School can become one of the first systems a new caregiver has to navigate.

Information reviewed September 2026. Program rules can change, so use the linked official source for eligibility and current requirements.

Start by making the caregiver relationship clear

Tell the school who the child lives with, who should receive calls and records, and what legal document applies. Ask what the school needs before an urgent permission form, field trip or medical issue comes up.

Share enough context to help, not the whole family history

A teacher or counsellor may benefit from knowing that the child has experienced a major transition, may have changes in parent contact or may react strongly to family-themed assignments. They usually do not need detailed information about addiction, court proceedings or other private family matters.

Transitions can affect learning

A new home can coincide with a new school, bus route, bedroom, rules, contact schedule and set of adults. Temporary drops in concentration, attendance, behaviour or school performance can occur. That does not mean expectations disappear, but it can help staff interpret what they are seeing.

Ask for support early

School forms should not make children explain their family

Inclusive terms such as parent or caregiver work better than assuming every child lives with a mother and father. Family-tree assignments, Mother's Day and Father's Day activities, emergency-contact forms and permission slips can all be handled in ways that include kinship families without singling a child out.

Keep the child out of the messenger role

Adults should communicate directly about transportation, contact schedules, consent and legal changes. A child should not have to carry legal documents back and forth or explain a custody dispute to school staff.

If school costs become a problem

Ask privately about school food, supplies, transportation, activity or trip supports. PEI's school food program operates on a pay-what-you-can model, and other assistance can vary by school and year.

Useful school meeting questions

• Who should the school contact first?
• What authority document does the school need?
• Who is allowed to pick the child up?
• What information will be shared with parents?
• Who should I contact if behaviour or attendance changes?
• Can the Student Well-being Team help?
• What supports exist for learning, developmental or mental health needs?

For educators

Building GRAND-Families has a dedicated professional page with practical ways to support children living in grandfamilies and other kinship families.