What is the Preschool Age in San Diego?

Generally speaking, the preschool age in San Diego is two years old for most programs. While many preschools in San Diego also offer pre-K (pre-kindergarten) classes starting at age four, the majority of preschool programs start at two years old.

At Ekobé School of Learning in Clairemont, San Diego, children join our preschool program at the age of two. It’s important to note that even if they meet the preschool age requirement, it can still be a very personal decision for each family as to when is the right time to start preschool.

At Ekobé, we hold the belief that children have the ability to contribute significantly to their own learning process. Our teachers are highly trained to guide students and create an emergent curriculum that fosters exploration and curiosity. We recognize that every child has a unique set of strengths and interests, and we strive to create an environment that encourages their natural curiosity and creativity. With our expert guidance, we aim to empower young learners to take an active role in shaping their own educational experiences and achieving their full potential.

Programs for Children Below the Preschool Age

Even if your little one isn’t of preschool age yet, some programs in San Diego offer highly-engaging and beneficial toddler programs or educational daycare programs.

At Ekobé, we only focus on preschool educational programs (starting at the typical preschool age of two), however, our typical waitlist for enrollment can take up to a year so we encourage you to apply for your two-year-old’s spot as soon as you’re able. Submit the enrollment form here or contact us.

Is My Child Ready for Preschool?

Even when your child meets the typical San Diego preschool age requirement, it’s important to consider your child’s development and readiness before enrolling them in preschool. Every child is unique and so it can be difficult to know when the right time is for your child to start school. But generally, children who are two years old are ready for preschool as they are usually more independent, have established routines, interact well with other children, and have an increased ability to communicate.

In most preschools in San Diego (and at Ekobé) parents also have the option to enroll in just two or three days a week of preschool before diving in on all five weekdays. This offers the opportunity to ease into the preschool environment, and also get a feel for the program.

How to Choose the Right Preschool

To choose the right preschool in San Diego, first consider your top values and priorities in a program, and what’s most important for your child to experience. Research the school, visit in person to get a better feel for the environment, and talk to the director and teachers. Ask questions and trust your instincts.

The best preschool programs (in our opinion) offer a curriculum that reinforces each child’s natural strengths, validates their unique perspectives, and encourages independence. But of course, your own priorities and values matter most when choosing the right preschool for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Preschool in San Diego

Are meals provided for preschoolers?

Many preschools in San Diego are beginning to cut back on school-provided meals and are having parents provide meals for their preschool-aged children. This is for many reasons, including increasing variety in dietary preferences, rising costs, and a greater focus on the actual curriculums and educational programs versus meal programs. Ekobé is also reducing or eliminating provided meals and asking parents to bring meals for their children. You should speak with the program director at any preschool you’re considering to see what the protocol is around meals.

What do kids learn in preschool?

Preschool-age children start to learn how to manage interpersonal relationships, complete basic independent tasks, and are encouraged to be creative through various art lessons. Education at this age is primarily geared toward exploration, curiosity, and hands-on creation.

At bilingual preschools (including Ekobé), children will also have the opportunity to learn other languages. The preschool age (around two years old) is the most ideal time to learn other languages. In preschool language programs, children will typically learn basic introductions and greetings, numbers, the alphabet, days of the week, the culture of the country, and more. Learning other languages, learning about other cultures, and cultivating conscious word choice can have an extremely positive impact on the education of a child.

You can read more here about what kids learn in preschool.

What is Reggio Emilia?

Reggio Emilia preschools offer an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education based on the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which means a belief that every child is strong, capable, and resilient, with a natural curiosity and potential that drives their interest in exploring the world around them. By valuing each child’s unique perspective and innate sense of wonder and knowledge, we create a supportive environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and discovery. Experienced Reggio Emilia educators are dedicated to nurturing each child’s individual strengths and interests, helping them develop a lifelong love of learning and a deep sense of self-confidence. Through our commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach, we aim to empower young learners to reach their full potential and become active participants in shaping their own educational future.

The Reggio Emilia approach is effective at all ages, including the recommended preschool age of two years old.

What does the typical day look like in preschool?

Most full-day preschools in San Diego will start around 7:30 or 8:00 am and end at 5:00 pm. During the day, children in a Reggio Emilia program will be engaged in age-appropriate activities such as discovery exercises, exploration, and provocation activities (open-ended activities guided by teachers to create curiosity and thinking skills). Lunchtime is usually around noon. Snack time occurs a few times throughout the day, and nap time is typically between 12:30 and 2:30 pm.

Enrolling Your Child in Preschool

If you’d like to explore enrolling your child in Ekobé School of Learning, contact us for more info.

Ready to move forward? Enroll your child here.