Preschool

A preschool is a special kind of school for younger children, usually between the ages of 4 and 6. It is also called a pre-primary school, play school, or nursery school. Preschools are places where children learn and play before they start primary school. These schools can be run by the government or private groups and sometimes get money from public funds to help keep costs down.

Preschools provide early childhood education, which helps prepare children for the next stage of their learning. They offer a mix of fun activities, games, and simple lessons to help kids develop skills and get ready for the classroom environment. This time is important for children as it supports their growth and gets them excited about learning.

Terminology

Different countries use different names for schools for young children. In some European countries, the word "kindergarten" means the first part of school before primary school starts.

Here are some common terms:

• Pre-primary or creche: for children from birth to 6 years old. This is a place where parents can take their children before primary school starts. It often happens in a nursery school.
• Nursery school: in the UK and US, for children from 0 months to 5 years old. This includes Preschool.
• Daycare: in the US, for children from 0 months to 2½ years old. It can happen in a Nursery School or be called a child care service.
• Preschool: in the US and UK, for children from 2 to 5 years old. It helps children get ready for school. Learning happens through play and talking with others.
• Pre-K: in the US, for children from 4 to 5 years old. It helps make sure all children can go to pre-primary school.
• Kindergarten: in the US, for children from 5 to 6 years old. It is the first part of school in many places.

History

Origins

Long ago, when only children who already knew how to read and write could go to school, people tried to find ways to help children whose parents could not teach them at home. In 1779, Johann Friedrich Oberlin and Louise Scheppler started one of the first places to care for and teach young children in Strasbourg, whose parents were busy during the day. Around the same time, similar places for young children began in Bavaria.

In 1816, Robert Owen opened what is thought to be the first infant school in New Lanark, Scotland. He wanted children to learn basic reading and math so they could be ready for work. Samuel Wilderspin opened his first infant school in London in 1819 and created many more. He believed that play was very important for learning and even invented the playground.

Spread

Countess Theresa Brunszvik opened a care center for young children in Buda, Hungary, in 1828. She started many such centers, and her idea spread among wealthy and middle-class families. Friedrich Fröbel opened a Play and Activity institute in 1837 in Bad Blankenburg, which he later named Kindergarten in 1840. His ideas about early childhood education were shared by many, and kindergartens began to appear all over Europe and the world.

The first kindergarten in the United States was started in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1856. Elizabeth Peabody started the first English-language kindergarten in America in 1860. By the end of the 1800s, kindergartens were common in cities across Canada and the United States. In 1965, President Johnson started Head Start, the first public preschool program in the US for families with limited money.

Developmental areas

Main article: Early childhood education

The first few years of a child's life are very important for learning. During this time, children learn to talk, make friends, and develop a love for learning. Good teachers and well-run preschools can help children learn better, especially those who might not have many books or fun things to play with at home.

Preschool helps children in many ways, such as learning to share, talking and writing, numbers, exploring the world, moving their bodies, and being creative. Teachers make sure classrooms are safe and fun, and they help children learn through play. Playing with friends helps children learn to make choices, understand others, and solve problems on their own.

Curriculum

Main article: Curricula in early childhood care and education

People often talk about what is best for young children in preschool. Some think kids should learn reading and counting with set lessons. Others believe it is better for children to explore and learn through play with help from grown-ups. Many agree that a good preschool should help all parts of a child’s growth, not just reading and math. This includes staying healthy, feeling good, working well with others, and learning new things in many ways.

National variations

See also: Category:Education by country

Preschool education, like all other forms of education, aims to teach important cultural values to children. Different cultures make different choices about preschool, but there are some common goals. Most importantly, preschool helps young children learn basic self-care skills such as dressing, feeding, and using the toilet.

China

The study of early childhood education in China has been shaped by changes in Chinese politics and the economy. The government has created policies like The Guidance for Kindergarten Education (Trial Version) in 2001 and The National Education Reform and Development of Long-Term planning Programs (2010–2020) in 2010 to improve kindergarten education. Many kindergartens have tried to use Western teaching methods, such as Montessori programs and the Reggio Emilia approach, but face challenges in fitting these into Chinese culture. Improving teachers' knowledge and skills is a key goal, along with better support for children with special needs and stronger partnerships between kindergartens and families.

India

Preschool education in India is mostly run by private companies and is not yet officially recognized by the government. With more families having both parents working, there is a high demand for preschools. The National Education Policy 2020 places great importance on early childhood education for children aged 3 to 8, advocating for a new education system that replaces the traditional one.

Ireland

In 2010, Ireland passed a law that allows children aged 3 years and 2 months up to just under 4 years and 7 months to attend preschool for free. Before this, many families could not afford preschool fees, leaving children at home. After the law, preschool enrollment increased to about 93%.

Japan

In Japan, developing social skills and a sense of belonging are major goals. Classes can have up to 40 students to encourage peer interactions and group activities. Children learn to work together and develop kindness and social awareness. They are taught to resolve conflicts among themselves, and behavior problems are handled by understanding and accepting the child’s emotions. Japanese culture values effort over natural talent, so teachers praise perseverance and help all students meet standards.

Lithuania

According to the Law on Education, preschool education is part of non-formal education in Lithuania. The purpose is to help children meet their natural, cultural, social, and cognitive needs. Preschool can be provided by municipalities, private providers, or freelance teachers. Kindergartens can be publicly or privately owned.

North Korea

Preschool education in North Korea is public and includes activities like dance, math, drawing, and learning the Korean language. Children also learn basic skills such as using a spoon and respecting elders. Education includes themes from North Korean propaganda, such as the life of Kim Il Sung, the Japanese occupation of Korea, and the Korean War. Children are taught to enjoy military games and to dislike certain other countries.

