Most preschools will start accepting children at around age 2 ½, but that doesn’t mean your child is magically ready for preschool when he reaches that age.

Readiness for preschool has more to do with where your child is developmentally. Is he socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively ready to participate in a daily, structured, educational program with a group of other children? Is your child fairly independent? Preschool requires children to have certain basic skills. Most preschools will want your child to be potty-trained, for instance. Your child should also be able to take care of some other basic needs, like washing his hands after painting, eating his lunch without assistance, and sleeping alone.

Has he spent time away from you?
If your child has been