preK

PreK, short for pre-kindergarten, refers to an educational program for young children, typically ages 3 to 5, designed to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. In many regions, four-year-olds are the primary participants; in others, some programs serve three-year-olds or older preschoolers.

Programs vary: public pre-kindergarten offered through school districts; private preschools; federally funded Head Start for low-income families; and state or locally funded initiatives.

Curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice: social-emotional skills, language and literacy, early math concepts, science, physical development, and creative arts. Instruction is often play-based and centers-based, with structured routines, circle time, and guided activities. Some programs integrate social-emotional learning, vocabulary development, and early writing.

Staffing typically includes early childhood teachers with specialized credentials and support staff; teacher qualifications vary by program. Class sizes and staff-to-child ratios are key quality indicators.

Assessment and transitions: programs may use progress monitoring and portfolios; emphasis on readiness for kindergarten, including routines, self-regulation, and basic academic skills. Many districts provide transition activities to help children move to kindergarten.

Access and funding: public pre-K is funded by district budgets or state programs; Head Start is federally funded; private options rely on tuition. Quality concerns include disparities in access, funding, and program quality. Research on long-term outcomes shows modest yet meaningful gains in readiness and early academic skills, with stronger effects in higher-quality programs.