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Back-to-School Checklist for SLPs, OTs, PTs, and Special Education Teachers (That Actually Helps)

The first week of school comes in hot. Between trainings, new students, surprise schedule changes, and about 42 open tabs, it’s easy to feel scattered—especially when you're trying to support students from day one. That’s why we built this back-to-school checklist specifically for school-based special education teams. It’s a real-world, tech-friendly tool that helps you move from “where do I even start?” to “I’ve actually got this.
By Lisa Kathman, M.S. CCC-SLP

The first week of school comes in hot.
You’re bouncing between trainings, chasing down IEPs, and wondering how it’s only Tuesday. Whether you’re new to your role or back for year ten, the first week always brings a mix of excitement and overwhelm.

That’s why we created this free back-to-school checklist. It’s built for school-based teams—SLPs, OTs, PTs, special education teachers, and support staff—who want to feel more organized and less scattered.

This isn’t just a list of materials to prep. Instead, it walks through real-world tasks with tech-friendly tips to help you move from “where do I start?” to “I’ve got this.”


What’s Inside the Checklist

Caseload Setup
You’ll find tips to collect class lists, review service minutes, and organize student info in one place. This helps reduce those last-minute surprises.

Scheduling & Flexibility
We offer ideas for batching students, building in buffer time, and coordinating schedules—even when in-person meetings aren’t possible. For example, you can use Google Forms or email templates to streamline communication.

Communication & Collaboration
You’ll learn how to clarify your progress-tracking process, simplify team updates, and use task templates for repeatable steps. This can save serious time.

Instruction & Data
The checklist includes prompts for planning your first sessions and collecting baseline data. You’ll also find ways to use digital tools—or even AI—to speed up lesson ideas, visuals, and documentation.

Small Wins That Add Up
Sometimes, checking off a few well-timed tasks is the boost you need. That’s why we built in quick wins and reminders to help you pace yourself.


Ready to start your year strong?

Download the Kit Back-to-School Checklist

It’s a quick-read resource made for busy teams. You don’t have to be using Kit to make it helpful, but if you are curious about how Kit supports caseloads, calendars, and instruction in one place, this is the perfect time to try it.

Start your free 14-day trial →

Let’s kick off the year with less stress and more support.

    Lisa Kathman, M.S. CCC-SLP
    Lisa Kathman is a veteran school-based SLP and the co-founder of SLP Toolkit, the parent company of Kit for Teams, and also co-founder of Bright Ideas Media, an inclusive, educator-led continuing education company. After two decades in the field — including serving as lead SLP in Arizona’s largest school district — Lisa is on a mission to simplify the day-to-day work of special education providers. She nerds out over data, documentation, and anything that helps special education teams feel more confident and less overwhelmed.

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