Knowing when your child is ready can make all the difference when it comes to a successful transition. In this Parenting Report there is information on what signs to look for, to see if your 2-year-old has what it takes.

At just 2 years old, separation is still the hardest part of Brooke Gottlieb's preschool day. When mom Laurie Gottlieb walks out of the classroom, Brooke is at first upset, but moments later she is calm enough to play at the clay table.

Brooke's mom said she believes that sending her daughter to school was a good call.

"I know that I made a good decision because whenever I pick her up, she's excited about school. She's happy and she says things about school in the car when we go home," Gottlieb said.

A generation ago, kindergarten was a child's first introduction to school, but today more than half of 3- to 5-year-olds get their start in preschool. So what is age appropriate for attending preschool? Pediatrician Dr. Harry Romanowitz said there are a number of signs to look for.

"I think a child that can communicate his needs is going to have a much more positive experience than having caregivers try and figure out what it is the child grunting or pointing at," said Romanowitz.

And there are other factors to consider: Is he or she interested in what other kids are doing? One sign of preschool readiness is the ability to play alongside others.

If toilet training is a requirement, can your child use the bathroom and undo clothing as needed? And how well does the child tolerate being away from you? It may take up to two months to master the separation.

You can find helpful parenting information by visiting Parenting Magazine’s Web site. Just click on the link: Parenting Magazine