Panic.
Just kidding! The hardest part is over: signing up for the job!
Now, I say “job” very loosely. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be the one showing up with cookies and crafts on class party days?
Being a Room Mom is so fun and fulfilling, you won’t think of it as a job either once you get going. It’s my goal to help you in this new journey, so let’s get started with 6 simple steps to room parenting success with this room mom guide.
No time to read the article? Pin it to read later! ⤵️
Step 1: Read your school’s handbook.
My daughter had been going to her school for two years, and I had read skimmed the handbook, but the sections concerning room moms didn’t apply to me at the time, so I simply skipped over them. If did the same thing, go back and read!
Room parent duties will vary from school-to-school, so it’s important to check the school handbook or website for any room mom rules and expectations.
Step 2: Meet with your child’s teacher.
Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher to find out exactly what your role is, and what his/her expectations of you are.
Get a complete list of the most important questions to ask the teacher straight to your inbox with my Room Mom Cheat Sheet and Calendar Guide:
Also, take this opportunity to give your teacher one of these questionnaires to find out more about what makes her/him happy. This questionnaire will come in handy later in the list!
- “My Favorite Things” Teacher Questionnaire
- “All About You” Teacher Questionnaire
- Editable “All About You” Questionnaire (change the colors to match your school’s colors!)
- “My Favorite Things” Fillable PDF
Get the EDITABLE Version of All 5 Teacher Questionnaires!
Get editable versions of all 5 RMR Teacher Questionnaires. Each design can be customized according to the teacher favorites YOU want to ask about!
Step 3: Get an e-mail list of parents.
This may vary from school-to-school, but email is a great way to communicate with parents.
If the school does not provide a list, you can use this form to get emails from parents. Always check your school policy before asking for information from parents, just in case. 🙂
Step 4: Introduce yourself to parents.
Once you have your updated email list, send out an email to let parents know you will be taking on the role of room mom this year. Here is a sample letter to get you started. The first two years my daughter was in school, I had no idea who the room mom was much less anything that was going on with the class. I didn’t even know parents were allowed to attend holiday parties! Parents will appreciate this SO MUCH. I promise. You can read more about sending an introduction letter right here.
Step 5: Start thinking ahead.
A common role for room moms is helping with holiday events. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of thinking ahead about upcoming holidays.
Download the FREE Room Mom Calendar Cheat Sheet inside the Resource Library to help you start thinking ahead about upcoming events. Write in teacher birthdays and other school wide events specific to your school once you receive your copy!
Step 6: Relax, Room Mom
Don’t take yourself too seriously. This is going to be fun! RMR will be here to help you along the way. 🙂
I’d love to know what you are looking forward to most this year, room mom. Let me know in the comments section below!
Amy
Resources for Room Moms
- New to Room Parenting? Get access to the Room Mom Resource Library filled with tons of free templates & printables to help you throughout the year!
- Not sure how to let everyone know you’re the new room mom? Get a copy of this room parent introduction letter to make the process quick and easy!
- Planning a teacher gift from the class? Learn How to Write a Room Mom Letter to Parents Asking for Money
- Learn how to create a Class Budget and collect Donations for Class Projects
- No Room Mom Program at your school? Learn how to start a room parent program from scratch!
- 10 Fun Back to School Events to plan this year.