How to prepare your child for preschool

By Chelsey Boutan

Ÿ Have a slow progression of separating yourself from your child. For example, participate in a Parents Day Out Program once a week or leave your child with a trusted adult for a few hours while you go grocery shopping.

Ÿ Help develop your child’s self-help skills by teaching him or her how to put toys away, wash his or her hands, listen to others, etc.

Ÿ Potty train your child. Some private and park district preschools will not accept children into their preschool programs who aren’t potty trained.

Ÿ Set aside time to read a few books to your child each day. This will help him or her learn how to ask questions and expand his or her vocabulary.

Ÿ Get your child used to a daily routine.

Ÿ Try to incorporate numbers and letters into your daily routines. For example, count how many ingredients there are when you’re cooking.

Ÿ Play and talk with your children often.

Ÿ Set up a few play dates to get your child used to interacting with other children.