Préescolar

Préescolar, commonly written preescolar in Spanish, refers to the early childhood education stage that precedes primary schooling. It generally covers children around 3 to 5 or 6 years old and can be part of the formal education system or a separate program offered in nurseries, kindergartens, or early childhood centers. The availability and duration of preregistrar vary by country, and in some places it is mandatory while in others it is optional.

The main purpose of prescolar is to support holistic development and prepare children for elementary school. Curricula typically emphasize social and emotional skills, language development, early literacy and numeracy readiness, motor skills, creativity, and health and safety practices. Pedagogy often centers on play-based, child-centered learning that respects developmental diversity and inclusivity.

Preschool programs can be full-day or part-time and may be organized as standalone institutions or integrated facilities within primary schools. Most programs span two to three years, aligning with age-based groupings and national education goals. Staffing usually includes teachers trained in early childhood education and support staff to maintain suitable student-teacher ratios and safe learning environments.

Access to prescolar varies widely and is influenced by public funding, private provision, cultural norms, and policy priorities. Quality indicators commonly include qualified teachers, appropriate facilities and materials, small group sizes, healthy nutrition, and inclusive practices for children with disabilities or diverse backgrounds. The preschool years are widely regarded as a critical period for establishing foundations in learning, well-being, and social development.