Ready, Rooted, and Resourced: Supporting Children This Back-to-School Season

By Crystal Hall, Community Engagement Officer

Back-to-school season is about more than buying supplies, choosing outfits, and checking bus schedules. It is a time of change for children, families, educators, and child care professionals.

Some children are excited to return. Others may feel nervous about a new teacher, classroom, child care program, or daily routine. Both reactions are normal. With preparation, patience, and strong community support, we can help every child begin the school year feeling safe, confident, and ready to learn.

At Black Child Development Institute Ohio, we believe children thrive when families, educators, and community partners work together. Our mission is to improve and advance the quality of life for Ohio's children and families through education and advocacy.

Begin With Simple Family Routines

Children often feel more secure when they know what to expect. A few simple routines can make the transition back to school less stressful for the entire family.

Families can prepare by:

• Returning to regular bedtime and wake-up schedules.

• Choosing clothes and packing backpacks the night before.

• Practicing the route to school, child care, or the bus stop.

• Creating a simple morning checklist.

• Reading together each evening.

• Talking about what the child can expect during the school day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adjusting children’s sleep schedules before school begins and creating a calm, consistent bedtime routine. These steps can help children get the rest they need to learn and participate at school. HealthyChildren.org

Make Space for Children’s Feelings

A child may not always say, “I am worried about school.” Instead, they may become quiet, irritable, tearful, or more attached to a caregiver.

Families can help by asking simple questions:

• What are you excited about? 

• Is there anything making you feel worried? 

• What would help you feel more prepared? 

  
  

Try not to rush or dismiss the child’s feelings. Statements such as “There is nothing to worry about” may make a child feel unheard. Instead, say, “It is okay to feel nervous. We can prepare together.”

Children do not need adults to have every answer. They need caring adults who listen, remain calm, and help them work through challenges.

Remember That Child Care Supports Education

For many families, the school day does not match the workday. Before-school care, after-school programs, preschool, and family child care help parents and caregivers manage work, school, and family responsibilities.

Quality child care is more than supervision. It can support children’s language, relationships, problem-solving skills, emotional development, and school readiness.

When choosing a child care program, families can ask:

• Is the program licensed? 

• How does the program communicate with families? 

• How are children supported when they are upset? 

• Do the books and materials reflect different cultures and families? 

• What are the rules for transportation, meals, medication, and pickup? 

• How does the program support children with disabilities or additional needs? 

Ohio families can use the Ohio Child Care Search to review licensed programs, inspection information, available services, and quality ratings. Families who need help paying for care can explore eligibility through Ohio Benefits.

Help Children See Themselves in Learning

Every child deserves to see their culture, family, and community represented in positive ways.

For Black children, representation should include more than stories about hardship. Children should also learn about Black joy, creativity, leadership, family traditions, achievement, and everyday life.

Families can support learning and identity by:

• Reading books with Black children and families as main characters. 

• Sharing family stories, recipes, music, and traditions. 

• Visiting libraries, museums, and cultural events. 

• Introducing children to Black authors, artists, scientists, educators, and community leaders. 

• Asking children whose stories are included in their lessons. 

When children see themselves represented with dignity, they receive an important message: You belong, your story matters, and you can succeed.

Build Strong Family and Educator Partnerships

Families know their children best. Educators understand how children learn and interact in a classroom. When families and educators share information, children receive stronger support.

Families can tell educators about their child’s strengths, interests, culture, home language, health needs, and successful calming strategies. Educators can build trust by listening, communicating clearly, and sharing positive updates.

Families should not hear from a school or child care program only when there is a problem. A short message such as, “Your child helped a classmate today,” can make a meaningful difference.

Community Partners Can Strengthen the Village

Schools and families cannot do this work alone. Libraries, health providers, businesses, faith communities, neighborhood groups, and service agencies all have a role.

Community partners can host supply drives, donate books, support after-school programs, provide health resources, and help families find child care. Most importantly, partners should listen to families before creating programs for them.

A Successful Year Begins With Connection

No family will have a perfect back-to-school transition. A bus may be missed. A form may be forgotten. A child may need extra time to adjust.

That does not mean anyone has failed.

Focus on steady routines, honest communication, and asking for help when it is needed. Remind every child:

You belong here. Your ideas matter. Your culture is valuable. Your community believes in you.

Together, families, educators, child care professionals, and community partners can help every child begin the school year ready, rooted, and resourced.

Visit bcdiohio.org to learn more, connect with upcoming programs, become a member, or support our work.