Your Kid’s Ready. Is Your Paperwork? TDLR Parent Checklist
Essential documents to confirm before your child starts
1. Identification & Legal Documents
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Passport or visa documents (if applicable)
- Custody or guardianship orders (if not both parents listed)
2. School & Enrollment Records
- Current immunization records (state-required shots)
- Last report card or transcript (from previous school)
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan (if applicable)
- School entry health exam form (within required timeframe)
3. Emergency & Medical Authorization
- Emergency contact list (names, phone numbers, relationships)
- Medical release / consent to treat form
- Allergy or special health needs action plan (e.g., asthma, EpiPen, diabetes)
- Medication authorization (if child takes prescription at school)
4. Transportation & Dismissal
- School bus permission slip (if applicable)
- Walk/bike/ride permission (if not using bus)
- Authorized pick‑up list (adults allowed to collect child)
- After‑school care or program enrollment form
5. Food & Dietary Accommodations
- Lunch account number or meal application (free/reduced price)
- Dietary restriction or allergy notice (school kitchen form)
- Permission for classroom treats (if school requires)
6. Communication & Consent Forms
- Directory information release (opt‑in or opt‑out)
- Photo/video permission slip
- Field trip consent (blanket or per‑trip)
- School handbook acknowledgment signature
7. Extracurricular & Sports
- Sports physical (if trying out for a team)
- Activity permission and waiver (e.g., club, band, after‑school program)
- Uniform or equipment order form
8. Parent Account & Digital Access
- Parent portal activation (grades, attendance, announcements)
- Email opt‑in for school messages
- Digital lunch payment setup
- Emergency notification system registration (e.g., Remind, SchoolMessenger）
Final Step – Quick Double‑Check
- Are all signatures and dates filled?
- Have you kept copies for your own file?
- Did you submit forms to the right office (school, district, nurse, transportation)?
TDLR Tip: Start 2–3 weeks before the first day. Call your school office if you’re missing any item marked “required for first day.”