Most single moms work. Finding adequate child care is a big parenting responsibility. If no one in your extended family can care for your prechoolers, you'll be awash in a flood of ads for "Happy Days for Tots," etc. Which one to choose? The one with the Noah's Ark decor? Or the one with the most backyard play equipment?

Children around age two and older will pick up their own concerns about where to spend their days. Be positive. Let your child hear you pray about finding a fun day- care center.

Visit as many centers as practical before making a choice. Even after your child is enrolled, occasionally drop in a few minutes before pick-up time. The better acquainted you are with his daytime surroundings, the better you can relate to your child's experiences.

Be optimistic about your child's widening world. Here are some tips to help make a smooth change from home to nursery or playschool:

* Be sure your child has adequate vaccinations; he will be exposed to most childhood diseases.

* Release any guilt you may feel about leaving your child in another's care. If you've made a responsible choice, let your body language and words convey positive feedlback about the fun things your child is learning and doing at playschool.

* Listen with respect to your child's feelings about problems. Comfort your child with an understanding attitude, "I know how it must feel when someone grabs a toy away from you." Give specific helps: "It's OK if someone gets an extra turn sometimes." If complaints seem serious to you, quickly and quietly investigate with a staff person.

* Occasionally allow your child to invite a special playmate to visit your home. The better acquainted she is with school friends, the more comfortable she'll be.

* Have a back-up plan for illness before it happens. When you're prepared, you'll be less stressed when the thermometer climbs to 101.

* Most changes take time to assimilate. Each night, let your child hear you pray for his caregivers by name. He may surprise you by adding the names of his new friends to his good-night prayers, too.