What are the main pros and cons of preschool?
Some benefits and concerns with preschool
Find a list of schools
Quick summary
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Preschool is an appealing option for many families. Preschools don’t just provide childcare or babysitting for your child. They normally have a well-designed program for early learning.
Most preschools aim to prepare your child for the school years, by teaching them social and academic skills. While preschools have some similarities with nursery schools, daycares, and even kindergartens, they tend to have different aims than these other options.
Keep in mind, though, that these terms are used in different ways. Moreover, preschools (not to mention nursery schools and the other options) vary in their aims, philosophies, teaching approaches, cultures, and more.
Preschool may not be the right choice for every child. But it’s a great fit for many. In deciding whether to place your child in one of these programs, you’ll want to consider preschool pros and cons.
Preschool education has many potential benefits. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, below are some of the main ones. Keep in mind, though, that these benefits will vary between preschool programs.
Early learning is a unique advantage of preschool. In the right program, your child will learn plenty of academic and pre-academic skills. This can give them a leg up when they start school. In most preschools, your child will learn a wide range of cognitive, social, and language skills. Below, we outline the main ones.
This is not to say preschool is without its detractors. Some have raised criticisms against preschool or at least certain preschool programs. Below, we outline some of the main sources of concern.
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
Private preschool is a great option for many families. Many children will thrive in the right preschool program. Of course, as we’ve seen, preschool has both its pros and cons.
Below, we compare preschool to daycare and one-on-one care: we list their pros and cons relative to each other. This comparison should give you a better sense of whether preschool is the right choice for your child.
Preschool |
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Cons
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Daycare |
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Pros
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Cons
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One-on-one care |
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Pros
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Cons
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The truth is, there is no perfect choice for the preschool child. The right option depends on a variety of factors, including your child’s age and personality, and your family’s finances, values, and priorities.
Below, we outline which children may be suitable for preschool, daycare, and one-on-one care. Keep in mind, though, there’s lot more to this decision than just the points below (including your family’s finances, values, and priorities). Also, note that your child might display signs from all three columns.
Preschool may be suitable for children who: |
Daycare may be suitable for children who: |
One-on-one care may be suitable for children who: |
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Whether to send your child to preschool (private or public) is an important decision. One factor that needs to be weighed is how effective preschool is, both in the short- and long-term.
What, then, does research say about the effectiveness of preschool? While the jury is still out, most research studies indicate that preschool seems to have benefits for many children. Below, we briefly look at a few of the most important preschool studies. For a more comprehensive examination of research on preschool, check out this article in the journal Child Development.
One well-known study, the HighScope Perry preschool study, found that individuals who were enrolled in a quality preschool program ultimately earned up to $2000 more per month than those who were not. Young people who were in preschool programs were also more likely to graduate from high school, to own homes, and have longer marriages.
Other studies, like the Abecedarian project, show similar results. Children in quality preschool programs are less likely to repeat grades, need special education, or get into future trouble with the law.
The NEA has conducted a number of studies on the effectiveness of preschool. These studies have revealed several other long term benefits of preschool programs. These are mostly social and economic benefits.
In short, a good preschool program can have a number of short- and long-term benefits, including social, academic, and economic ones. That said, preschool isn’t a guarantor of success or happiness. Lots of other factors come into play, including family environment and upbringing, financial resources, and communal support. But there is strong evidence that preschool has significant benefits for children, and that some of these benefits can be long-lasting.
