What Should My Child Bring to Preschool?

The short answer: bring the basics first

Many preschools want the same small group of items. Think about comfort, messes, meals, and rest time.

A simple starter set often includes a backpack, a full change of clothes, diapers or training pants if needed, and any daily comfort item the program allows. Some programs also ask for a water bottle, lunch, snack, or bedding for nap time.

It depends on the child’s age and the program type. A full-day daycare may ask for more than a part-time preschool. If you are comparing options, questions to ask on a tour can help you get clear answers.

• Backpack or tote bag
• 1 to 2 full changes of clothes
• Diapers, wipes, or training pants if needed
• Water bottle
• Lunch and snack if the program does not provide food
• Nap items, like a small blanket or sheet, if allowed

Clothes and personal items to pack

The most helpful thing to send is a full change of clothes. Preschool children spill, paint, play outside, and sometimes have bathroom accidents. Many programs ask for shirt, pants, underwear, and socks in a labeled bag.

If your child is toilet learning, send extra clothes. Two sets can be smart. For younger children in daycare, some programs may ask for several diapers for the day, wipes, and diaper cream only if the program says it can be used.

Choose easy clothes. Soft pants, simple shoes, and jackets children can move in are best. Avoid hard-to-open belts, fancy shoes, or clothes you do not want to get dirty.

Write your family name on everything you can. Labels help teachers return items, but things still get lost sometimes.

• Label jacket, sweater, water bottle, lunch box, and blanket
• Pack weather-ready items like a sun hat, rain boots, or mittens if the program asks
• Keep a season-ready spare outfit at school if the program allows it

Food, water, and nap-time supplies

Some preschools provide meals and snacks. Others ask families to send food from home. Ask exactly what is included, because this changes from program to program. You can compare different program styles on our programs page.

If you send food, many schools want a lunch box, one or two snacks, and a labeled water bottle. Some ask for food that is ready to eat, with no heating needed. Many programs also have nut rules or other allergy rules. Always ask before the first day.

For nap time, some programs provide a mat or cot but ask families to bring a small blanket or fitted sheet. Others provide all nap items. A favorite stuffed animal may be allowed, or it may not. This is a good thing to confirm on a tour.

If your child will start full-day care, look closely at the daily schedule. Preschool vs. daycare and part-time vs. full-time preschool can help you think about what supplies may be needed.

• Ask if food is provided or packed from home
• Ask about allergy rules and foods not allowed
• Ask which nap items the program provides and which you should send

Papers families are often asked to complete

Besides daily supplies, many programs ask parents or guardians for forms before a child starts. This often includes emergency contact information, pickup authorization, and health forms required by the state or the program.

Immunization rules are different in each state, and some programs may need a doctor’s form. For a simple overview, read preschool immunization rules. If you are not sure what is required, ask the program for its checklist in writing.

Cubby Road is a free matching service. We help parents and guardians find options, but each preschool or daycare has its own application steps and paperwork. You can learn more in how to apply to preschool and how it works.

Before choosing any program, visit in person and verify the state license yourself. Our guide on how to check a preschool license can help.

• Emergency contacts
• Authorized pickup list
• State-required health or immunization forms
• Any program-specific permission forms

What not to bring

It can help to know what to leave at home too. Many preschools do not want toys from home, jewelry, money, or anything expensive. Small items can get lost, shared, or become a distraction.

Skip foods that break the school’s allergy rules. Also avoid medicine in a backpack unless the program has clearly told you how medication drop-off works. Rules for medicine are usually strict.

If you are unsure, ask for the written handbook or family guide. One family learned this the hard way after sending a favorite toy every day, only to find out the classroom had a no-toy rule except on special sharing days.

• Favorite toys, unless the program says they are allowed
• Valuable clothes or shoes
• Foods that break allergy or safety rules
• Medicine sent casually without the program’s process

How to get the right list before the first day

The easiest way to avoid stress is to ask each program the same 5 questions. You can write the answers in your phone and compare them later.

1. What should we bring every day?
2. What does the program provide?
3. What should stay at school?
4. Are there foods or items not allowed?
5. What forms must parents or guardians finish before the first day?

If you are still deciding between programs, bring these questions on your visit. Our preschool tour checklist and how to choose a preschool can help you compare options clearly.

If you want help finding programs that fit your schedule, language, and budget, you can get matched, free. We only ask for a parent or guardian’s contact information and what you are looking for.

• Ask for the list in writing by text, email, or paper
• Take a photo of cubbies, hooks, and nap storage during the tour if the program allows it
• Pack the bag the night before the first day