I was first introduced to the “Need to Know Binder” while I was student teaching. In a classroom, a teacher can be overwhelmed with all the notices, trips, policies and more if not properly organized. 
I loved this concept so much, I adapted this to home life. I use the Need to Know Binder to organize information about my children’s schools. For example, from the start of school throughout the end of school, everything gets organized in my binders.
Shannon’s school has a binder that contains everything from the annual school calendar to the requirements of the upcoming social studies project. The information about the athletics clubs, play practices, lunch menus, nurse policies and beyond also get their spot.
Sean’s school has a binder that contains the same information per his school’s perspective. Sean’s also contains his schedule, his locker combination, his school map, trip request forms and so on.
Both will have their school’s contact information. This includes school day schedules, nurse information, emails from friends/parents and if the school permits, emails for their teacher’s, too.
With this type of binder in the house, I can save a lot of confusion and time. When anyone asks me a question about the school or upcoming events, I quickly reach for the appropriate "Need to Know Binder" and get the correct answer.
You don’t need to be very complex about setting the binder up. You can simply label the binder with “Name of School – Need to Know Binder.”
Then proceed to place the most recent paper into the binder. Ideally, you can categorize tabs to allow for Policies, Schedules, Contacts, Athletics, etc.
Be sure your children are aware of these binders. The binders will eliminate any anxiety when something appears to be misplaced. Instruct your child to go their “Need to Know Binder” first before getting too upset.
Be sure you get into the habit of using the binder. Better yet, get your children used to showing you information and then placing it into the binder themselves. When you are routinely doing so, 9 times out of 10, the information your children are looking for will be right where it should be – in their binder.
I love this practical advice, especially for parents of a child with an IEP. The paperwork comes at you from all over the place, so having a go to binder makes all the sense in the world. Thanks Colleen, I will link my blog ot this post.