The new school is almost here. As parents we not only need to register our child for school, purchase school supplies and needed clothes for the new school year, but also figure how to get our child to and from school safely. No matter how your child will get to school, it is always important to plan ahead. There are three modes of transportation in regards to getting your child to school and back home safely. They can take the public school bus, walk, or have someone (i.e. parents, childcare provider, family friend, etc.) transport them.
By Bus
If your child will be getting to and from school by a school bus, it is important that you help your child prepare for riding the bus. The following are tips on how to make it getting to and from school on a school bus safely:
- Contact your school to see whether or not they provide an opportunity for having your child ride his or her school bus prior to the first day of school
- Find out your child's bus number(s) as well as the time when your child will be picked up and dropped off
- Provide the following information to your child: bus number(s), time that they will be picked up, your phone numbers (i.e. work phone number and cell phone number), who to contact in case of an emergency
- Show your child when and where the bus will pick him or her up in the morning
- Contact your school district's transportation staff to find out about the rules for riding the school bus and share it with your child
By Car
Sometimes parents, childcare providers, or family friends are able to take a child to and from school. If this will be the case for you and your child, the following tips will help things go well:
- Tell your child who will be taking and picking them up from school
- Tell your child about what time he or she will be taken to school and picked up from school
- Let your child know where they will be picked up
- Provide information on a card that lists your work and/or cell phone numbers, an emergency contact name and number, etc.
By Foot
If your child is old enough to walk to and from school, you may be wondering how to make this mode of transportation safe for your child. Listed are some helpful tips:
- Develop a route that your child will walk
- Have your child practice walking that route
- Discuss what to do if approached by a stranger or they are in an emergency situation (i.e. go to a known person's house, contact you or someone known through a cell phone)
- Tell your child what you want them to do if the weather is poor (i.e. raining, snowing, etc.)
- Let your child know what the rules are when they are in the home (i.e. locking the doors, call you when arrive at home, etc.)
These helpful tips will make returning back to school a little easier. It will also provide some peace of mind if you plan ahead with your child. Make sure that your child is involved when knowing how to deal with getting to and from school.
A little planning goes a long way!
