Parents are their child's first teachers and they are the first to influence their children's introduction to education.

Parents can prepare for a child's educational future simply by making their first introduction to school a positive one. Participating in playgroups for the very young, Mother's Day Out programs for toddlers, and preschool participation can be positive experiences before kindergarten.

By reading to youngsters, introducing them to colors and numbers, and exposing them to social behaviors when playing with their peers helps make the school transition much easier.

Parents can set the stage for positive school experiences early by emphasizing to their children, respect for their teacher, the importance of classroom behavior, and tolerance of their fellow students. Making education a priority in the home helps children realize their parents place an emphasis on learning.

Parents can begin showing their interest in education by always asking their child what he/she learned in school that day, or have the student show them what they learned. This gives them a chance to summarize their classroom activities for the day.

Children should be encouraged to bring home their school papers. File them in a folder or box and review them frequently. This will enable the student to see the progress he or she is making.

Parents should make it a point to introduce their child to the teacher, and then stay in contact. Emphasize to the teacher, administrators and the student that you always want to be contacted if there is a concern or problem.

Keep a calendar where parents and students can record dates for upcoming tests, like spelling. This habit will pay dividends as children get older and the days get busier with their activities.

Have a regular time and place reserved for homework. By making homework a priority each evening, parents will establish the importance of schoolwork from the beginning.

Parents should visit their child's school site regularly. Just be going into the building with their child in the morning or stopping by to see a new wall display makes the child realize that their parents are about their education.

It takes consistent, effective parenting skills to keep up with children as they grow. Their schooling should be one of the parent's highest priorities. Parental encouragement is a great tool for keeping enthusiasm for learning fueled. Sharing educational success means starting on the right path towards a lifetime of positive experiences.