Classes open on June 15, and if your little one is starting play school for the first time, the countdown is officially on. Here’s the thing most of us learn the hard way: getting a toddler ready is about a lot more than buying a cute backpack. So I put together this back-to-school checklist for toddlers to cover the parts that actually matter, from sleep routines to baon, so you both start the year feeling ready instead of frazzled.

Whether your child is joining a nursery class or a play-based program somewhere in Quezon City, a bit of prep now saves a whole lot of tears later. Let’s get your little star sorted.

Give Yourself 2 to 3 Weeks

If there’s one tip I’d underline, it’s this: start early. Toddlers run on familiarity, so the more you can ease them into the new routine before June 8, the smoother that first morning goes. Begin two or three weeks out and build up slowly. No need to overhaul everything in one weekend.

1. Fix the Sleep Schedule First

School mornings arrive fast and early. If your toddler has been on lazy summer hours, start nudging bedtime and wake-up earlier by about 15 minutes every few days until you land on a school-friendly schedule. A rested child handles big feelings better, learns better, and honestly separates from you a lot more easily.

• Aim for around 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day, naps included
• Keep bedtime calm and consistent: bath, a story, lights out at the same time
• Do a few mornings in “school mode,” waking, eating, and dressing on time

2. Rehearse the Morning

Run through the morning a few times before the real thing. Wake up, eat, brush teeth, get dressed, grab the bag, off to school. You can even do a pretend drop-off at the door if your child finds it fun. When a toddler knows what comes next, the whole thing feels less scary and a lot more doable.

3. Practice the Little Independence Skills

Play school nudges kids to do small things on their own, and you can give yours a head start at home. Don’t stress about getting it perfect. The teachers will help. You’re just aiming for comfortable, not flawless.

• Washing and drying their own hands
• Opening their water bottle and food containers (pack ones they can actually open)
• Going to the toilet and pulling pants up and down
• Slipping on shoes, ideally with Velcro instead of laces
• Packing and unpacking their own little bag

Every small win here builds real confidence. You’ll be surprised how proud they get over opening their own snack.

4. Get Them Ready on the Inside, Too

Emotional readiness counts just as much as supplies, maybe more. Talk about school in a warm, easy way. Read books about starting school, play pretend “teacher and student,” and let your child practice short goodbyes with someone they trust. And keep repeating the one line that does the heavy lifting: you always come back. That single promise calms a surprising amount of first-day nerves.

5. The Toddler School Supplies Checklist

Always check your school’s own list first, since every place is a little different. But most play schools in Quezon City ask for some version of this. Label everything with your child’s name, because trust me, things wander.

• Comfortable, weather-ready uniform or clothes (plus the rainy-season stuff below)
• A small, light backpack your child can carry without help
• A spill-proof water bottle and an easy-open baon container
• At least one full change of clothes in a labeled bag
• Extra underwear, especially if you’re still in toilet-training season
• A small towel and a hanky
• Alcohol or hand sanitizer and a pack of wet wipes
• Whatever notebooks, folders, or art materials the school lists

6. Pack for the Rainy Season

June kicks off the rainy season here, so build the weather into your packing. A few extra items keep your toddler dry and a lot less likely to come home sniffly:

• A child-sized raincoat or a small umbrella
• An extra pair of socks and closed, non-slip shoes
• A light jacket, because those air-conditioned rooms get cold
• A waterproof pouch so the notebooks and spare clothes stay dry

7. Sort Out the Boring (but Important) Paperwork

Tick off the behind-the-scenes stuff before day one so nothing trips you up later:

• Finish enrollment forms and submit the documents they ask for (birth certificate, ID photos, medical records)
• Update your child’s vaccinations and book a quick check-up if one’s due
• Tell the school, in writing, about any allergies, conditions, or food restrictions
• Hand over emergency numbers and the names of who’s allowed to pick up your child

8. Keep the Baon Simple

Focus and energy start with what’s in the lunch box. Pack snacks that are easy, not too messy, and something your toddler can manage solo, like sliced fruit, cheese, crackers, or rice balls. Steer clear of choking hazards and the super-sugary stuff, and never forget that water bottle. A hydrated kid is a happier kid by mid-morning.

What the First Week Might Actually Look Like

Even with all this prep, the first week can be bumpy. Knowing what’s coming makes it easier to take in stride.

Crying at drop-off

Most toddlers cry for a few minutes after you leave, then drift into play. Keep your goodbye short and confident, trust the teachers, and ask them later how your little one really did once you’d gone.

Wiped out and cranky at home

A whole morning of new faces and noise is a lot for a small person. Expect some after-school meltdowns or extra clinginess that first week. Quiet time, an early dinner, and an earlier bedtime go a long way.

Pushback on day two or three

Funny enough, day two or three is often harder than day one, once the novelty wears off. Hold steady and avoid keeping your child home. Pushing through gently is what makes the routine stick.

The Night Before

Do a calm run-through the evening before so the morning feels exciting instead of rushed:

1. Lay out clothes, shoes, and the packed bag by the door
2. Prep the baon and fill the water bottle ahead of time
3. Early bedtime, with your usual wind-down routine
4. Talk it up: “Tomorrow you get to play and make new friends!”
5. Get some sleep yourself, because your calm sets the tone

Ready, Set, Shine!

A good first day isn’t luck. It’s a little prep and a lot of love. Work through this list at your own pace, keep things light, and remember your toddler is probably more ready than you think. So are you.

At Shining Stars Play and Learn Class in Quezon City, we work closely with families to make that first step a happy one. Have a look at our play-based programs or message us, and let’s give your little one a warm start to the year.