Preschool

/ˈprɛˌskuːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An educational establishment or program for children usually between the ages of 3 and 5, prior to entering primary school.
My daughter loves going to preschool every day.
The period of education that occurs before a child enters elementary school.
She attended preschool for two years before starting kindergarten.
adjective
Relating to the period before a child begins primary education.
The preschool curriculum focuses on social skills and basic literacy.
Relating to educational activities or programs designed for preschool-aged children.
They organized a preschool art class to encourage creativity among the children.

Etymology

Derived from 'pre-' meaning before and 'school'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

preschool education
Early education for children typically aged 3 to 5.
preschool readiness
The skills and behaviors that prepare a child for Kindergarten.
preschool teacher
An educator who specializes in teaching young children.

Related Words

kindergarten
A class or program that prepares children for elementary school, typically for children aged 5 to 6.
daycare
A facility providing care and supervision for young children during the day.
early childhood education
The period of learning that takes place typically before the age of 8.

Slang Meanings

Play school
In some areas, people refer to preschool as play school, emphasizing the playful aspect of learning.
Pre-K
Pre-K is a common slang term for preschool, indicating pre-kindergarten education.