Preschool is not considered a required part of education, which means it is not funded by the federal government. But many states provide funding themselves and offer education at low (or no) cost. However, not all states require a special license to offer such programs.
This stage is often referred to as pre-kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten refers to children under the age of five. As a rule, children attend a half-day class or less. There are several types of schools where they attend: private schools, public, community-funded, church-based, special child care centers and others.
Classes for preschoolers vary, too. The main goal is to help them socialize and prepare them for kindergarten. Children learn through play. A lot of time is given to interacting with peers. A standard set of lessons in preschool:
- math;
- reading;
- drawing;
- cubes;
- sand and water play table;
- pretend play.
Each subject develops the skills kids need in life. With math and reading everything is clear. Drawing teaches you to think abstractly, trains creativity and imagination. Cubes help with visual imaginative thinking, attention to detail, and fine motor skills. A table with water and sand is the first introduction to the world of physics. And make-believe games teach you to try on different roles and form emotional intelligence.
From the age of five, children enter kindergarten and begin their journey through the K-12 system.