With school starting this month we want to help you make a smooth transition -- well, as smooth as possible into Fall and the new school year. Whether you're searching for a Mother's Day Out for your toddler to socialize or have a Preschooler or Kindergartener departing for big school, we've got you covered. Check out the GREAT articles below. Our Back-to-School issue is coming soon.

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-Allison Cate

From the moment your child began to walk or even before that time, you've probably been hearing playground chatter from parents about preschools in your area. If you're coming to this experience for the first time, it can feel as if you're being introduced to a whole new language: "sibling places," "traditional versus progressive approaches," "cutoff dates," "competition for places," "applications," and perhaps most perplexing of all, "child interviews." It's guaranteed that everyone you meet will have an opinion on this subject, usually based on something that they've heard from someone else. But even if other parents seem well informed, it's likely that they're feeling just as confused.

As a new parent, you probably have very little knowledge about preschool, and it's only natural to ask questions: What exactly do you need to know about a school before considering sending your child there? How do schools differ? What are their educational philosophies and what do they mean? How do you identify a quality program?

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Local Resources:

• Preschool Philosophies
• A-Z Shreveport-Bossier Preschools
• Mother's Day Out Programs
• Child-care Options

*Recommend a program not listed in our Parent's Business Directory.

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We have been shocked about how many parents have come to us because of "Kindergarten Anxiety" issues. Parents and teachers alike have come to us with this "condition." It is common among the Pre-K set.

The kindergarten "hype" is making kids so anxious, stress is created, behavior is affected and development is regressing. This is all prior to them starting kindergarten.

I heard it in the store just the other day. I couldn't believe it. "If you don't start being good, you will not be going to kindergarten!" Ok, I realize "the Santa Claus threat" wanes around springtime, but this is ridiculous!

We have one parent that told us how her child reverted back to soiling his pants. He had an accident and she told him he could not go to Kindergarten if he wet his pants anymore. Guess what? He loves preschool and doesn't want to go to Kindergarten. Now, they have an almost 6 year old refusing to use the toilet.

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If you are feeling anxious about this new and exciting time for your soon-to-be Kindergartner (K), you are not alone! By now, your preschool teachers, friends, and family have assured you that your child is ready for this big change and so you are moving forward, leaving the safety of your child's home away from home, whether it be with you, in preschool, or in daycare. The change is important, as are all changes. It is a further step in letting your child go and move into his or her own experience more fully. You can support your child as this step is taken in the weeks to come by recognizing the differences and similarities between kindergarten and your child's experiences so far.

Here are a few tips to help you use this as an opportunity to help your child (and yourself) have a positive experience with the transition to K and consequently, transitions in general.

• Visit your child's new school and together explore the lay of the land-playground, bathrooms, office, cafeteria, and pick up & drop off areas.
• Have a dress rehearsal school night and morning or two as school gets closer. (Consider your ideal school time schedule and all that you will need to do.) Celebrate with breakfast out. Make it positive and exciting!
• Set up a study area for your child, with your child-a desk or table area, with supplies and an in-box and out-box. This will begin to establish a life-long habit and approach to school and homework.

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