Chase Ranch
Montessori School

As soon as your young child can spend some time away from you without crumbling, she may be ready for the social whirl of nursery school. Some are ready at 2 or 3, most by 4. What kids need most in preparation for preschool is self-confidence, according to Mary Susan Miller, Ph.D., author of The School Book. A longtime parent educator, Miller suggests you do the following before sending your little one off to preschool:

• Get her used to staying with a baby-sitter or a grandparent for a few hours at a time so she'll realize that when you go away, you always return.

• Take her to visit the nursery school you're considering, in order to familiarize her with the surroundings and the teacher.

• Let her know she can take any transitional object she prefers to school with her, whether a blanket or a special toy.

• Arrange a play-date with another child who is going to start preschool at the same time as yours. Her familiar face may come in handy on the first day of preschool.

• Get her to school on time so she'll feel part of the group, and always pick her up on time so she won't be left alone with the teacher at the end of the day.