AUSTIN, Texas -- The first day of school is just a couple weeks away, and that means now is the time to get an early start on those bedtime routines.

A lack of sleep can take a toll on a child's ability to retain information.

While she's busy preparing for the first day in her classroom, veteran teacher Susan Seaton hopes parents are prepping for the big day in their child's bedroom. 

"The first two or three weeks, they come in and they're used to being up at night and their parents try to get them to bed, and it may not work. We do see a lot of sleepy kids,” said Seaton.

Seaton said she wants her students to be successful in the classroom, but says that success starts at home. Seanna Crosbie with the Austin Child Guidance Center says a poor night's sleep can affect performance at school.

"Lack of good sleep can impact a child's ability to learn, it can impact their ability to focus while they're in the classroom and retain information, and any parent knows this but a lack of good sleep can also have an impact on a child having difficulty just managing their emotions,” said Crosbie.

Good sleep isn't just about making the grade. Crosbie said it's the foundation of both physical and mental health. 

"Yeah, that's actually a really great question, because sleep is something that we screen for when clients first come to services here, because if we're able to help with sleep and developing a sleep routine, that typically improves the child's mental health,” said Crosbie.

Between the ages of two and 10, it's recommended that children get nearly 11 hours of sleep a night.