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Find out if a four-year-old is on track for learning how to read with a 10-minute screening tool.

• Go to "Get Ready to Read" tool

A good preschool can help your child stay on track for learning how to read.

As you visit, observe, and choose a preschool, look for classrooms that do the following sorts of activities each day:

• Read books, poems, and nursery rhymes aloud
• Talk with children and encourage them to talk
• Help children learn letter names and sounds
• Play games that help children learn to recognize rhymes and similar sounds
• Explore writing with the children
• Expose children to new and interesting words within their classroom

During your child's preschool years, you'll also want to help him or her build the following strengths. They may make learning to read easier.

• A good vocabulary

  Can your child express her needs and wants using words? Does your child understand you when you speak directly to her? Can she tell a story?

• Following directions

  Can your child follow simple two or three step directions?

• Learning letters and sounds

  Can your four-year-old name some of the letters of the alphabet? Does he enjoy reading favorite books and writing using letter-like forms?

For more information, visit our special section on preschool and early literacy for parents and teachers