A preschool is a school program for young children, typically ages three to five, before they start kindergarten. At preschool, children learn through play, songs, stories, and simple activities that help them get ready for elementary school. They practice things like sharing toys, taking turns, following directions, and sitting still during story time.

Preschool teachers help children develop basic skills they'll need later: holding a crayon properly, recognizing letters and numbers, and working with other kids on projects. A child might spend their preschool morning building with blocks, painting at an easel, listening to a book about dinosaurs, and having a snack with classmates.

Some people call it nursery school or pre-K (short for pre-kindergarten). Not all children attend preschool since families can teach these same skills at home, but many parents find that preschool helps their children learn to be comfortable in a classroom setting. In preschool, children are usually learning the basics that make kindergarten feel familiar and manageable.