The Essential Preschool Supply List For Early Childhood

As a new school year approaches, it’s time to prepare your little one for their early childhood education experience. To make things easy for you, we’ve compiled the ultimate preschool supply list to ensure your child has everything they need for a successful year.

While some supplies may vary based on your child’s school and specific requirements, this list covers the essentials. You can find most of these items at office supply stores, major retailers, or even score a good deal during back-to-school sales.

Here’s our essential back to school supply list for preschoolers, to get you started… The following items will get you off to a great start and if specific additional supplies are requested then of course, take that direction from your child’s preschool or classroom teacher.

If you’re doing preschool at home, and you find checklists helpful then consider using this homeschool checklist too.

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School Supplies

First and foremost, your child will need basic school supplies. Ensure that their supplies are age-appropriate, as younger students have different needs than 2nd or 3rd-grade students.

During the preschool years, it’s also super valuable to stock up on open ended art materials for preschoolers. Exploring with no specified end result in mind is such an important opportunity for young minds.

Here’s a list of essential school supplies for your preschooler:

• Crayola crayons: A pack of 24 non-toxic, washable crayons is perfect for little hands.
• Washable markers: Choose a pack of broad-tip markers for easy coloring and drawing, like these Crayola broad tip washable markers.
• Elmer’s glue stick: Opt for a pack of non-toxic, washable glue sticks for mess-free creativity.
• Pink eraser: A large, soft pink eraser will help your child easily correct mistakes.
• Gallon and quart size Ziploc bags: These are useful for storing art projects, snacks, or extra supplies.

Personal Items

Preschoolers often need a variety of personal items at school. Make sure to label everything with your child’s name to prevent mix-ups.

• Change of clothes: Accidents happen, so pack a complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks, in a gallon-size Ziploc bag.
• Pull-ups: If your child isn’t fully potty-trained, include a few pull-ups or diapers for emergencies.
• Paint smocks or aprons to protect clothing during messy art activities – Paint smocks or aprons are a great addition to any preschool classroom. They protect children’s clothing from getting stained during messy art activities and can help alleviate concerns about children ruining their clothes. Additionally, using paint smocks can help children feel more relaxed and free to explore their creativity without worrying about getting dirty.
• Package of baby wipes: These are great for quick clean-ups and can be used in place of wet paper towels. We like these pampers one, but any will do!
• Bottle of hand sanitizer: A small, child-safe bottle of hand sanitizer will help keep germs at bay.

Classroom Community Supplies

Some schools request that parents contribute to classroom community supplies. This helps teachers stock their classrooms without breaking the bank. Here are some items you might be asked to bring:

• Large box of Kleenex tissues: Teachers always appreciate having extra tissues on hand for sniffles and sneezes.
• Paper towels: A roll or two of paper towels can be useful for clean-ups and drying hands.
• Container of Clorox wipes: These are essential for wiping down surfaces and maintaining a clean environment.
• Extra supplies: If requested, consider donating additional crayons, markers, or glue sticks to the classroom.

Book Bag

A sturdy book bag is essential for carrying your child’s supplies, artwork, and other belongings to and from school, whether your child’s school requests the backpack style or the hand held book bag style may depend from area to area.

Choose a backpack that is easy to clean, has comfortable straps, and is an appropriate size for your child. Make sure to adhere to any dress codes or guidelines provided by your child’s school.

The backpack is somewhere that you can have some fun and buy supplies that will get your kiddo excited as there are so many cute and different designs on the market, that incorporate popular characters or interests like mermaids or dinosaurs.

Communication

Maintain an open line of communication with your child’s teacher throughout the school year. This can help address any special education needs or accommodations your child may require.

Stay informed about school policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable school experience for both you and your child.

Preparing for the preschool years can be both exciting and overwhelming. With this essential preschool supply list, you’ll be well-equipped to support your child’s early childhood education journey.

Remember that your child’s school and teacher may have additional requirements or preferences, so always consult them for specifics.

By providing your child with the right tools, they will be ready to learn and to get the most out of their early childhood education experience, as they progress onto kindergarten, first grade, second grade and beyond.

Having the right supplies can make a big difference in the success of a child’s early education. From basics like pencils and paper to more specialized items like manipulatives and sensory tools, the right supplies can help engage children and foster their learning and creativity. By sharing this essential preschool supply list with others, we can help ensure that all children have the tools they need to thrive in their early years of education. So, let’s spread the word and empower more children to reach their full potential!

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• How You Can Make Sure Your Child Is Ready For Preschool
• 9 Different Styles of Education: Montessori Vs Waldorf Vs Reggio and More!
• Arts and Crafts Safety for Parents and Kids

How You Can Make Sure Your Child Is Ready For Preschool