Whether and when to do preschool
Whether your child attends preschool before kindergarten, and how many days and what kind.
Should our child go to preschool, and when?
In short: Parents choose between 5 main approaches: None; Part-time co-op or playgroup; Part-time from 3; Full-time pre-K; Junior kindergarten in the school system. Evidence: experts disagree. Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh. Best settled: toddler.
- Evidence
- Experts disagree
- Best settled
- Toddler
- Part of
- Learning & the wider world
Whether and when to do preschool: what are the options?
Parents usually land on one of these 5 approaches.
1. None
The child does not attend preschool.
2. Part-time co-op or playgroup
The child attends a few sessions a week at a group run with parents.
3. Part-time from 3
The child attends part-time from age three.
4. Full-time pre-K
The child attends a full-day program the year before kindergarten.
5. Junior kindergarten in the school system
The child starts the public school's program at four.
Whether and when to do preschool: what does the evidence say?
Experts disagree. Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh.
Boston's lottery study found an 8.3-point rise in on-time college enrollment; Tennessee's statewide trial found lower test scores by grade 6
Sources
What else is worth knowing?
Preschool is early education for three- and four-year-olds, offered in many forms. Good programs help children get ready for school, especially those with fewer resources at home. Whether and when to start depends on your child and your childcare.
Questions to ask each other
- Do we want our child to go to preschool, and why?
- How many days and how long?
- What are we hoping our child gets from it?
More in Childcare and early learning
First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.