Philippines

Children usually start kindergarten at age 5 in the Philippines. They learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors through games, songs, pictures, and dances in their native language. After grade 1, every student can read in their native tongue. The country introduced 12 mother tongue languages for the curriculum in the 2012–2013 school year, with seven more added in 2013–2014.

Sweden

Preschool education in Sweden is offered for children from age 1 to age 6. All preschools must follow the national curriculum set by the Swedish National Agency for Education. Preschools are run by local municipalities.

Turkey

Preschool education in Turkey starts at age 5, while primary education begins at age 6.^{[citation needed]}

Armenia

Preschool education in Armenia starts at age 3, while primary education begins at age 5.^{[citation needed]}

United Kingdom

In the UK, preschool education in nursery classes or schools receives some funding from local governments for children aged two to four. Preschool can be provided by childcare centers, playgroups, nursery schools, and nursery classes in primary schools. Private nursery education is also available.

Nursery in England is also called FS1, which is the first year of foundation before children go into primary or infants school.

The goals of nursery school are more specific than childcare but less demanding than primary school. For example, the Scottish Early Years Framework and the Curriculum for Excellence set out expected outcomes for this age group. In some areas, nursery school services are paid for by users, while others are funded by the government.

England

A voucher system for nursery care was introduced in England and Wales, offering 15 hours per week of free childcare or education for three and four-year-olds. This was later replaced by direct funding from local education authorities. Now, every child in England is entitled to 15 hours per week of free childcare funding from the term after their third birthday.

The Early Years Foundation Stage sets standards for early years providers to ensure children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to prepare children for school and gives them the knowledge and skills for future progress.

Preschools in England follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which continues into their first year of school at age four, called Reception. Children in the Early Years must follow a program of education in seven areas: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

Until the mid-1980s, nursery schools only admitted children in the final year before primary school, but now children attend for four or five terms. Many nurseries also care for babies, using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to help them start learning.

Wales

Wales followed England’s system until devolution, then developed its own approach. Now, early years education is provided half-time for children aged 3–4 (Nursery) and full-time for those aged 4–5 (Reception). Since 2005, local education authorities must provide enough nursery education for children from the term after their third birthday.

The Early Years curriculum in Wales, created by the Welsh Assembly Government, is outlined in “Desirable Outcomes for Children’s Learning Before Compulsory School Age”. A new ‘Foundation Phase’ for children aged 3 to 7 is being introduced, focusing on learning through play in seven areas: Personal and Social Development and Well Being, Language, Literacy and Communication Skills, Mathematical Development, Bilingualism and Multi-cultural Understanding, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development, and Creative Development.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, funded Nursery School places can be applied for from ages 3 and up. Preschool education is also provided by Preschools, also called Playschools or Playgroups. A Nursery School can have up to 26 children in a class, taught by a qualified teacher and a Nursery Assistant. Preschools follow the same curriculum but must have a Supervisor with an NVQ 3 qualification in Child Care. There must be one qualified and vetted adult for every 8 children. Funding is applied for through PEAGs (Preschool Education Advisory Group). Both nursery and preschool settings are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate. Preschools are also inspected by local Social Services.

Scotland

In Scotland, a voucher system for part-time preschool provision was introduced, emphasizing age-appropriate education rather than just childcare. Children are now entitled to a place in a nursery class when they reach their third birthday. This gives parents two years of funded preschool education before starting primary school. Nursery children who are three years old are called ante-pre-school, while four-year-olds are termed pre-school. Preschool education in Scotland follows the Early Level of the Curriculum for Excellence, which includes eight areas: Expressive Arts, Health & Wellbeing, Languages, Mathematics, Religious & Moral Education, Sciences, Social Studies, and Technologies. The Care Commission reviews care standards in Scottish nurseries.

United States

See also: Pre-kindergarten

In the United States, nursery school is offered in various settings. Preschool is meant to be voluntary and help children develop through planned programs. Preschool is defined as a full year or longer of center-based programs for four-year-olds, fully or partially funded by state education agencies and operated in schools or under state and local education agencies. Preschools for children aged three to five are available both privately and through schools. Many programs follow similar curriculum as pre-kindergarten.

In the United States, preschool education focuses on the individual child. Children are often allowed to choose from different activities, such as drawing, playing house, or solving puzzles while listening to stories. Each child is believed to have unique strengths and weaknesses that teachers help develop. American preschools often have lower student-teacher ratios, ideally about 15 students per group. Parents and teachers see teachers as partners in supporting the child’s development.

American preschools sometimes have strict rules about play, such as not allowing toy weapons or imaginative play involving them. Some schools have policies that require actions for certain behaviors.

In the United States, children who need extra support can receive services in preschools. Since 1975, laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have helped ensure that children with special needs can access preschool. Teachers use plans called Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to support each child’s learning.

Cooperative preschools

Main article: Parent cooperative

Cooperative preschools are common in America and aim to provide a preschool environment that aligns with cooperative ideals, such as parent involvement, participation, and education.

The University of Chicago playgroup, established in 1916, is often cited as the first cooperative preschool in the United States. However, some sources identify the Northside Cooperative Nursery School in Pasadena as an earlier example, though its exact founding date is unknown.

Head Start

Main article: Head Start (program)

Head Start and Early Head Start aim to help young children from low-income families be ready for school. These programs serve children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and their families. Head Start began as an eight-week summer program in 1965 and is now part of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services. Programs are run locally by school systems and non-profit organizations.

• Services provided by Head Start
  • Includes children with disabilities
  • Focuses on education to prepare children for school
  • Involves families and communities in the program
  • Promotes health through screenings, check-ups, and good practices
  • Manages programs to deliver high-quality services to children from low-income families