Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

Parental Motivation

First, consider your motivation for enrolling your child in preschool. If you're at home full-time, would preschool give you a much-needed break? Is your child in need of greater stimulation than you or your current childcare provider can offer?

Rest assured, there's no wrong answer. Dr. Amanda Moreno, PhD, a developmental psychologist and early learning researcher at the University of Denver, says, "Even if you want to send your child just to 'get a break,' you can feel good about the fact that preschool is providing you the gift of sanity which helps you be a better parent, and as a bonus, your child is gaining new skills and probably enjoying himself to boot." So save the self-imposed guilt trips for another time.

Plus:
Preschool Confidential: What Teachers Want You to Know
The Pros and Cons of Preschool
7 Secrets of Preschool Teachers Preschooler Milestones
Check out all our Back to School Coverage