Send 4 year old 3 days and 18 mo 1 day?

You're right with pre-school v daycare and funding/rebates (not to mention the fact daycare is longer hours and covers food as well, plus the convenience of multiple children at the same centre!).

Has she done the online calculator to see how much it would actually cost after the benefit/rebate? She might be surprised...

Also is there occasional care near her? The flexibility might be just what she needs...