The Ultimate Back-to-School Prep Guide for Parents:

With FREE Downloadable Checklist and School Supplies List (By Grade & School)

Hey Parents!

It’s that time of year…again–it’s Back-to-school Season!  Whether you’re getting your little one ready for their first day of kindergarten or helping your tween leap into middle school. These final summer days always seem to feel a bit crammed, and suddenly, there is just not enough time.

This time of year, it’s juggling,

• Stress-shopping for back-to-school while sorting through school supply lists by grade
• Battling the drama of bedtime routine changes
• Debating the age-old question: school lunch or packed lunch–what are quick healthy and lunchbox options?
• And squeezing in last-minute appointments

—all while trying to soak up those last moments of summer. We get it, it’s a lot! It can even make the most seasoned school prep pros feel overwhelmed.

So we put together this Ultimate Back-to-School Prep Guide for Parents. To help make this time feel just a little bit less stressful, hair remains intact, and hopefully, with fewer “teeth-pulling” moments!–metaphorically. And of course, we wouldn’t be Dental Care Kids if we didn’t sprinkle in a few helpful dental tips along the way.

Free back to school downloads throughout, and read to the end for how to enter the Back-to-School Giveaway.

Back-to-School Supply Lists by Grade:
Plan Ahead & Shop Smart

1. Don’t wait until the aisles are crowded or the shelves are bare. (… we know, easier said than done!)
2. Review each supply list early – identify items you can reuse.
3. During regular grocery runs, grab a few of the basics—notebooks, pencils, pens, and binders. Especially trendy supplies that tend to vanish quickly!

Parent Pro Tip: Have more than one supply list by grade??  Compare and condense those lists! It’ll help reduce the number of items to sort through. Many items on these lists are the same; it’s the few extras that get added as they level up.

To get you started, here are common school supplies by grade—plus a few extra tips you’ll probably wish were on the list.

 

Kindergarten:

Most-Listed Must-Haves: Crayons, washable markers, notebooks, folders, a backpack, and a lunchbox.

Parent Hack: Always send a change of clothes! A lot can happen in a school day.

Many kindergartens require a signed dental checkup form. Recommendation: Book early so you’re not scrambling days before school starts or competing for preferred appointments during the last-minute back-to-school rush.

Elementary School:

You can expect the basics: crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, loose-leaf paper, and highlighters. It’s also a good idea to include a pack of personal hand sanitizer and mini tissue packs that your child can keep in their desk and backpacks.

Did You Know?!: You should replace your toothbrush every few months—old ones can spread bacteria, preventing a thorough brushing and increasing your risk for cavities. (yikes!)

 

Middle School:

These supply lists come with a few new twists compared to what you’re used to. You might find USB drives, calculators, and sometimes computers added. Middle school also brings a new level of independence, so planners are a must-have. (They’ll want to keep track of their dental appointments!)

During this time, kids lose the last of their baby teeth, gain permanent ones, and start brushing more independently (though let’s be honest—how well are they brushing?). It’s also a key time for orthodontic evaluations, especially if your child hasn’t had one yet.

2. Don’t Forget Dental Checkups–Book Early!

When booking appointments, don’t forget to add Dental Checkups to the list!  That means you, too, parents! When was the last time you saw the dentist?

• Most schools (especially kindergarten) require proof of a recent dental visit
• Booking in early August gives you more flexibility
• It prevents mid-year surprises like painful cavities or infections.

Time-Saving Tip: Schedule your dental checkups together! One trip, one day, two clean smiles—yours and theirs. It’s a great way to start the school year with healthy habits. Parents, we have an all adult exclusive department right on the 3^rd floor at Dental Care Stamford.

For Ages 7-12: Don’t skip checkups! Your Pediatric dental team works closely with our orthodontists to monitor development and step in early if treatment is needed. Early care often means a smoother orthodontic journey with better results and less discomfort later on. Pro tip: Book their evaluation before school starts, giving you more time to plan.

3. Sleep Schedule Reset: Less “Teeth-pulling” and More ‘You Time’

Resetting is no small feat. Here are some suggested ways to smooth the transition:

• Move bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes each night, starting at least a week out
• Shut down screens an hour before bed– cue books or forgotten toys
• Brush and floss before bed as part of their wind-down routine—it clears away the day’s food and bacteria, and helps set the tone for healthy habits.
• Avoid sugary snacks or juice before bed (they hype kids up and the sugar sits on their teeth all night—no thanks, cavities!)

4. Easy School Lunch Ideas That Are Tooth-Friendly

Landed on packed lunches? Here’s how to keep it simple, healthy, and smile-safe:

• Turkey and cheese roll-ups
• Fruit slices are a good option
• Greek yogurt with granola
• Water or milk (avoid added sugary juice like Kool-Aid and Capri-Suns)
• Avoid sticky snacks—they cling to teeth and feed cavities

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