Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Saint Louis, MO

My three year old triplets began preschool this year and it still seems like kindergarten is far off but I know it will be here before we know it. Their cousin, who doesn't seem too much older than them, is scheduled to start kindergarten this August which makes our transition from preschool to elementary school seem even closer. There are a number of activities and milestones I would like to complete before my three youngest follow their older brother to "real" school.

I've started a list of things I want to do with our three preschoolers before they begin kindergarten in 2011.

- Decide which elementary school they will attend and apply to private schools or financial aid if applicable. Check school district maps and verify district/school eligibility.

- Schedule kindergarten admittance testing

- Learn what paperwork is necessary for kindergarten admission. Shot records? Medical records? Referrals? What documents does the school require for new admissions?

- Complete school district evaluations and preschool individual education plans. Our kids have speech therapists at  their preschool and educational goals through our school district's early education department. Prior to kindergarten, we will meet with their teachers, therapists and a transition team at their new elementary school if they still need any assistance.

- Continue teaching bathroom hygiene. Potty training in our house is an ongoing adventure and the kids need to know how to take care of their business in the bathroom (most of the time) before heading to elementary school.

- Focus on positive discipline and classroom etiquette. No one wants to be the parent of the classroom biter or hitter. Our kids have learned basic classroom rules during preschool and we will continue to teach the kids how they are expected to behave at school.

There are many other activities I would like to do with our preschoolers before they are kindergarteners. There are family vacations and birthdays to look forward to and new skills to learn. I look forward to these last few years before my "babies" turn big kids.