FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The preoperational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development is defined as occurring between the ages of 2 to 7 years. During this stage, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they do not yet understand concrete logic. Their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric, meaning they have difficulty seeing perspectives other than their own.

This age range is characterized by increased language use and the development of memory and imagination, which facilitate learning and social interaction. Children in this stage typically struggle with understanding the concept of conservation—that is, the understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or container—highlighting their limitations in logic compared to later developmental stages.

Understanding this age range is critical for educators and caregivers as it informs how to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences that align with children's cognitive abilities during these formative years.