St. Elisabeth’s Nursery School tries to ease the transition into nursery school for its young students with a unique program called Gradual Start. This program begins late in the summer before school begins. Each child is scheduled for a 20-minute visit by one of the teachers in the child’s home. This visit provides an opportunity for a teacher to become acquainted with a child in his or her own environment and to establish a positive rapport in advance of the first day of school. The program then includes a 30-minute parent/student orientation in the classroom on the first day of school. During this orientation, parents and their children have the chance to explore the classroom together and meet some of the other parents and children who will be attending the nursery school. The teachers strive to make each child’s adjustment to school a positive experience and are always available to tailor their efforts to meet the particular needs of any child.