School starts August 20th and there's much to get done between now and then.

For starters - getting the kids' sleep schedule adjusted back to school hours. Experts say to start shifting sleep time earlier about two weeks before school starts. But even if your kids are completely cooperative and getting into bad exactly on time, that doesn't mean they're falling asleep right away. Using electronics - TV, computer, texting, video games - is considered a major factor in preventing people (of all ages) from falling asleep for an additional 20 minutes. Watching violent or inappropriate media is even worse. So: 1. Shift bedtimes earlier. 2. Stop electronic use sooner. 3. Switch to sleep-friendly content in the evening.

 Immunizations:

Miami-Dade County Health Department hosts a free 'Back to School Immunization Event' from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. today, for children 2 months to 18 years. Bring your child's immunization records and a picture ID to: Goodlet Adult Center, 900 West 44th Place in Hialeah. For more information, call 786-845-0550.

Broward County Community Health Services offers free immunizations tomorrow (Wed. 8/8) from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Amadeo Trinchitella Deerfield Beach High School Health Center, 910 S.W. 15th Street; and again on Monday, August 20th from 9am - noon.

Additional free immunizations are scheduled almost daily between now and the start of school. Broward County Health Department has the full schedule, requirements and forms.

 After School:

Miami-Dade Parks' Fit-to-Play Out-of-School program operates Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., from August 20, 2012 through June 6, 2013.  Click here for details about this and other after-care programs in Miami-Dade.

Broward County Parks and Recreation offers a free After-School Program at six neighborhood parks in communities in unincorporated Broward. For ages 6 - 17, the program runs from 2 - 6 p.m. Mondays through Friday from August 20th - June 7th, 2013. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. More information available here.

Homework Help:

Advice from Real Parents (thank you for your suggestions on our Facebook page!):

Not familiar with the subject your chiild needs help with? Try Google or YouTube (bearing in mind that information from the Internet is occasionally incorrect ...). Even better? Turn to a Tutor or your child's Teacher. Here's a guide to finding a tutor in the state of Florida.

The local library is still a fantastic resource. Miami-Dade County Public Library System has hundreds of links to help with homework. Broward County Libraries offer both tutoring and job coaching!

Of course, easy access to school information is always available at DadeSchools.net and BrowardSchools.com.