And children aren't the only ones biting their nails. The start of a new school year also can be intimidating for parents, who want the best for their children but often aren't sure how to get it.

"They shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and get to know their child's teacher," said Irene Cota, a professor of elementary education at Cal State Northridge. "When teachers know that parents care about their kids' education, that's half the battle."

She and a colleague at CSUN have some tips on how parents can get off on the right foot with their child's teacher at the start of the new school year.

"One of the most important things for parents is to make contact with their child's teacher," said Claire Cavallaro, a professor of special education at CSUN and a founder of the new CHIME Charter Elementary School in Northridge.

"If parents can stop by some time after school or some other convenient time and meet with their child's teacher, it can make all the difference," Cavallaro said. "They can find out what the teacher's expectations are and what they as parents can do to support them. They can also make sure their children are prepared for school, that they are healthy and emotionally ready and have the materials they need to get through the school year."

Cota said most schools schedule an open house within the first few weeks of the school year just to give parents and teachers an opportunity to meet.

"I know that even that can be intimidating, especially if English is not your first language," said Cota, "but the school will have someone there who can translate. The important thing is to try to get to know the teacher and ask questions."

As your child gets older and into high school, Cota said it is particularly important that parents meet teachers and ask questions about what will be happening in the classroom and what teachers' expectations are.

"Your children may tell you one thing, but because you've spoken to the teacher you'll know when there really isn't any homework that night," Cota said.

Cota said she knows that for some people talking to teachers can be intimidating, in part because they may suddenly feel like they're in school again themselves.

"But this is your child's education and you want to get all you can out of it," said Cota, a former elementary school teacher. "Believe me, teachers want to know that parents care about their kids' education. Questions don't bother them. They want to know that you are going to be a partner in your child's education."

One thing that can make school easier for kids, Cota said, is to set aside space at home, no matter how small, where children can do homework or read.

"It's also important to have things like crayons, pencils and little scissors at home," Cota said, "especially for kids going to elementary school."

"I know that a lot of families don't have a lot of money," she said. "But a dollar or two spent on crayons or pencils to have at home, especially for kindergartners and first graders, can make a difference in how prepared they are for school. I remember getting children in my classes who didn't know how to hold a crayon."

California State University, Northridge has more than 30,000 full- and part-time students and offers 63 bachelor's and 51 master's degrees. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the third largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."