“One of the most important benefits of preschool is that it teaches kids how to socialize. More specifically, children learn how to show respect—to adults, other children, and their environment. They also learn how to take turns, cooperate and share with others, as well as problem-solve and compose themselves during stressful situations. Preschool also teaches children important lessons in independence. In addition to preparing children for the separation from mom and dad during kindergarten, preschool offers a safe, fun, and exploratory space for children to develop their self-confidence and sense of self.” Dr. Irina Valentin, Paediatric Neuropsychologist and Clinical Director at Valentin & Blackstock Psychology, in Toronto, Ontario
“The main benefit of preschool is that children gain a solid foundation before beginning their academic career. They are able to socialize with peers and build friendships. They learn basic academic building blocks such as letter names and sounds, numbers, how to hold a book, and sight words. Children learn to be more independent and how to solve problems independently.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood School (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“High-quality preschool programs nurture warm relationships among children, teachers, and parents. And teachers build a close connection with each child. Young children learn social skills in ‘real time.’ Three and four year olds learn through their experiences and good teachers make time for those ‘teachable moments,’ when they can help learn to manage frustration or anger. A highly structured environment helps young children learn to make friends and play well with others. Classroom space is organized to encourage social interaction, and minimize congestion and conflicts.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“Preschool allows a child to develop how they see themselves as learners. Interacting with a peer group allows a student to develop social skills through problem solving and nurtures adaptability. Developing language skills through group discussions and daily interactions helps build confidence and self-esteem. These skills are foundational, as kids prepare to move through the rest of their academic career and interact in a diverse and inclusive school experience. Preschool also allows young learners to interact with older students who mentor and model academic success. They experience compassion and kindness in older peers and witness firsthand their potential future.” Corina Gill, assistant head of lower school at Bayview Glen Independent School, in Toronto, Ontario
“Preschool inspires creativity and promotes social and emotional development and independence. It’s also known that more preschool students eventually go on to attend university.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“The social benefits of preschool are that it encourages children to gain independence from their parents and trust in a new environment. Children are offered the opportunity to cooperate in a group setting, contribute to playtime, problem-solve, follow routines, and build age-appropriate self-help skills. Academically, children experience the joy of learning through a variety of activities that support letter and number recognition, colour and shape identification, and explore the physical world through science and social experiences.” Stacy Paton, ECE program manager of Queen Margaret’s School, in Duncan, British Columbia
“The most common problem for very young children is separation anxiety. While it is common for children to exhibit some separation anxiety during the transition into the structured environment at preschool, some children show more significant emotional problems that may indicate that the child is not yet ready to be at preschool and may have or may be at risk of developing a separation anxiety disorder. Normal separation anxiety can be eased by parents staying patient and consistent, and by gently but firmly setting limits. However, some kids experience separation anxiety that does not go away despite the parents’ and teachers’ best efforts. These children experience a continuation or recurrence of intense separation anxiety during their preschool or even elementary school years. If a child experiences these symptoms, it is best to address them with a professional without delay.” Dr. Irina Valentin, Paediatric Neuropsychologist and Clinical Director at Valentin & Blackstock Psychology, in Toronto, Ontario
“Preschool teachers have to care for more than one child: the minimum ratio is 1-to-8. Also, kids get sick more often, and most preschools don’t let sick kids attend.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“Not all preschools are the same. Inexperienced parents may not know what to look for or what questions to ask. The best teachers and childcare providers can be very expensive to hire. Therefore, potentially inexperienced and underqualified people are in charge of these children, because the facility and/or parents don’t have the funds to pay for skilled employees.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood school (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“The main concerns with preschool are behaviour (such as crying and whining), safety, toileting, and nutrition.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“Although preschools technically fall in the same category as daycare centres—they’re licensed and regulated by the same bodies—they typically have a more academic focus and are for children ages two through five.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“A positive aspect of daycare is that it can have a more flexible schedule and caregivers are typically available during times outside of school hours, and during the summer months. It can also cost less and have smaller ratios between caregiver and child. However, preschool better prepares children for their academic career and provides a more diverse learning experience.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood school (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“Daycare is fun: the whole idea of making the child happy, fostering play, allowing naps, etc. Preschool, on the other hand, offers the child more: it has an individualized learning system, focuses on key developmental stages, inspires creativity, encourages cooperative play, etc.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“One-on-one childcare provides a nurturing, homelike atmosphere. However, many providers don’t have formal schooling in early childhood education. Also, there are less stringent licensing requirements and no real caregiver supervision. Preschools offer a structured environment with a developmentally appropriate learning curriculum. They are also well-regulated and have teachers with training in early childhood education. However, teachers in preschools have to care for more than one child: the minimum ratio is 1 to 8. And kids tend to get sick more often.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“A negative aspect of preschool is the ratio between caregiver and child. Although usually very good, it is not 1-to-1. So attention is divided among other students and concessions must be made. As a result, there is less direct, individualized attention for each and every child. There are several pros to attending a preschool. These include the opportunity for children to gain exposure to new teachers, different learning environments, and other children. Also, one-on-one childcare doesn’t foster as much academic learning, or provide as many academic opportunities.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood school (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“There has been considerable research done comparing parental care, daycare, preschool, and other approaches to children’s early years. This research yields a number of competing conclusions, and it is no wonder many parents feel confused as they consider options. One of the most comprehensive studies available was done by the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Overall, the NICHD findings showed that what matters most is not the kind of care a child receives—whether nanny, parent, daycare, preschool, or other—but rather the nature of their home experience.
