How to Deal With Preschool Separation Anxiety

At the end of the summer and the start of a new school year, fears loom large for parents with children about to start preschool – how will they deal with their child’s separation anxiety at the classroom door? Parents imagine their children feeling all kinds of scared, not wanting to be left without mom […]

Preschool Guide: Ease the Transition for You and Your Child

Sending your “baby” off to school for the first time is tough – even if it is just for a few hours a week. To help make this emotional stage of childhood (and parenting!) easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide loaded with practical advice and smart strategies. Whether you’re looking for guidance on choosing a preschool, […]

Should You Redshirt Your Child for Kindergarten?

Kathy Hardy, Winnetka Community Nursery School Director, says she has always regretted not “buying” her daughter, now 27, an extra year of preschool. “As parents you can’t help but want the leg up for your child,” Hardy says. Hardy is referring to academic redshirting, the practice of intentionally holding your child out an extra year […]

Make It Better Back-to-School Guide

Give your child the most successful back-to-school launch with our best advice, ideas and tips. And help keep your school strong with our “Help Your School Toolkit.” PRESCHOOL SKILL BUILDING 25 Best Apps and Websites for Summer Skill Building Even though this is a summer list, these apps will keep your little ones learning all […]

Back-to-School Fashion Pre-Requisites: Little Sprout Edition

Teachers send a list of school supplies for your little munchkins’ new year of school, so we decided to do the same for fashion. After consulting moms and a couple pre-k and elementary school teachers, we’ve pinpointed a few of the trends that should be in your kids’ closet this fall. Pre-K Girls From voluminous […]

Preschool Readiness: Get-Ready Tips

What can you do to help your child prepare for the big day? The first day of preschool can be as scary for parents as it is for the kids.  Here are some tips to help you and your toddler scholar get ready for the big day this fall, courtesy of three early childhood experts: […]

Fresh: A Place to Play

Think you’ve exhausted every possible play date? Think again: Growth Spurts is a new locally owned family cafe and indoor play space for children up to age 6.   The fun for little ones includes a crooked house and slide, a large-scale block building area, a doll nursery, a reading nook, a play kitchen and […]

Preschoolers: What We Wish We'd Known Then

1. Spend more time on the carpet. “I wish I had spent more time just playing with my kids. Older women told me to relax and savor every minute, because they grow up in the blink of an eye. I didn’t know how to take in their wisdom.” -Suzy Hilbrant, Winnetka 2. Take time for […]