National Preschooler’s Day

National Preschooler’s Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to preschoolers. Children at this age begin their first steps into the world around them, develop their imagination, learn to communicate with other children, and so on. They not only gain socialization skills but also prepare for future schooling. The holiday is celebrated on the second Friday of March.

History

The first preschools appeared in Europe at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. There is no reliable information about the origin of National Preschooler’s Day. It is believed to have been created at the initiative of President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. At that time, the first and, so far, only state-supported Head Start kindergarten in the United States was established. It was created to support children from low-income families who could not afford to pay for schooling.

The active subsidization of preschools in America did not begin until the 1980s. During this time, most low-income families sent their children to preschools for early education. Over time, in the 2000s, wealthier families also began to send their children to preschools if they did not have the time to educate their children themselves or did not want to hire personal nannies.

In preschools, all responsibilities for raising children fall on the caregivers. These are qualified professionals trained in special methods of education. They love children and can find an approach to each one. Children play, learn the basic information they need for school, and learn how to make friends and interact with each other.

Interesting Facts

• Today, most kindergartens in the United States are fee-based. The average fee per month is $1,300.
• Preschools are attended by children from 3 to 5 years old.
• To get into kindergarten, you need to sign up for admission in advance, about six months before the planned start date, or even earlier.

How to Celebrate

On National Preschooler’s Day, give your preschooler a gift. Take a day off and spend it with your child instead of putting them in daycare. Go for walks, rides, and enjoy activities together.

Spread the word on social media. Ask other users if their children go to preschool.

When is National Preschooler’s Day in 2025?

National Preschooler’s Day is observed annually on the second Friday in March.

Observations