Pre-K vs Kindergarten: What Changes in the Classroom

Updated November 2026.

Pre-K (for 4-year-olds) is mostly about building the foundations for school through play: language, early math, self-control and getting along with others. Kindergarten (for 5-year-olds) is the first year of elementary school. It keeps some play but adds more structured lessons in reading, writing and math, with clear grade-level standards and assessments.

Here is what changes and how to help your child get ready.

Learning goals

• Pre-K in Illinois follows the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Goals include talking and listening, recognizing letters and sounds, counting and comparing, fine motor skills, and social and emotional skills.
• Kindergarten follows the Illinois Learning Standards for each subject. By the end of the year, children are expected to read simple books, write simple sentences, count to 100 and add and subtract within 10, among other goals.

The school day

A typical pre-K day

• Long stretches of center time with blocks, art, dramatic play, science and books
• Short whole-group times for songs, stories and discussion
• Outdoor play, meals and rest time in full-day programs
• Learning through themes and projects

A typical kindergarten day

• Blocks of time for reading, writing and math, often in small groups
• Some center time and choice, which varies a lot by school
• Specials such as gym, music, art and library
• Recess and lunch, usually without a nap
• More sitting, listening and finishing work

Illinois public schools must offer full-day kindergarten by the 2027-28 school year, so most children will have a longer day in kindergarten.

Class size and ratios

Licensed pre-K classrooms in Illinois must have at least 1 adult for every 10 children, with a maximum group of 20. Public kindergarten classes are often larger, sometimes 20 to 25 or more children with one teacher and occasional aides. Private kindergartens may keep classes smaller.

Assessment

Pre-K teachers usually track progress through observation and portfolios. In kindergarten, Illinois public schools use the KIDS observation tool early in the year, and many schools add reading and math screeners. Some private kindergartens use tests like MAP Growth to track progress during the year.

What kindergarten teachers hope children can do

• Separate from parents and join the group
• Follow two-step directions and simple routines
• Sit for a short story or lesson
• Take turns, share and use words to solve problems
• Use the bathroom, wash hands and put on a coat independently
• Hold a pencil and try to write their name
• Recognize some letters and count objects

Children do not need to read before kindergarten. Social and self-help skills often matter more for a strong start.

How to help your child make the jump

1. Read together every day and talk about the stories.
2. Practice self-help skills, like zippers, lunch containers and shoes.
3. Play games with turns and simple rules.
4. Visit the new school or classroom if you can.
5. Move bedtime earlier a week or two before school starts.
6. Talk about kindergarten in a positive, calm way.

Unsure whether your child is ready? Read our posts on the Illinois kindergarten age cutoff and kindergarten redshirting.

Frequently asked questions

Is pre-K the same as kindergarten?

No. Pre-K is for 4-year-olds and focuses on foundations through play. Kindergarten is the first year of elementary school, with grade-level standards.

Does my child need pre-K before kindergarten?

It is not required in Illinois, but a good pre-K year helps many children start kindergarten with confidence.

Is kindergarten mandatory in Illinois?

Children must attend school starting at age 6. Most children start kindergarten at 5.

Will my child nap in kindergarten?

Usually not. Some programs offer a short quiet time early in the year.

Pre-K and kindergarten at Children's Land

Children's Land offers early kindergarten (pre-K) for 4 and 5-year-olds, with winter and summer shows, and a private kindergarten program with a 1:10 teacher ratio, MAP testing twice a year, STEAM projects and parent-teacher conferences. Find a location to learn more.

Related reading: Illinois Kindergarten Health Requirements: Exams and Forms.