You are the most important factor in how your little one adapts to preschool.  Children can tell if a parent is not comfortable leaving.  If you're anxious, they will be, too.  Keeping any new transition positive is the most important factor in having an enjoyable preschool experience.  No matter the child's age, talk about why you're leaving, when you'll be back, and what they'll do while your gone.  Even infants internally clock their time apart from parents, so try to be especially consistent with timing at the beginning of a preschool experience.

Experts agree that children adapt to new preschool situations at different rates.  Most children will become comfortable after a few weeks, but age and temperament certainly affect how long it can take.  Babies under six months often don't experience the kind of separation anxiety that can lengthen the transition time for older babies, toddlers, and even some older children.

There are many things that parents can do to ease their children into preschool.  Below are a few tips to get you started.

1. Find Playful Ways to Talk about Preschool
   Parents can read stories about preschool with their child.  Find out the names of your child's teacher and use it often.  Another way to ease into the change is to set up play dates with kids from the center to get them familiar with their new peers.

2. Visit the Facility First
   Going together to the preschool before the first day will help your child get acquainted with the environment and give you a point of reference when you talk about where he or she will be staying.  It's possible for the parents to pick their child up early for a few days to ease them into the program.

3. Explain the Schedule
   Making your child aware of his or her schedule during the day is key to a successful transition to preschool.  Talk to children about the daily schedule.  Tell them what to expect for circle time, snacks, rest, and outdoor play.  It doesn't hurt to create a ritual for good-byes.  Some kids know they get a certain number of hugs and kisses before walking parents to the door, or look forward to waving until parents are out of signt.

4. No Disappearing Acts
   The parent who "sneaks" away instead of saying goodbye runs the risk of damaging the child's sense of trust.  It is better to offer the security of an explanation like, "Mommy has to go to work," and leave with a kiss and a hug.  Be assured that if your child is terribly upset during the day we will call you.

5. Bring Special Items from Home
   Having something special from home, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, can help children in a  new preschool situation, especially during the "good-bye" transition.  It's important that the item be something from home - it's a connection for them.  Studies have shown that babies can be calmed when there are pictures of family members or even parent's clothing items in their classrooms.

6. Make Sure Physicals are Current
   Before starting daycare, parents should make sure children's state-mandated immunizations are up-to-date.  Special healthcare conditions or allergies should be discussed with providers beforehand.

7. Provide Contact Information
   Be sure your preschool has a list of emergency contacts - people we can call if you're not available in an emergency.  Your list should include your own work and cell phone numbers as well as three other emergency contacts' names, addresses, and phone numbers.  It's also a good idea to include names of any person you may NOT want to pick up your child.

8. Bring the Right Gear
   Keeping the children's cubbies stocked with essentials helps them to keep them comfortable while you're away.  Label everything clearly with the child's name.  It's often a good idea to have a special bag for taking items back and forth each day.