The most common types of preschool programs include Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, HighScope, Bank Street, parent cooperatives, faith-based, and Ascend. Each program follows a unique educational philosophy, ranging from child-led exploration to structured academic preparation.
With so many options available, choosing the right childcare program can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a director defining your program's philosophy or a family member looking for the best fit for your child, understanding these styles is the first step. This guide covers the features and benefits of the most popular preschool program types to help you make an informed decision.
What is a preschool curriculum?
A preschool curriculum is a structured framework of learning goals and benchmarks that educators use to guide a child's development. Most curriculums align with either a child-led, play-based approach or a more structured, teacher-led academic approach.
For example, brightwheel's Experience Curriculum bridges these gaps by offering an easy-to-implement system. It provides digital lessons and hands-on materials that incorporate research-based skills into playful games and discovery projects, all aligned with early learning standards across all 50 states.
Ultimately, directors and families must decide which approach suits a child best based on age, developmental maturity, and individual learning style.
Activities Across Developmental Domains
This free list includes developmentally-appropriate activity ideas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Best types of preschool programs
Different preschool philosophies prioritize different aspects of development. Below are the eight most prominent types of preschool programs you will likely encounter.
1. Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach is a project-based learning method where children explore ideas through an atelier (creative space) guided by an atelierista (artistic teacher). Developed by Loris Malaguzzi in Italy, this philosophy views the child as capable, resilient, and full of potential.
Key features:
- Emergent curriculum: Topics originate from the children's interests rather than a pre-set plan.
- Environment as the third teacher: The classroom setup is crucial and meant to inspire learning.
- Collaboration: Teachers, children, and families work together, viewing education as a community effort.
This program encourages children to express themselves through "100 languages," including art, movement, and conversation.
2. Waldorf
The Waldorf preschool program emphasizes imagination and creative learning over traditional academics. Founded by Rudolf Steiner, the Waldorf approach strives to develop the "whole child"—intellectually, artistically, and practically.
Key features:
- No early academics: There are no tests, homework, or grading in the early years.
- Homelike environment: Classrooms often use natural materials and focus on domestic activities like baking or gardening.
- Continuous relationships: Teachers often stay with the same group of students for multiple years.
Waldorf education focuses heavily on oral storytelling, creative play, and spending time outdoors to foster emotional and physical growth.
No matter which curriculum you choose, brightwheel makes it easy to manage your childcare center. Improve your classroom management, enhance your staff experience, and simplify your administrative tasks with the same software you use for admissions and billing. Manage all aspects of your childcare center in one user-friendly platform, promoting efficiency and enhancing the overall childcare experience for both providers and families.
3. Montessori
The Montessori approach is a child-centered program where teachers act as guides rather than instructors. Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, this method allows children to learn at their own pace in a mixed-age classroom.
Key features:
- Five study areas: The curriculum focuses on practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, and cultural studies.
- Self-directed activity: Children choose their own "work" from prepared materials and focus on it for uninterrupted blocks of time.
- Prepared environment: Classrooms are organized with specific tools that encourage independence and cognitive development.
Montessori programs nurture independence, asking children to take responsibility for their learning environment and social interactions.
4. HighScope
The HighScope program utilizes "active participatory learning." It relies on evidence-backed practices to build school readiness skills through hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas.
Key features:
- Plan-Do-Review: This is the core sequence where children plan a project, execute it, and then review what they learned with a teacher.
- Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs): Teachers use these indicators to tailor activities to different ages and stages.
- Community focus: The classroom operates as a community where everyone supports one another.
This method balances teacher-guided learning with child-initiated activities to support cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
5. Parent cooperative
A parent cooperative preschool program is organized and administered by the families of the children who attend. In a "co-op," like-minded families hire a professional teacher but remain actively involved in the daily operation of the school.
Key features:
- Family involvement: Families often serve as teacher aides in the classroom on a rotating basis.
