▼ Increasing standards and expectations for students entering kindergarten have negatively impacted the beginning of the formal school experience. Many children enter the kindergarten classroom already at a deficit due to a lack of “readiness” as deemed by the local school district’s sensitivity to state mandates. Transition into kindergarten is a critical milestone. It provides a foundation and an intrinsic understanding of the child’s perceived potential. The kindergarten experience can excite and highly motivate learners or cause frustration, eliminate self-confidence, and devalue education for the family and the child. Professionals collaboratively working on smooth transitions for positive outcomes of higher achievement would result in a reduction in special education services, a decrease in drop out rate, and less severe behavioral issues in the classroom from children entering kindergarten. Research has confirmed the vital role parents play in their child’s educational achievement. Early collaboration with parents would convey and support the importance of quality transactions and enriching experiences during the child’s first years of life. Many parents are uncomfortable in the schools and do not know how to become involved. Other parents have had negative experiences themselves and pass on their feelings to their children. Life is stressful. Many families have more basic needs to attend to before they can consider school involvement. Parents are their child’s primary educators, as professionals, we have the opportunity to further empower parents to become their child’s best educator. The Preschool Connection program was designed to help parents understand developmentally appropriate practices regarding their child rearing. The program invites parents into a non-threatening educational environment and creates positive relationships between the school personnel and other parents. These relationships support parents in making decisions that are best for their child’s educational future. Advisors/Committee Members: Bauer, Dr. Annie M.