Pre-school Education

Wikipedia defines preschool education as the “the provision of education for children before the commencement of statutory education, usually between the ages of two and five, dependent on the jurisdiction”.  The jurisdiction or policies regarding preschool education varies across countries and governments.  The term used in referring to preschool education may also vary.  The different terms that are commonly used to mean preschool education are kindergarten, day care, nursery.  Because of the principle that the early stages of life are highly crucial for the development of a person, preschool education seeks to address holistic development, thus, catering to personal, social, emotional, mental and physical needs.

Universal Preschool is a movement advocating that preschool should be made available to all.  In 2004, the Los Angeles Universal Preschool was created to promote the availability and the provision of easy access of high-quality preschool.  LAUP is founded on their master plan of providing all four-year-old kids with preschool education within ten years’ time.  Another organization that helps in emphasizing free preschool education is the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The organization focuses on building preschool education providers. In July 2006, the Preschool for All bill was signed into law, making Illinois the first state to embrace free preschool.