- Community building: This model creates a tight-knit community between families and educators.
- Shared decision making: Families often contribute to administrative roles or curriculum feedback.
This approach is ideal for families who have the time to commit to the classroom and want to be directly involved in their child's early education.
6. Bank Street
The Bank Street approach, also known as the developmental-interaction approach, focuses on the education of the whole child. Developed by Lucy Sprague Mitchell, it emphasizes connecting learning to the outside world.
Key features:
- Social studies focus: The curriculum frequently uses social studies as a lens to explore other subjects.
- Mixed-age groups: Children learn in environments that accommodate various developmental stages.
- Non-competitive: The focus is on individual growth rather than competition among peers.
In this program, children learn through observation and hands-on interaction with their surroundings, guided by teachers who provide one-on-one attention.
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7. Faith-based
Faith-based preschools incorporate religious values and theological themes into the general curriculum. These programs are typically affiliated with a specific place of worship.
Key features:
- Spiritual integration: Lessons often include stories, songs, or prayers related to a specific faith.
- Shared values: The philosophy aligns with the religious beliefs of the institution.
- Community foundation: These programs often serve as an extension of a religious community's ministry.
While they teach academic basics, the environment is shaped by the moral and spiritual teachings of the affiliated religion.
8. Ascend
The Ascend program is a skills-based curriculum that balances structure with flexibility. It focuses on developing cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills through personalized approaches to learning.
Key features:
- Skill development: A progressive path for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Individualized interactions: Teachers guide activities based on the specific interests and needs of the child.
- Flexible structure: It allows for creativity within a framework of learning goals.
This program aims to help children build a strong academic and social foundation by encouraging them to create their own projects and solutions.
Selecting the right type of preschool program
For childcare programs
When defining the program for your center, you need a clear vision. Regardless of the specific curriculum you choose, the goal is to provide a firm foundation for learning.
- Consult child experts: Work with early childhood professionals or consultants to ensure your approach is developmentally appropriate.
- Focus on the individual: Implement instruction strategies that allow teachers to adapt environments and materials to meet diverse skill levels.
- Prioritize family engagement: Choose a model that includes a strong family engagement component, as this significantly boosts learning outcomes.
Note: Brightwheel helps childcare programs manage any curriculum by simplifying administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on education and child development.
For families
When researching programs, look beyond the label. Consider the environment where your child is most likely to thrive. Ask plenty of questions during tours to understand how the philosophy translates to daily life.
- Match the learning style: Does your child need structure, or do they prefer open exploration? Choose a program that accommodates their natural learning styles.
- Assess the environment: Look for a classroom setup that feels safe, inviting, and stimulating for your child.
- Check family involvement: Look for programs that welcome family partnerships, as this continuity between home and school is vital for development.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular type of preschool program?
Montessori is one of the most widely recognized and popular preschool types globally. However, popularity varies by region, and many modern childcare programs use a "blended" approach that combines elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and play-based learning.
What is the difference between play-based and academic preschools?
Play-based programs, like Waldorf or Reggio Emilia, believe children learn best through self-directed play and social interaction. Academic programs focus more on teacher-led instruction and specific skill preparation for kindergarten, such as letter recognition and early math.
How do I know which program is right for my child?
Observe your child's natural behavior. If they are highly active and social, a play-based or outdoor-focused program might be best. If they enjoy order and completing tasks independently, they might thrive in a Montessori setting. Visiting schools and seeing how your child interacts with the environment is the best way to decide.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right preschool program is an important decision. As a parent or guardian, it helps to review the benefits and drawbacks of each option so you can find a program that supports your child's learning style and your family's values. For preschool providers, selecting an educational approach means thoughtfully aligning your philosophy with the needs of your staff and the families you serve.
High-quality early education lays the groundwork for a child's future success. When families and providers collaborate to build a supportive program, children benefit from positive learning environments that nurture their growth and development.
