Maybe I am a little slow, but what is the big difference between preschool and pre-K?

Faith turned 4 a few weeks ago, she will start preschool tomorrow. She will go 3 days a week, 3 hours a day. Her class is ONLY 4 yr olds. While doing research when my other kids were this age, having 3 and 4 yr olds in the same class, is more play then learning. After talking to different preschools, I found that with only 4 yr olds, more learning is involved.
When my other daughter when to preschool at the age of 4, she learned everything she needed to start Kindergarten.
So what is the difference between Pre-K and preschool?

By Kaye on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 08:32 am:

I think it is semantics. Preschool in general means kids under 4, and prek is the year right before k. When people say there child is in prek, they are tell you their age and also that they are doing more school activities and less just play.

They are both regulated by your states day care division, unless the prek is run out of your public school.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 09:10 am:

To echo Kaye, "preschool" is generally any nursery school classes before Kindergarten. "PreK" is specifically 4 yr. olds the year before Kindergarten. At least that's how it is in my area.

By Melanie on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 09:58 am:

At the preschool Peyton went to, we had a choice whether to enroll her in the preschool program or the Pre-k program. The preschool program was more learning through play. The pre-k program had worksheets and homework and was just more structured in general. We opted to do the preschool program. Some kids at that age want homework and such because they feel big/are ready for it/etc. Peyton wasn't like that, and I didn't see the need to push it on her. She entered K the following year and was right on target for everything she needed to know.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you have a preschool that is a good match for her, she will be fine and learn what she needs to.

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 10:40 am:

Ditto. The pre-K should also be learning through play though!! Worksheets are not good! The Pre-K is just the year before Kindergarten, so there is a bigger focus on K readiness skills (counting, making sure they know their letters, writing their name, etc.) The 3's class doesn't emphasize that as much. It's often presented to them, but not expected.