Written for parents, this book answers the following questions: (1) What is preschool about, and what are appropriate parent expectations for the experience? (2) Why should (or shouldn't) a child go to preschool, and what are reasonable alternatives to preschool? (3) When is a child, and a parent, ready for the preschool experience? (4) What are the differences in preschools, and how do parents explore their options? and (5) How does one choose a preschool which will provide the best developmental atmosphere? The book is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1, "The Basic Ingredients of a Good Early Childhood Program or School," discusses characteristics of preschools; specific topics covered here include: early childhood classrooms; understanding terminology; and the goals of early childhood programs. Chapter 2, "A Parent's Dilemma: What To Look For, How To Choose," discusses how to choose a good preschool; specific topics are: location; educational continuity; and philosophy. Chapter 3, "Getting In: A Parent's Guide to Admissions," discusses preschool admissions; topics covered include: publicly financed programs; private preschools; and screening applicants. Chapter 4, "Parents and Children: Ready or Not," discusses preschool readiness; topics covered include: sending a 2-year-old to preschool; understanding separation; and compatibility between parent and school. (JW)