Back to School Checklist

Update your contact information.

Make sure your child's school can reach you! Log in to your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to update your phone number, mailing address, and email. You may also fill out your school's emergency contact form.

Don't have a NYCSA? Create a NYCSA now.

Schedule a physical exam for your child.

Is your child starting school or childcare for the first time? They will need a physical exam from a health care provider, who must complete a Child and Adolescent Health Examination Form (CH-205).

Download a CH-205 at School Health.

Make sure your child is up-to-date on required immunizations.

New York State Public Health Law requires students to get certain vaccines to attend childcare or school.

Visit VaccineFinder.nyc.gov or call 877-829-4692 to find a location to receive required and recommended vaccinations near you.

Check the 2026–27 NYC public school calendar.

Keep track of important dates this school year like upcoming holiday closures, parent-teacher conferences, and more!

Understand your child's transportation options and eligibility.

Do you know how your child will be getting to and from school?

If your child is assigned school bus service, check their route, pick-up, and drop-off times with the official NYC School Bus app!

Talk to your child about not using electronic devices in school.

Per New York State law, NYCPS students may not use personal, internet-enabled electronic devices such as cell phones on school grounds during the school day. Your school will share its own policy on device use and storage with you—go over the policy with your child so they understand these rules before the school year begins.

Prepare your child's school supplies.

Your child's school or teacher may send you a list of school supplies they will need this year. Talk to your child about what to expect on their first day and ensure their bags are packed and ready to go. Label their belongings (clothing, water bottles, pencil cases, etc.) so they can be returned to you if misplaced!

Help your child transition to their school year schedule.

Before the first day of school, set a consistent bedtime to ease your children into a regular and healthy sleep schedule. A few days before school starts, practice your child's expected morning routine for this year, including getting ready and traveling to school. Be sure to review your school's start and end times and lateness policy.

Ask your school about translation and interpretation services.

NYCPS translates official documents into multiple languages and can support you with free interpretation services, including during parent-teacher conferences and special education meetings. Contact your school's principal or parent coordinator for help.

Reach out to your school's parent coordinator.

Parent coordinators can help answer many of your questions! Find their contact information using Find a School or by calling your child's school.

Be prepared for remote learning.

If schools must close, students may participate in remote learning at home. Make sure your child has an internet-connected device, school supplies, and a quiet place to work. Help them log in to their NYCPS Student Account to access the online tools they need for their schoolwork.