Preschool is one educational concept that not all parents understand. At times, they asked other parents about it that only adds up to their confusion, creating more questions than answer. The best route to take is to ask the authority about your questions about preschool. But, of course, not all people have the luxury of time to go to the nearby preschool and ask questions. We gathered some of the most important questions and answers for you. Read on.

Preschool-related questions parents always ask

1) What is the difference between daycare and preschool?

A daycare is a center that provides daytime care to the people who cannot be fully independent such as children. It is chosen by working parents, for instance, to look after their kids while they are away. A preschool is a licensed educational institution with teachers who have training in early childhood education.

2) Is preschool compulsory?

No, some states do not require preschool in the way they would require the completion of kindergarten. Education is compulsory until six years old. About 50,000 (est.) preschool-aged children skip preschool. Nonetheless, some parents want to enroll their kids in preschool to prepare them. Preschools follow a curriculum that builds the foundation for numerical and non-numerical literacy and exposes them to the development of social, physical and emotional skills.

3) My child is already three years old. Can I enroll her now in preschool?

The majority of preschools start accepting children three years old and above. Some schools allow 2 ½-year-olds, but that varies from state to state and sometimes, from school to school. By the time the child is five years old, the kindergarten age, she should have already completed a year or two of preschool.

4) How will I know if my child is ready for preschool?

Schools have school readiness test or checklist. Preschool readiness is about the child's development. Some 4-year olds are not ready for preschool, and yet some 3-year-olds are more than ready, developmentally. If your child passed the test and age requirement, she could be accepted.

5) What will my child learn in preschool?

The preschool curriculum covers foundational learning aspects such as letters, numbers, shapes, and colors as well as coloring, cutting, drawing, writing and many more. Skills development is also prioritized. Thus, this is where the love for learning is being developed.

6) How many years should my child stay in preschool?

Again, the ideal is two years in preschool. However, some parents cannot afford the costs of two full years, so they chose to enroll their kids when they are four years old and continue with kindergarten directly.

7) How long is each session?

Most preschool programs only require three hours. There can be extended days for extracurricular activities such as physical education.

8) When will preschool start?

Preschool usually starts every fall in the US.

9) What are the requirements?

The minimum admission requirements may include Form 14 (health card), physical exam, and fully accomplished parent and preschool agreement. The age requirement applies. Some schools require a pre-arranged school visit before the start of the school year.

10) How much does preschool cost?

There is no one standard figure, but the average range is between $4,400 and $13,200 per school year. That's according to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). The cost will depend on where you live and, of course, the quality of the preschool.

11) Is it possible to claim my child's preschool tuition fee?

No, if your child is enrolled in a private school which expenses are not deductible. However, the expenses of children below the kindergarten level are deductible under the child care tax credit if the costs will qualify as childcare.

12) What does my child need to bring in preschool?

This depends on the preschool. Some preschools provide school supplies that you, the parents also pay for through miscellaneous fees (mostly for private schools). Some schools require the parents to bring number two pencils, a sharpener, eraser, colored papers, scissors, glue stick, crayons, folders, and bond papers. Schools also require bringing a hygiene kit that must include a change of clothes and wet wipes. The school typically shoulders other school supplies such as felt letters, pocket charts, storage, etc.

Now that you have a general idea of how preschool works, the next best thing is to scout for preschools in your area. You may call each of them and ask your own questions and concerns if you have more or any.