• an accordion file box
• individual file folders
• labels
• stapler or paperclips
• a pen/pencil

Step 1 - Decide How You Define a Year...

This may seem silly, but think about whether you want to organize your information by the calendar year (January - December) or by the school year (September - August)

This is how you will label the individual files that go in each section of your file box - ex. 2007  or 2006/2007

Step 2 - Label the sections of your accordion file

Divide your box into categories you use in your binder:

• School
• Speech
• Occupational Therapy
• Specific Doctors/Hospitals
• Any organization that deals with your child (Government agencies etc.)

Step 3 - Move Information from the Binder to the File Box

Work one section at a time.

1. Take the information that you do not need to refer to every appointment out of your binder and take the time to staple/paper clip individual documents.
2. Place all of the year's documents into a dated file folder and place it in the labeled accordion file box.
3. On the outside of the file folder jot down a description of what is in the file so that you can find it quickly if you need to later.

*If you have more than one child, you may be able to use one file box and use colour coded file folders, one for each child.

I find that one box/child is easier, just because there is so much paper....