Preschool, which may also be referred to as nursery school, daycare or kindergarten, is a type of educational establishment for very young children. Known as early childhood education, preschool is for children below the age of compulsory attendance at a primary school establishment. It is often the first educational establishment a child will attend. In the United States, preschools may be run by private organizations, businesses, and state or municipal governments. They are rarely subsidized, so the quality of education depends on the means available from the student’s family. In a preschool...

There is a current lack of funding in the United States for preschool programs. Early learning has been proven to have a significant positive effect on student outcomes; however, currently fewer than 30% of all four-year-olds are enrolled in quality preschool programs. Funding to support these programs and make enrollment possible for families from all socioeconomic groups is a current area of need that has been identified by the government. Moreover, statistics indicate that spending money on preschool programs provides seven times the financial return in money spent on remedial education, special...

Standardized testing for preschool-aged children is a highly-debated issue in the United States education system. Many parents, teachers and institutions do not believe that the intelligence, competence, and achievements of a four-year-old can be measured in a standardized testing setting. Others simply refuse to let a singular test score define their early learners. One journalist called the practice of administering standardized tests to kids’ “madness.” But in spite of all those who are opposed to it, standardized testing is often used to determine whether a child is ready to...

Preschool teachers work to care for and educate young children, most often between the ages of three and five in a pre-kindergarten setting. In the classroom, they may be responsible for teaching subjects including science, math, writing, and reading, and other skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Preschool teachers must present information and curriculum content in a way that is comprehensible to very young children. They may work in both public and private institutions, daycare centers, childcare centers, or for charitable organizations. Many work ten months...