This booklet is designed to help parents make their children's first days in school successful and exciting. It also answers questions about school entrance requirements in Virginia and suggests ways parents can be involved in their children's education. The first sections offer information on entrance age and compulsory school age, requirements regarding physical examinations the child must receive before entering school, birth certificates, required immunizations, and social security numbers. In addition, guidance for parents whose children are on medication is provided. The next two sections focus on the characteristics and skill levels of kindergarten children and the broad goals and methods of kindergarten programs. Next, children's needs for good nutrition, sufficient rest, and exercise are stressed. A section on programs for children with disabilities is provided, followed by rules that parents should teach their children regarding walking home from school or the bus stop and riding the bus. The next sections offer tips on helping children get prepared for going to school, monitoring children's television viewing habits, engaging children in activities other than watching television, and demonstrating interest in children's school life. The booklet then highlights ways parents can become involved in their children's education as partners, collaborators, advisors, supporters, and audiences. Suggestions for parents who choose to volunteer assistance at their children's schools are provided. Finally, a school readiness checklist and a list of the objectives of kindergarten are presented. Reprints of Virginia school and health laws are appended. (AC)