Not All Preschools Are the Same: Comparing Types of Preschools

When it comes to early childhood education, quality matters and so do the types of preschools that might work best for your child. Not every preschool is the right fit for every child. 

Research shows that the quality of an early childhood education has a direct impact on a child’s experience and readiness for kindergarten. But even among high-quality preschool, the options for your little learner are vast. Options range from a specific curriculum to match your child’s learning style to a type of preschool that is aligned with your family values. In addition to learning philosophies, you also have choices around length of day, number of days per week your child attends and whether you choose a center-based, home-based or school-based preschool. 

We have compiled a lineup of some common types of preschools to showcase the breadth of possibility for your child’s preschool experience. The Colorado Shines website also outlines various preschool and childcare options. 

Types of Preschool Philosophies 

Preschool curriculum philosophies range from academic to play-based and from parent-involved to child-led. PBS Kids compares a few of the more common preschool philosophies and outlines the differences between play-based and academic preschools. We have outlined a few of the more popular preschool philosophies in Denver. 

Montessori

According to the American Montessori Society, the Montessori Method encourages self-directed learning that promotes independent thought and action through everyday tasks and sensory play. Children choose and engage with specially-designed learning materials called “meaningful work” that interest them within 2-hour blocks of time. They are then responsible for cleaning up and making another choice. The room itself feels more like a home than a classroom, including spaces for specific activities and personal concentration time instead of desks facing a teacher. 

Các Montessori School of Denver, a staple in the Denver community for 60 years, serves more than 350 students. It teaches the Montessori vision for global citizenship, helping students grow to become “question-askers, deep-thinkers and optimistic solution-finders.” 

Reggio Emilia-Inspired 

Reggio Emilia is a Northern Italian learning approach that sees children as active and capable participants in their own learning journey. Using what they call the “atelier” (creative space) and “atelierista” (artistic teacher), Reggio Emilia uses the space itself as a vibrant and essential studio of learning. Children lead the direction of learning as they become accustomed to voicing their questions and interests and then engaging in project-based learning that evolves day after day. In Reggio learning, the child’s family is also a huge part of the process and seen as the child’s “first teacher” together with the school educators and the school environment itself. 

Active Learning Center, one of Denver’s Reggio Emilia preschools, spotlights key elements to this learning approach in their classroom like natural materials, flexible furniture, intentional light, color and texture. 

Waldorf

Waldorf early childhood curriculums are focused on wonder and imagination. Students are introduced to the world through storytelling, music and creative play. This curriculum uses exercises that help children with gross motor skills, language development, confidence, social interaction, and exploration in nature. In later years, this academically-rigorous approach brings art into all other subjects to enrich integrated thinking. 

Các Denver Waldorf School showcases how the tradition of sharing a meal together in Waldorf learning helps children learn about gratitude, intention, preparation and a sense of shared responsibility. The Denver Waldorf School also focuses on how seasonal cycles play a part in a child’s development through nature-based learning and festivals throughout the year. 

Faith-Based

Choice is an essential part of a preschool experience, especially if cultural or religious beliefs are a core family value. Faith-based preschools offer a specific religious or spiritual education alongside a traditional learning environment. Activities and projects may bring in theological teachings or storytelling as part of the lesson. 

Hebrew Educational Alliance features a play-based preschool curriculum that is rooted in Jewish values and traditions. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy provides an authentic Catholic education and believes “we are always learning.” 

Language-Focused

Many preschools choose to differentiate their philosophy of learning through language. Some preschools use language immersion, which focuses on using a secondary language as much as possible. Other preschools may teach secondary languages as a core part of their curriculum. In addition, some preschools are bilingual, meaning that they teach in multiple languages. 

HOPE Center in Denver offers multilingual and multicultural programs, and L’Ecole de Denver provides a bilingual English and French program.

Types of Preschool Settings

In Colorado, there are three types of preschool settings that are licensed by the state: school district-based, community-based and home-based. 

• School District-based — Early childhood education in a public or district-based setting varies widely but typically align with developmental and academic readiness, preparing students for kindergarten, oftentimes at that same school. Curriculum is evidence-based and may include a wider array of specialized learning opportunities based on student need. Class size may be larger based on district enrollment as well. Scheduling at school-based preschools is typically fixed alongside the district academic calendar and hours, which includes being closed for summer, although summer programs may be offered. Learn more about Denver Public Schools’ preschool curriculum.
• Community-based — Community preschools are run by community organizations like churches, nonprofits, community centers or private early learning centers that are not part of a school. Class size may be smaller than school district-based and curriculum or approach varies by location. These preschools are often open year-round providing a continuum of care for working families. 
• Home-based — Home-based care (also known as family child care homes or FCCH) is aptly named for a preschool offered within someone’s home. These preschools often have a range of ages within one program. They have a familiar home-like feel instead of a school environment. Hours are more flexible and often extend beyond preschool hours. However, closures and staffing may be less consistent based on availability of caregivers, sickness, etc. 

Types of Preschool Schedules 

Another differentiator when considering a preschool is length of care. Some preschools offer only preschool support for a few hours a day and hours may fluctuate based on the day of the week. Other preschool providers offer childcare beyond the preschool learning period. Here are the typical preschool schedule options: 

• Partial or half-day – This may or may not include a meal as well as additional care or activities outside the learning hours. 
• Full-day preschool – This usually includes a full day of childcare in addition to the preschool learning period. Most providers who offer full-day preschool also include meals and snacks as part of their preschool costs. 
• Extended-day care – This often includes childcare and/or activities outside of the traditional 8 a.m.-5 p.m. hours. Extended-day care may include early morning or evening care as well as care during holidays or on weekends. 

The Colorado Shines website also outlines various preschool and childcare options. 

How to Choose a Preschool That’s Right for Your Family

As you begin your search, use our Làm thế nào để chọn trường mầm non checklist to prepare for your visit. Our guide to lower your preschool costs is also a great resource to reference as you get started on choosing a preschool. Our frequently asked questions outline everything from how much preschool costs in Denver to what age kids begin preschool in Colorado. 

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, search hundreds of Denver preschools through the Tìm trường mầm non platform. You can narrow down options by vacancy, location to your home or work, or even specific languages spoken.