If your child’s birthday falls on a month within the school year, you can expect him or her to be looking forward to celebrating his or her birthday at school. Here are some things to remember as you plan an in-school birthday celebration for your youngster:

First, make sure to talk to your kid first about his or her birthday plans before you make any plans. While most preschoolers and kids in the first and second grade are typically excited about celebrating their birthdays at school, do not make this assumption right away. Older children usually have other plans on how they would like to celebrate their birthdays. Imagine going through all the party planning only to find out your kid does not like the idea at all.

In addition, you need to check with the school principal if they allow students to celebrate their birthdays in school. There are some schools with policies discouraging such parties. If the school allows in-school student birthday celebrations, discuss your plan with the class teacher. Sometimes, a particular class has an earlier arrangement about birthday celebrations wherein all the celebrants for the month will throw just one class party.

If there are no such special arrangements, then ask the teacher when would be the best time for the party so as not to interfere with any class or school activities. Depending on your plans, the teacher may request that the celebration is held at the end of the school week after classes or you may have the party on the child’s birthday itself but at a specific time such as before recess or during mid-morning. Also, ask the teacher how much time you have for the party so you can plan accordingly.

After getting the school’s permission and finalizing the schedule with the class teacher, you can now start with planning the details of the party such as what you will serve and what the kids will do. Moms used to just bring cupcakes to their child’s school to give as treats to the whole class but while this can still be done, some schools actually do not allow bringing in food from outside the school.

The risk of food allergies is one of the reasons for such restrictions. So, again, find out if your child’s school will permit you to bring party food and if so, are there any rules as to what type of food you can bring? There are schools that do not allow junk food or sugary foods to be served, which is actually a good thing.

What if the school does not allow party food? Do not worry. You can still celebrate your child’s birthday in lots of other fun ways. Decorate the room with balloons or colorful streamers and give out party hats to the kids. Sing some songs and play easy and fun games.

You may also want to give party favors, although this is not necessary. If allowed, you can give edible party favors such as cupcakes, cookies and etcetera. Alternatively, give something simple that the children can use such as school supplies or something they will enjoy like toys. You do not have to spend too much on these favors. The price tag will not matter to kids. They would be happy just to be receiving gifts.

As you go on with the celebration, be mindful of the time the teacher has allotted for the party. If you agreed on a full hour, then plan a 40-minute program so that you still have a good 20 minutes for cleanup. You can ask the class to help in tidying up the room.

Lastly, do not forget to thank the teacher and the school principal for allowing your child to celebrate his or her birthday at school.