Why should pre-K and preschool not be combined? What is the difference between them when addressing both?

The key difference between Pre-K and Preschool lies in their age group and curriculum focus. Preschool is for 3 to 4-year-olds, emphasizing socialization and foundational skills. Pre-K is designed for 4 to 5-year-olds, focusing on structured learning to prepare them for kindergarten. While Preschool fosters overall development, Pre-K introduces more formal academic skills like early literacy and numeracy. Pre-K programs are often full-time and taught by certified educators, whereas Preschool may vary in duration and teacher qualifications.