Should my child attend preschool before applying to kindergarten?

Preschool isn’t a requirement, but it sure helps. Think of it as a warm-up lap before the big kindergarten race. It gives your child practice being away from home, following routines, and figuring out the delicate politics of crayon sharing. Schools love seeing that a child has had some group experience, even if it’s just learning how to sit in a circle without turning it into a spinning contest. If preschool isn’t in the cards, no worries. Just be sure your child has had some playdates, library storytimes, or classes where they’ve learned to listen, take turns, and not lick everything. Social readiness is just as important as ABCs.