Language Development in Early Childhood — The Pre-school Years: Ages 3–5

Abstract

The pre-school years are considered to be the years from approximately 3 to 5 or 6. Not all children in these years have formal schooling. Kindergarten programs that usually encompass the year from 5 to 6 are not available to all children in the United States nor to children who live in other countries on this continent and in Europe. There are, however, many pre-school programs of various kinds in many countries that enroll children aged from 3 to 6 years. Some children will enter pre-school or kindergarten knowing another language in addition to English. Others will be fluent in a language other than English or in a variety of English other than Standard English. School will be their first intensive exposure to Standard English.