No matter the early childhood care, optimal outcomes are experienced by children who experience warmth, responsiveness, and the right kinds of situation at home. The findings are more nuanced than that, of course. Quality of the setting, time in non-parental care, and the child’s age all make a difference.” Dona Matthews, Educational specialist, and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“There is an increasing amount of evidence that attending a high quality preschool has numerous short term and long term benefits for children The brain is rapidly developing between the ages of 2 and 5, so it is important that children are provided with opportunities that facilitate their natural stages of development during this period of time. Preschool programs, although not the only option, offer a structured setting focused on age-appropriate development in social, emotional, cognitive, and language development.
Because the ages between 2 and 5 represent a critical period of brain development, early enriching experiences, such as those obtained in preschool, can also have enduring outcomes beyond kindergarten readiness. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the benefits of attending a high quality preschool can have a significant impact later in life, including in the areas of educational achievement, socioeconomic status, and health.” Dr. Irina Valentin, Paediatric Neuropsychologist and Clinical Director at Valentin & Blackstock Psychology, in Toronto, Ontario
“The document Early Learning for Every Child Today: A Framework for Ontario Early Childhood Settings was created in 2007 to serve as a preschool guide in Ontario. It is supported by various studies and includes The Continuum of Development, a sequential tool used to assess preschoolers. It was written for childhood educators, parenting workers, kindergarten teachers, family support staff, early interventionists, and others who work in preschool settings.” Ann Wolff, educational consultant at Wolff Educational Services, in Toronto, Ontario
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Belleville, Ontario — At Albert College, every student is an 'A' student. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 our students experience all 5 of the Albert 'A’ s; Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure programming. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$18,700 to $75,400
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
303
Avg. Class:
15
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,500 to $16,800
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
350
Avg. Class:
15 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$14,500 to $18,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
12 to 18
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Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,700 to $20,700
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. View School Profile.
Grades:
NS to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Montessori
Tuition:
$25,160
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
400
Avg. Class:
10 to 30
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Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,950 to $21,550
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment.
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Fern Hill School is a private school for Preschool through Grade 8 providing enriched learning that is delivered by passionate teachers. Our school is regarded as one of the pre-eminent elementary schools in Canada.
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Diverse, warm community. Exceptional phonics program to build early literacy. Collaborative, multi-strategy approach to math. Public speaking, the arts, outdoor ed, mindfulness, community engagement.
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A daily goal is for our children to arrive at school excited for the day ahead. Aside from our excellent academic programs, we plan many fun events for the children to enjoy throughout the school year.
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École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a BILINGUAL critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student.
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Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.
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By proposing the learning excellence of the French Ministry of Education strongly anchored in Toronto life and Canadian culture, our school offers students the best of both cultures.
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Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten.
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Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students.
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, STEM, and artistic achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6 (offered on site/ online)
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Bayview Glen is co-ed, multi-denominational and diverse. Our student, faculty and staff community mirror the diversity of our city. We have a culture of balance and openness that includes valuing different perspectives.
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The youngest learners: 18 months to 3 years
(June 25, 2019)
The Earlier Education Begins, the Better
Research shows the period when a child is five months to five years of age is a very critical time for early learning (June 12, 2019)
Preschools in Canada
The benefits of attending preschool go much deeper than simply better school performance (May 30, 2019)
What is a play-based preschool?
The main features and benefits of play-based preschools (May 30, 2019)
