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Preschool Approaches
Preschool approaches refer to the different educational philosophies, frameworks, and practices that guide early learning for children ages three to five. Each approach offers a unique perspective on how young children grow, learn, and connect with their world, often shaped by cultural values, developmental theories, and pedagogical traditions.
While some preschools follow a set curriculum, many approaches emphasize flexibility, play, relationships, and emergent learning. Below are several widely recognized approaches:
Montessori
Originating from Maria Montessori’s work in the early 1900s, the Montessori approach emphasizes independence, self-direction, and carefully prepared environments. Children engage with hands-on materials that promote concentration, sequencing, and real-world skills. Teachers act as guides rather than directors.
Reggio Emilia
Developed in northern Italy after World War II, the Reggio Emilia approach views children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Learning unfolds through projects, collaboration, and the “hundred languages of children”—expressive modes such as drawing, storytelling, movement, and building. The environment is considered the “third teacher,” and documentation plays a central role in making learning visible.
Waldorf (Steiner)
Rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy, Waldorf education emphasizes imagination, storytelling, rhythm, and holistic development. Classrooms are filled with natural materials, seasonal celebrations, and strong daily rhythms that support children’s sense of security and wonder. Play, creativity, and imitation are seen as central to early childhood learning.
HighScope
Based on Piaget’s theories of child development, HighScope emphasizes active learning through structured daily routines, “plan-do-review” cycles, and intentional teacher scaffolding. Children engage in hands-on experiences while educators observe, document, and extend thinking.
Bank Street / Developmental-Interaction
Emerging from Bank Street College in New York, this approach blends developmental psychology with social learning. Children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful social interaction, with a focus on understanding themselves and their community.
Forest School / Nature-Based
An approach rooted in outdoor, experiential learning. Children spend extended time in natural settings, developing resilience, creativity, and ecological awareness through play, exploration, and risk-taking. Closely related to project-based learning and nature connection practices, this approach emphasizes attunement to the environment and deep relationships with the natural world.
Emergent Curriculum & Play-Based Programs
Many preschools adopt a play-based or emergent curriculum, drawing from children’s interests, questions, and explorations to shape learning experiences. Teachers co-construct projects with children, weaving in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth through authentic contexts.
Academic Approaches
Academic preschool programs focus on school readiness skills, particularly early literacy and numeracy. Teacher-directed instruction, structured activities, and skill-building exercises (letters, sounds, counting, worksheets, drills) are central. These programs often emphasize measurable outcomes, preparing children for standardized schooling expectations. While they may offer a clear pathway into traditional elementary education, critics caution that too much emphasis on academics at this stage can displace the developmental role of play, exploration, and social-emotional growth. Some blended models integrate academic goals within play-based contexts to balance both needs.
References
- Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (1998). The Hundred Languages of Children
- Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
- Miller, J. (2000). Educating for Wisdom and Compassion
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