From the first day of preschool to the day teens are launched into “the real world” the question of readiness seems to loom. Is your child ready for preschool? Ready for full-day? Prepared for the spelling test? Ready for the challenge of middle school? Prepared to manage high school homework? Ready for college?

For that reason, this special Colorado Parent Education Guide addresses many of the readiness issues you will face—beginning with the days spent with your toddler. It’s true, school readiness begins with your tiny tot, and you have daily opportunities to set them up for happy days in the classroom. In our article “Playing School,” local experts share tips and activities that will engage your toddler’s developing brain. You don’t have to stop everything to do them either, the 37 learning experiences can be done as you go about your daily tasks and errands together.

Next, we hit the homework years, with advice to set your family up for hassle-free completion of after-school assignments. (Hint: creating a homework routine early on, and sticking to it, may make it easier for kids to manage larger homework loads.) Find six more tips here.

As you look forward to your child’s future, you may wonder when and how to begin the college search. “College Bound?” shares expert ideas to inspire your child to explore college options on their own.

In this issue, you’ll also find eight books to share with your child before kindergarten, a glimpse of what makes up school climate, step-by-step instructions to help you prepare for school choice, and more.