How to get your child ready for preschool

Starting school can be an exciting time in your preschooler's life, but it can also be a daunting one. Here are some tips to help your preschooler enter school without tears.

If possible, send your child to a preschool where they already knows some children in the class. If that isn't possible, ask the teacher for a class list and contact the other parents to arrange play dates.

• Play dates give children the opportunity to get to know one another before the school year begins, which may make them feel more positive about attending preschool.

Find out if the school has a "Meet the Teacher Day" and take your little one on a tour of the preschool. This is the perfect time for your child to spend some time with his or her teacher, and for you to ask questions.

Include some books about the first day of school when you and your child read together.

• Reading preschool-themed books gives your child the chance to ask questions and voice his or her fears.
• When your child sees what fun the characters in the books have, it will help him or her get excited about the upcoming school year.

Never sneak out on your child instead of saying goodbye, since this could make the transition tougher. Instead, practice your goodbyes well before the first day of school.

• Have fun with it by inventing a secret handshake or keep it simple with a kiss, a hug and an "I love you."
• The point is to let your child know that you are leaving, but that you will be back at the end of the day to pick him or her up.

Get to school early on the first day of school so that you can explore the new classroom with your child. Many preschools ask that the parents stick around for a while to help their kids get adjusted, so be prepared to stay in the classroom until your child is comfortable with you leaving, if possible.

While the first day of preschool requires a bit of adjustment, your child will soon be eager to go to school, and just as eager to come home and tell you about their day.