With Michigan families soaking up the last of summer and preparing to send children back to school, experts recommend taking several steps to ensure a smooth transition for kids and parents alike.
Parents should consider starting school-year routines now, including shopping for school supplies, setting earlier bedtimes, encouraging reading and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“The home stretch of summer has begun, and for many kids school may be starting in just a week or two. The end of the summer can bring many emotions (for kids and parents alike), and the best way to support kids in feeling safe and secure with a big transition is to feel comfortable with it yourself. One of the most important parts of navigating this busy time lies in thoughtful preparation,” the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project says.
Shop back-to-school supplies here
Here’s what to know before heading back to school.
Getting your children ready to return to school? Follow these 12 tips
The Cleveland Clinic and the National Association of Elementary School Principals recommend these tips for parents helping prepare your children for the upcoming school year:
Will your kids go to school in the dark?
With Daylight Saving Time in effect until Nov. 1, sunrise comes one hour later than in standard time, meaning high school students who start school before 8 a.m. should expect the bus ride, drive or walk to school to begin in darkness. However, most middle school and elementary school students have a later start, so they’ll travel to school in daylight.
The end of DST will bring an hour earlier sunrise, so all students will travel to school in daylight later in the fall, though evening darkness will begin arriving earlier and some could arrive home in the dark.
Can I leave my child home alone after school in Michigan?
Once school starts, many parents head back to work full or part-time. Work schedules and school schedules don’t always match up exactly, meaning some children will end up home alone for some length of time.
According to the National Child Care Information Center, only Illinois and Maryland currently have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Even in those states, other factors, such as concern for a child’s well-being and the amount of time the child is left alone, are considered.
According to the Child Protection Law, Michigan has no legal standard for an age at which a child can be left home alone. The Michigan Mandated Reporters’ Resource Guide says.”…But as a general rule, a child 10 years old and younger is not responsible enough to be left home alone. A child over the age of 10 and under the age of 12 will be evaluated, but the case may not always be assigned for a CPS investigation,” the guide says.
Detroit Free Press reporter Jalen Williams and USA TODAY Network – Florida contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: School starts soon. What experts suggest to prep kids this fall
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Jalen Williams and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Jenna Prestininzi, Jalen Williams and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
