Why Children Benefit from Starting Preschool at Age 3

It can feel hard to picture a three-year-old as “ready for school.”
For many families, the idea of sending a child to preschool at that age can feel overwhelming — or even unnecessary.

It’s a question we hear often:
Does a child really need two years of preschool?

Based on many years of experience — and supported by research — we find that for most children, starting preschool at age 3 can be a very positive and helpful step.

 

Kindergarten Looks Different Than It Used To

Kindergarten today is not the same as it was for many parents.

In many ways, kindergarten now resembles what first grade once was.

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Whether or not we agree with how expectations have changed, our goal is to help children enter kindergarten feeling confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

 

What Children Learn in a 3-Year-Old Preschool Class

In our part-time 3-year-old preschool classes, the focus is not on academics.
Instead, children are learning what it means to be part of a school community.

This first year of preschool helps children learn how to:

• Separate from caregivers in a safe, supportive environment

• Cooperate and play alongside other children

• Listen to and follow directions from adults outside their family

• Participate in group activities like circle time

• Practice independence and classroom routines

These skills are foundational, and they are unique to a school setting.

 

Why Two Years of Preschool Matters

Children who attend preschool at age 3 often begin their 4-year-old year already comfortable with the school environment.

This allows the second year of preschool to focus more fully on the pre-academic and readiness skills children need for kindergarten.

Children who start preschool for the first time at age 4 often spend a significant part of the year learning these foundational routines, which can make it harder to shift attention toward kindergarten readiness skills later in the year.

 

Every Child Develops at Their Own Pace

It’s important to say this clearly:
Every child is different.

Starting preschool at age 3 may not be the right choice for every family or every child. However, for many children, we see that beginning preschool at age 3 is a valuable step that supports long-term confidence and success in school.

 

We’re Happy to Help You Decide

If you’re unsure whether preschool at age 3 is the right choice for your child, we’re always happy to talk it through with you.

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Please feel free to reach out with questions:
📧 playschool@bellefontefaith.com
📞 814-357-9086