Pre-K Curriculum in Illinois: What Pre-K Kids Learn

In Illinois, pre-K learning is guided by the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS), which describe what children ages 3 to kindergarten entry can learn and do. The standards cover language and literacy, math, science, social studies, physical development and health, the arts, social and emotional development, and support for children learning English.

Here is what that looks like for a four-year-old, in plain language, and how to support it at home.

How pre-K teaches

The standards do not call for worksheets or long lessons. Children learn through play, projects, conversation, songs and hands-on exploring. A block tower is a math and science lesson. Pretend play at a "grocery store" builds language, counting and social skills at the same time.

Language and literacy

• Speaking in longer sentences and telling simple stories
• Listening to books and answering questions about them
• Recognizing their own name and some letters
• Hearing rhymes and the first sounds in words
• Drawing and "writing" to share ideas, including letter-like marks

At home: read daily, sing songs, and ask open questions like "What was your favorite part?"

Math

• Counting objects and saying number names in order
• Understanding that the last number counted tells "how many"
• Comparing groups: more, less, same
• Recognizing shapes and simple patterns
• Measuring with everyday objects, such as "three blocks long"

At home: count during daily routines, sort laundry and play simple board games.

Science

• Asking questions and making guesses
• Observing plants, animals, weather and water
• Testing ideas, like which objects sink or float

See hands-on science for preschoolers.

Social studies

Children learn about families, community helpers, rules and how people live and work together. A visit from firefighters or a trip to the library brings these ideas to life.

Social and emotional development

• Naming feelings and starting to manage them
• Making friends and playing cooperatively
• Following routines and simple rules
• Solving small problems with words, with adult help

Many kindergarten teachers say these skills matter most for a good start.

Physical development and health

• Running, jumping, climbing and balancing
• Using scissors, crayons and small objects
• Washing hands, using the bathroom and dressing with less help

The arts

Music, movement, drama and visual art help children express ideas and build fine motor skills. The standards include the arts as a learning area of their own, so pre-K shows and art projects count as real learning time.

How pre-K connects to kindergarten

The IELDS are built to lead into the kindergarten Illinois Learning Standards. In the fall, kindergarten teachers observe children with the KIDS survey, which looks at many of the same skills. See what kids learn in kindergarten and our KIDS assessment guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does every pre-K in Illinois use the IELDS?

State-funded programs such as Preschool for All follow them. Many private programs use them as a guide too.

Should my four-year-old be reading?

Most are not, and that is expected. Knowing some letters and loving books is a strong foundation.

How do I know what my child is learning?

Ask to see work samples, photos and progress notes at conferences.

Is play-based pre-K enough to prepare for kindergarten?

Yes, when teachers plan play with clear learning goals.

Pre-K at Children's Land

Our I Am Me pre-K program for four and five-year-olds uses thematic units, STEAM activities and fine arts led by specialists, and children perform in Winter and Summer shows. Classrooms have their own libraries. Find a location or contact us to see a pre-K classroom.

Related reading: Preschool for All Illinois: Who Qualifies and How It Works.