"pre-school children" vs "preschool children"

Question

"pre-school children" vs "preschool children"

Both "preschool children" and "pre-school children" are correct, but the more common and accepted term is "preschool children." The hyphenated version "pre-school children" is less commonly used in modern English.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is also used to refer to children who are of preschool age and attending a preschool program, but the hyphenated version is less common in contemporary writing.

Examples:

The pre-school children had a picnic in the park.
It's important to provide educational activities for pre-school children.
The pre-school children learned about colors and shapes.
The teacher organized a field trip for the pre-school children.
The pre-school children participated in a music and movement class.

Alternatives:

preschool children
young children
toddler
kindergarten kids
nursery school children

This phrase is used to refer to children who are of preschool age, typically between the ages of three and five, and attending a preschool program.

Examples:

Preschool children enjoy playing with building blocks.
The preschool children had a fun day at the zoo.
It's important to provide a safe environment for preschool children.
The teacher read a story to the preschool children.
The preschool children sang songs during the school assembly.

Alternatives:

young children
toddler
kindergarten kids
nursery school children
early childhood learners

Answer 1

pre-school children

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English.

Answer 2

preschool children

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pre-school children" vs "preschool children"

pre-school children

preschool children

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