Check your elementary school. I remember ours had some childcare options in the gym, but that was arranged by the school (I was in one with a really rich PTA, so they paid for stuff like that). If I knew you lived near me, I’d be happy to send my teenager over to go mind them/play with them. I was a single parent, and what we did was usually one dad from our old daycare network stayed home and all the kids would go there for an hour.

I think it’s important to go if it’s your first year at the school - but after a few years I would go “late” just so I could go meet the teacher and skip the speeches in the cafeteria.

Anonymous wrote:I was planning to go and just have my kids (3rd and 1st grade) play on the playground for an hour. Would that not be allowed?

That's not okay.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was planning to go and just have my kids (3rd and 1st grade) play on the playground for an hour. Would that not be allowed?

who would watch them?

+1 And then the school is liable if anything happens to them?

Anonymous wrote:We haven’t seen anything on back to school night. I’m surprised it’s for adults only - what do people do who can’t get childcare or are a single parent household?

They don’t go. It’s not that useful or important. They typically share all the same information by email and on the school website, and there are other opportunities to meet teachers and see the classrooms at the elementary school level.

Nothing bad will happen if you can’t go to BTSN, I promise.

Anonymous wrote:I was planning to go and just have my kids (3rd and 1st grade) play on the playground for an hour. Would that not be allowed?

who would watch them?

I was planning to go and just have my kids (3rd and 1st grade) play on the playground for an hour. Would that not be allowed?

This comes up every year. Why can't APS find another solutions that will accommodate families with one parent or who have night jobs, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Find a sitter. APS has always been adults only. Its purpose is for the parents to hear from the teachers and administrators about the school and classes, etc.

Open House was to bring your kids. BTSN is for parents.

OP here - we are new to APS and our notice didn't say anything about it being adults only which is why I wanted to reach out and ask. Thanks for your help.

Our school also hasn’t shared info on this event. I don’t even remember it from last year which means we might have skipped … haha If it is in early September they do not leave much time for finding backup care if kiddos really are not invited.

It is for parents only, but I’ve had to bring my kids a time or two before. There are always a few kids tagging along. Perhaps not ideal, but also not a big deal if you don’t have childcare.

Find a sitter. APS has always been adults only. Its purpose is for the parents to hear from the teachers and administrators about the school and classes, etc.

Open House was to bring your kids. BTSN is for parents.

This is why they give you several weeks notice. Get to know your high school neighbors who can babysit.
It would be a madhouse and distracting if 600 kids were in attendance.

We haven’t seen anything on back to school night. I’m surprised it’s for adults only - what do people do who can’t get childcare or are a single parent household?

Adults only. If you can get a sitter it would be best.

I just noticed our elementary school provided a “back to school night” date in early September. Is that even something children can attend, or is it for parents/family only? I just realized I’m riding solo that week and need to figure out if I should find childcare or if the student can also attend. Thanks, we’re new to APS and have a first grader.