are on school grounds or in the building before leaving.
• Teach your child safety in regards to strangers. Remember that a stranger is anyone you or your children don't know well or don't trust.
• Make sure your child checks in with a designated adult as soon as they arrive home from school. Make sure you know when activities will make them later than normal.
• Take time to listen to your children and ask often how their school day went. Take any complaints about bullies, fears, or other concerns seriously and discuss them with the school if appropriate.