By providing time for free play, a preschool teacher is helping children develop a sense of: a. trust. b. identity. c. intimacy. d. autonomy.

To determine which sense a preschool teacher is helping children develop by providing time for free play, let's analyze each option:

a. Trust: Trust is typically developed in the early stages of life, particularly in infancy, when children learn to trust their caregivers to meet their basic needs. Free play is not directly related to the development of trust.

b. Identity: Identity development is more prominent in later childhood and adolescence when individuals start to form a clearer sense of who they are. While free play can contribute to self-expression, it is not the primary focus at the preschool age.

c. Intimacy: Intimacy involves forming close, personal relationships, which is more relevant to later stages of development, such as adolescence and adulthood. Preschool children are not yet focused on developing intimate relationships.

d. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ability to make independent choices and decisions. During the preschool years, children are learning to do things on their own and make choices. Free play allows children to explore, make decisions, and act independently, which fosters a sense of autonomy.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

d. autonomy.