National Preschooler’s Day Date in the current year: March 14, 2025

The term “preschool” can refer to a level of early childhood education and an educational establishment that provides such education. The typical age range for preschool in the United States is 3 to 5 years old, although some children start preschool as young as 2 years old.

Preschool education (and early childhood education in general) in its professional form began to develop in the United States in the early 20th century. In 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC) was founded in Washington, DC to ensure the quality of emerging nursery school programs across the country.

The implementation of Roosevelt’s New Deal in the 1930s led to federal investment in early childhood education. In 1965, the Head Start program was launched as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society campaign. It provided access to early childhood education for low-income children and families.

Preschool in the United States is not part of free and compulsory education (K-12), but preschool attendance is strongly encouraged by educators because it prepares children for elementary school and gives them opportunities for social interaction. Preschool education is provided by independent childcare providers, for-profit businesses, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and faith communities. Since preschool is not free and the Head Start program has a limited number of students it can serve, only 69% of American 4-year-olds were enrolled in preschool programs in 2013.

The origins of National Preschooler’s Day are unclear, but some sources claim that it emerged around the same time as the Head Start program. Its main purpose is to highlight the importance of early childhood education and how preschool promotes children’s cognitive and social development. Over the years, it has become an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to celebrate preschool-age children and raise awareness of their educational needs.

National Preschooler’s Day also underscores the value of early childhood programs in preparing children for elementary school. It serves as an annual reminder of the joy and promise of these formative years. During their preschool years, young children take small steps toward independence, whether by putting away their toys or learning to share with their peers. National Preschooler’s Day highlights how these early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Finally, National Preschooler’s Day recognizes the dedication of preschool teachers, who shape young minds with patience and encouragement. These educators do more than introduce academic basics; they instill confidence, curiosity, and essential emotional skills that carry children far into the future.