The Spark journal
Guidance for the preschool years from Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.
Featured reading · Learning Through Play
Recognize language, early math, problem-solving and growing independence in ordinary preschool moments, even when nothing comes home in a backpack.
Read the article
Choosing a Preschool
Look beyond the monthly number: compare schedules, tuition payments, deposits and what is included, with a free printable cost worksheet.
Read the articleGrowing Toward Kindergarten
Turn everyday observations into a useful teacher conversation, with practical examples and a free one-page planning sheet.
Read the articleStarting Preschool
Make the first morning more familiar with a visit, a simple goodbye plan and a free printable to use with your child's teacher.
Read the articleChoosing a Program
Compare learning, relationships, schedules and costs, with a free printable to help you ask useful questions on a visit.
Read the articleChoosing a Program
Seven things to notice in a preschool, with questions to bring on a tour.
Read the article
Tuition & Cost
A starting point for understanding possible benefits and the questions to bring to your tax professional.
Read the articleFind words for a hard moment, a plan for preschool, or a new way to play together. Dr. Michelle Peterson’s resources turn these everyday questions into practical next steps for families everywhere.
What can I say? Parenting Scripts
What should we prepare for? The Parent Guide
What could we play? 365 Invitations to Play
How do we make a plan? The Printable Toolkit
Paid PDF downloads. Read on screen or print selected pages.