How to survive the first day of school in Miami-Dade and Broward

Tens of thousands of kids return to school on Monday in South Florida so driver should prepare for more traffic and slow speed zones. Walter Michot The Miami Herald

With most schools in South Florida opening Monday, here are some important links, information and tips for parents and students:

Key online resources

Both Miami-Dade and Broward have “Parent Portals” that are the best go-to resources for most concerns. Parents should create an account:

Miami-Dade: http://www.dadeschools.net/parents.asp.

Broward: http://beep.browardschools.com/ssoPortal/Parents/index.htm

Find your school

Mapping and search engines:

Miami-Dade: http://www.dadeschools.net/guidek-12.asp.

Broward: http://www.browardschools.com/School-Info/locator#.VdS4CrJVg4l

Find your bus stop

Miami-Dade: If you havne’t received information by mail, log on to parent's portal at http://www.dadeschools.net/parents.asp and click on "BUS INFO."

Broward: Students will receive a Student Transportation Eligibility Report with bus route information for the respective student. More information: http://www.pupiltrans.org/

If the bus is late

Remember traffic will be heavier with kids back in school, so give drivers 10 to 15 minutes before calling.

Miami-Dade: Know you child’s bus route number then call the corresponding transportation center number: http://dot.dadeschools.net/ under “Bus Rules/Handout PDF” in FAQs section.

Broward: Know you child’s bus route number then call the corresponding transportation center number listed here: http://www.pupiltrans.org/terminals.html

School Calendar

Miami-Dade: http://www.dadeschools.net/calendars/16-17/16-17_el-sec.pdf

Broward: https://www.browardschools.com/SiteMedia/Docs/Calendars/School_Calendar_2016-17_Color.pdf

Schools police contacts

Miami-Dade: Emergencies, Dial 911; Non-Emergencies, 305-995-COPS. Crimestoppers Tip Line-(305)-471-TIPS, Crisis Hotline-Dial 211 and Child Abuse Hotline 1-(800)-96-ABUSE. To submit submit anonymous tips at http://mdspolice.com/miami-dade-schools-police-be-safe/.

Broward: Broward schools police: 754-321-0725; email school911@browardschools.com. You can also text CRIMES (274637) with a message that must begin with SBBC. You can file an anonymous tip online at http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/siu/siunew/tipsemail.asp.

School apps

Miami-Dade: The Dadeschools Mobile App is available in app stores. It gives parents, students and employees quicker updates on school information. Miami-Dade buses will also now have WiFi so student can use devices to study or start homework. Soon, GPS will allow dispatchers and parents to track the bus using an app. Magnet programs in Miami-Dade County Public Schools that still have spaces available: http://yourchoicemiami.org/magnet-program-availability/

Broward: The BCPS Mobile App is available in app stores. The app allows parents, students and employees access to district and school news.

Share your experience

Tweet back-to-school pictures to @MiamiHerald with the hashtag, #FirstDayDade and #FirstDayBroward

If you don’t have computer access

In Miami-Dade and Broward, visit your child’s school or the local public library for more information.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 4:19 PM with the headline "How to survive the first day of school."