The Back to School Resource Centre:
Helpful Tools for the Year Ahead
Starting or returning to school can feel overwhelming for both parents and kiddos, especially with new routines, teachers, and expectations. To help make the transition smoother, we’ve put together guides and customizable templates you can use at home or share with your child’s school team. These tools support communication, build predictability, and help your child feel more confident heading into the school year.
School Transition Guides
No matter what kind of school transition your kiddo is facing, we’ve got you covered. Whether they’re stepping into kindergarten for the very first time, adjusting to a brand‑new school, or simply moving up a grade, these guides offer clear, supportive tools to help your family navigate each stage with confidence and ease.
To download a copy, click the Pop-Out icon at the top right corner of the guide.
Sensory‑Friendly Back‑to‑School Checklist
This sensory‑friendly checklist is designed to make school transitions feel calmer, predictable, and more comfortable for your kiddo. It helps you think through the sensory supports that truly make a difference — from clothing and supplies to routines, regulation tools, and communication with the school team. By planning ahead for sensory needs, families can reduce overwhelm, prevent avoidable stressors, and create a smoother, more confident start to the school year.
To download a copy, click the Pop-Out icon at the top right corner of checklist.
Customizable School Communication Templates
These Canva templates are simple, customizable tools that help you share the most important information about your kiddo with their school team. Each one is designed to make communication easier, clearer, and more supportive — especially during transitions or times when your child may need extra understanding.
Whether you’re introducing your child to a new teacher, preparing for a substitute, or helping your kiddo navigate their day with visuals and predictability, these templates give you a strong starting point that you can tailor to your family’s needs.
How to Use Canva Templates
Open the template link Click the Canva template link provided on the page.
Set up a free Canva account If you don’t already have one, Canva will prompt you to sign up — it’s quick and free.
Open the template in the editor The template will load directly in Canva’s editor as your own copy.
Customize it however you like Edit text, colors, images, and layout to fit your child’s needs.
Download your finished version Click Share → Download and choose PDF, PNG, or JPG to save your file.
⭐ Get to Know Me Template A friendly, easy way to introduce your child to their teacher or support staff. Add your child’s strengths, sensory needs, communication style, and what helps them feel safe and successful.
Template link: https://canva.link/qzwwfh6z4bwgtxy
⭐ Substitute Quick Reference Card Perfect for days when your child’s regular teacher is away. This quick‑glance card helps substitutes understand your child’s needs, routines, and supports so the day feels smoother and more predictable.
Template link: https://canva.link/euh5fnwu7yh26o8
⭐ Social Story + Visual Schedule Template A customizable social story paired with a visual schedule to help your child understand what’s happening next, reduce anxiety, and build confidence through clear, visual steps.
Template link: https://canva.link/s9opl1enbfub1iz