The ideal time to start thinking about a daycare or preschool program is when your child is between 12 to 24 months old. Is it hard to picture your diaper–wagging tyke sitting in a circle singing finger–play songs? Actually, starting to make preschool plans early is for your own benefit. It can take a long time to sort through the various options in your community. You’ll want to talk to other parents, make calls to get basic information from the prospective preschool, and spend time visiting them. Even if you’re not inclined to be so thorough and have your choice narrowed down to one or two possibilities, some schools may have long waiting lists. You may need to apply early to reserve a space. Having a good head start will spare you later panic. How to pick a program: At first glance, daycare programs may appear fairly similar. They all seem to have pint–size furniture, and in all of them kids sing songs and create art. All are committed to the care and growth of young children. All want children to be safe, happy and enriched. The difference lies in how a given school goes about achieving their goals. No two preschool programs are identical. Practical considerations, such as the convenience of the location and cost, are usually paramount. You may want a school whose hours mesh with your work schedule, for example. But don’t let the nuts and bolts be your only concerns. Consider your child’s temperament and learning style. If your child is high–energy and always on the go then look for a program providing opportunity for free movement. If your child is reserved, a program that has smaller groups or smaller child–adult ratio would work better. If your child is slow to warm up to new situations, they would benefit from the program that encourages a gradual introductory period and parental involvement. If your child is quiet or easily over stimulated you should look for a program that provides lesser number of activity choices and private areas to read or play independently.