Preschool
Educational establishment for children before compulsory primary school.
A preschool, also known as pre-primary school, play school, or nursery school, is an educational establishment or learning space offering early childhood education to children before they begin compulsory education at primary school. It may be publicly or privately operated and may be subsidized from public funds. The typical age range for preschool in most countries is from 4 to 6 years (preschool to kindergarten).
- field
- Early childhood education
- typical_age_range
- 4 to 6 years (preschool to kindergarten)
- alternative_names
- Pre-primary school, play school, nursery school
Reader's Guide
Preschool education is regarded by many as important and beneficial for any child as it may give the child opportunities for new social interactions. Through cognitive, psychosocial and physical development-based learning, a child in preschool will learn about their environment and how to verbally communicate with others. The most important years of learning begin at birth, with the first three years critical for language acquisition, socialization, and attitudes to learning. High quality and well trained teachers and preschools with developmentally-appropriate programmes can have a long-term effect on improving learning outcomes, especially for disadvantaged students. However, some studies dispute the benefits of preschool education, finding that preschool can be detrimental to cognitive and social development. Research has also shown that the home environment has a greater impact on future outcomes than preschool. There is emerging evidence that high-quality preschools are 'play based,' rather than attempting to provide early formal instruction in academic subjects.
Did You Know?
- Samuel Wilderspin is recognized for inventing the playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Preschool?
Preschool is a learning environment that provides early childhood education to young children before they enter compulsory primary school. It can be run by public or private operators and may receive government funding.
What age range does Preschool cover?
In most countries, preschool typically serves children between the ages of four and six, bridging the gap between home-based learning and formal primary education.
What other names does Preschool go by?
Preschool is also commonly called pre-primary school, play school, or nursery school depending on the region and educational system.
Why is Preschool considered important?
Preschool provides a structured foundation for early childhood development, preparing children socially and cognitively before they begin the more formal demands of primary school.
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