I think it is a semantic issue, which might be location-specific. Here play based do a lot of early literacy/numeracy but those are integrated in the flow of play activities. Lots of attention given to motor/sensory issues too.

Whereas the "academic" programs in the area have 3-5yo kids sitting all day memorizing phonics, sight words and math operations, pretty much Kumon style. My friend's 4 yo had maybe 2x30mn of outside play a day.

I guess the definitions are different where Annette is?