Preschool Checklist

A preparation and supplies checklist for a child starting preschool.

Published July 7, 2026

Enrollment and paperwork

Confirm your child's spot and start date with the program.
Complete and return all enrollment forms.
Note any forms with firm deadlines.
Provide up-to-date immunization and health records.
Fill in emergency contact and authorized pickup details.
Complete any allergy or medical action plan.
Review and sign program policies and the schedule.

Supplies to pack

Choose a small backpack your child can carry.
Pack a complete change of clothes and underwear.
Include a sealed, easy-to-open water bottle.
Add any nap items the program allows.
Pack diapers and wipes if your child needs them.
Include any supplies on the program's list.

Label everything

Label the backpack and lunch bag with your child's name.
Label every piece of clothing, including outerwear.
Label the water bottle and any containers.
Label nap items like a blanket or comfort toy.
Label shoes and spare clothing.

Readiness skills

Practice using the bathroom or follow the diaper policy.
Encourage saying their name and basic needs.
Practice following simple one-step directions.
Work on washing hands and tidying up toys.
Practice opening lunch and snack containers.
Build short stretches of independent play.

Emotional preparation

Visit the preschool together before the first day.
Read books about starting preschool.
Talk about the daily routine in a positive way.
Practice a short, confident goodbye routine.
Pack a comfort item if the program allows it.
Plan a calm, reassuring pickup conversation.

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A preschool checklist is a guide to everything a family needs before a child starts preschool, covering enrollment paperwork, supplies, labeled belongings, basic readiness skills and the emotional prep for that first goodbye. It helps parents start this big milestone organized and reassured.

A child's first program brings a long list of small details, from extra changes of clothes to nap items and signed forms. Pulling them into one checklist means nothing essential is missing on day one and the morning routine starts off smoothly.

This checklist walks through enrollment and forms, the supplies to pack, the items to label, the readiness habits to practice, and the steps that ease separation, so both child and parent feel ready for the transition.

Keep the printable version on the fridge or save the PDF to your phone so you can tick items off as the start date approaches. Each section stands alone, so you can adapt it to your preschool's specific requirements.

FAQ

What should I pack for the first day of preschool?

Pack a labeled backpack with a complete change of clothes, any comfort or nap items the program allows, a water bottle, and any required forms or supplies. Check your preschool's welcome packet, since each program has its own list.

What skills help a child start preschool?

Being able to use the bathroom or manage diapers per the program's policy, follow simple directions, separate from a parent, and communicate basic needs all help. None need to be perfect, since preschool is where many of these skills develop further.

How do I handle separation anxiety at drop-off?

Build a short, confident goodbye routine, arrive a little early so your child can settle, and reassure them you will return at pickup. Lingering tends to make it harder, so a warm, brief goodbye usually works best.

Why should I label everything?

Young children's belongings get mixed up constantly. Labeling clothes, bottles, backpacks and nap items with your child's name saves lost property, prevents mix-ups, and makes it easy for staff to return things to the right child.

Is this preschool checklist available as a printable PDF?

Yes. You can print it or download it as a PDF to keep on the fridge for parents, then tick off paperwork, supplies and readiness steps as the start date approaches.