Going back-to-school got you stressed?  You’re not alone.  Getting ready for school again can bring big feelings for students, families, and teachers.  California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) created free toolkits and resources to support mental health during this busy time of year. 

One example is the “Dear Stress, I’m Over You” Toolkit, which shares simple strategies like music meditation, breathing exercises, and gratitude journaling.  These tools can help students manage emotions and focus on learning. 

Illustration of a blue head with an opening into the brain and two stars coming over it, a blue book, blue headphones. It reads: Dear Stress: I'm over you. Simple ways to reduce stress levels.

Download the “Dear Stress, I’m Over You” Toolkit.”

Other resources include: 

  • Free mental health apps for youth and caregivers 
  • Suicide prevention guides 
  • Professional development opportunities for teachers 

Explore the CYBHI Back-to-School Toolkit! 

 

California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has released a Back-to-School Resource Guide for 2025-2026.  It includes practical tools for families navigating special education and beyond, like:   

  • Guides on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and SMART IEP goals 
  • Tips for advocating for inclusion and avoiding unfair discipline 
  • Resources on bullying prevention 
  • Information on transitioning to adulthood and new diploma pathways for students with intellectual disabilities  

Browse SCDD’s Back-to-School Resource Guide. 


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