From the Globe Education Desk

This fall, more than 450,000 children will start kindergarten. This means there are thousands of African American parents and caregivers in California looking for help in preparing their children for the first day of kindergarten.
    First 5 California offers the following top 10 tips to help prepare children for their first day of school and beyond:
Tip #10: Do your homework — so your kids can do theirs.
• The first thing parents should do is research kindergarten programs in their local community to determine which program is best for their children.
• For more information on programs in your area, call your local school district.
Tip #9: Be a rock and roll star.
• Parents can enroll children who turned 5 years old on or before Dec. 2 of the school year in local kindergarten programs.
• It’s important to enroll kids early to ensure there is space in your top choice. Keep in mind that some kindergarten programs are already registering students.
• For more information on kindergarten enrollment or to be referred to your local First 5 county commission, call (800) KIDS-025.
Tip #8: Start a new chapter: Read together.
• Research shows that children whose parents read to them enter kindergarten better prepared for learning.
• Parents should jump-start their child’s reading skills by checking out age-appropriate library books and reading them together. Parents can even find a book about the first day of kindergarten.
Tip #7: Vaccinate before it’s too late.
• According to California law, children cannot enter kindergarten without up-to-date immunizations.
• Receiving required immunizations is an important step in preventing disease and helping children grow up healthy and ready to learn.
• Vaccination schedules vary, so parents should ask their child’s doctor about immunization requirements before registering for kindergarten.
Tip #6: Brush up your child’s smile.
• More than half of kindergartners experience tooth decay, according to research by the Dental Health Foundation.
• Tooth decay leads to painful infections that can distract children from learning in the classroom or cause them to miss school.
• Not only is visiting the dentist important for your child’s health, but it is required by law. All children in their first year of public school must have a dental check-up.
Tip #5: Play teacher.
• Practicing certain classroom activities can help ensure children will be comfortable in the classroom and ready to learn.
• Children equipped with basic skills, such as writing their names and using common school supplies, are often more confident on their first day of school and beyond.
• For referrals or more information about the school readiness programs and services offered by your local First 5 county commission, call (800) KIDS- 025.
Tip #4: Let the kids decide.
• Giving children choices encourages decision making and teaches responsibility.
• Parents can help build decision making skills by involving their children in deciding which outfit to wear and what nutritious snacks to pack.
Tip #3: Bring up the subject of school.
• Attending school should be an exciting new adventure for children, not a mystery.
• To help prepare them, parents can discuss with their children the activities they should expect in kindergarten.
• It’s also helpful for parents to encourage older children to tell younger siblings about their positive kindergarten experiences.
Tip #2: Set a schedule.
• To help ease a child’s transition, parents should set a schedule at home that closely resembles what the child’s school schedule will be.
• Following this schedule will help ensure children receive plenty of rest before their first day and adjust to their new routine.
Tip #1: Take a school field trip.
• Parents can calm a child’s nerves before the first day of kindergarten by taking him or her to visit the school and become familiar with the new surroundings.
• If possible, parents should allow their child to explore the school grounds and point out areas or activities that their child will enjoy.
• Parents can also find out if the child’s teacher is available to meet, so the child recognizes a friendly face on the first day of school.
    While the start of kindergarten may still be months away, it’s never too early for parents and caregivers to begin preparing their kids for success in school. Following these tips will help ensure that your child has a positive kindergarten experience.