Preschool Curriculum Explained: Learning Areas and Goals

What is a preschool curriculum?

A preschool curriculum is the framework a setting uses to plan and guide children's learning and development, usually for children aged around three to six. It sets out the areas of learning the setting focuses on, the kinds of experiences it offers and how staff observe children's progress.

Many countries have national early years frameworks that settings follow or draw on, and individual preschools add their own approach and priorities. Some follow a named philosophy, such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia; many others describe themselves as play-based or child-centred, combining ideas from several traditions.

What do children learn in preschool?

Preschool learning is broad. Rather than focusing narrowly on letters and numbers, a good curriculum supports the whole child. Young children learn best when their physical, emotional, social and cognitive development are all nurtured together, and skills such as confidence, curiosity and cooperation are just as important for later school success as early literacy.

Early years learning areas

Frameworks use different names, but most include a similar set of learning areas.

Preschool learning goals

By the end of the preschool years, many frameworks describe goals that children are working towards, rather than strict tests they must pass. Typical goals might include being able to:

• Listen to stories and join in with conversations, asking and answering questions.
• Express needs and feelings in words and begin to manage frustration.
• Play cooperatively, take turns and follow simple rules.
• Manage personal care, such as dressing, toileting and washing hands, with growing independence.
• Hold a pencil or crayon with some control and make recognisable marks and drawings.
• Count objects reliably and recognise some numbers and shapes.
• Recognise their own name and some letters, and enjoy books.
• Show curiosity and persistence when exploring and solving problems.

Children reach these milestones at different times. A good preschool looks at each child's progress individually and plans next steps based on what they observe.

How play delivers the curriculum

In early childhood, play is not a break from learning; it is the main way children learn. A block corner builds maths and engineering, a role play shop builds language and social skills, painting builds fine motor control and creativity, and outdoor play builds strength, balance and scientific curiosity.

Teachers plan the environment and materials carefully, join children's play to extend their thinking, and balance child-led play with short adult-led activities such as stories, songs, circle time and small group games. Projects based on children's interests can bring several areas together; our guide to project based learning in preschool explains how.

Different approaches to the curriculum

Preschools interpret the curriculum in different ways. Montessori settings use specially designed materials and individual work. Reggio Emilia settings build learning around long projects and documentation. Waldorf kindergartens emphasise rhythm, imagination and natural materials. Play-based preschools centre imaginative and social play, often combining ideas from several traditions. You can compare these in our guides to Montessori and play-based preschool and the Reggio Emilia approach.

How the curriculum shows up in a preschool day

In many preschools, the curriculum is woven through the routine rather than taught in separate lessons. Arrival and free play build independence and social skills. A morning circle with songs and conversation supports language and a sense of belonging. Small group activities might focus on counting, a story or a simple experiment. Outdoor play develops movement and curiosity about nature. Mealtimes build self-care, conversation and healthy habits, and quieter times with books or rest help children recharge.

When you visit, ask to see how a typical day flows. The balance between active and calm times, indoors and outdoors, child-led and adult-led, tells you a lot about how the curriculum works in practice.

Preparing for primary school

Parents often worry whether preschool will prepare their child for school. Readiness is about much more than reading. Children who can listen in a group, follow simple instructions, look after their belongings, manage the toilet, cope with small frustrations and make friends usually settle well. Early literacy and maths matter too, and a good preschool builds them in playful, meaningful ways. Ask how the setting supports children in their final preschool year and how it works with families on the move to primary school.

Observation and assessment

In the early years, assessment usually means careful observation rather than tests. Teachers watch and listen as children play, note what they can do and what interests them, and use this to plan. Many settings keep a record of each child's learning, with photos, examples of work and notes, and share progress with families through conversations or written updates.

Language in the curriculum

For international families, the language of the curriculum is an important consideration. Some preschools teach in one language, others in two. Children often pick up a new language quickly in a play-rich environment, especially when adults support them with gestures, pictures and routines. Our guide to bilingual preschool in Kyrenia explores this in more depth.

Questions to ask about a preschool curriculum

1. 1What approach or framework does your curriculum follow?
2. 2How is a typical day balanced between free play, adult-led activities and outdoor time?
3. 3How do you support early literacy and maths?
4. 4How do you support social and emotional development?
5. 5What language or languages are used in the classroom?
6. 6How do you observe children's progress and share it with families?
7. 7How do you prepare children for the move to primary school?

At Altın Anahtar in Alsancak, we follow a play-based, child-centred approach for children aged 12 months to 6 years. Teaching is in Turkish, with English built into the daily routine, and our team can talk with parents in English. To see our classrooms and ask about the curriculum, you can arrange a visit by appointment.