Katkins, Childcare is exactly like preschools with programs in place like school readiness program. My middle son had problems with talking and the child care centre helped him along. The only difference is the opening hours and the ages that they will take children from like childcare is from 0-6 while preschool is generally from 3-6. A s I have dealt with both of the years. At two years old there will be a bit of a waiting list as it is an age group that normally has low vacancies. Also when children are around other children it is amazing what they will copy from another child that you may have been trying to teach them for ages in a matter of minutes.

Willow, I know that Kingswood Preschool is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm. Kids Place in Emu Plains is open later I think their hours are 7am to 7.30pm. Mud Puddles in Emu Plains as well is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm. I think Rivendale in South Penrith is open the same hours. Also the only near the M4 at Regentville might have the same opening hours. Of all of those centres I have only dealt with Kingswood Preschool. My only other suggestions would be family daycare but you may have problems due to the hours you want or in home care. With in home care I would only use it for the bridge between the childcare hours and when you leave home/arrive home as it is more expensive than childcare as they can set their own fee. You can be charged $18/hour or more. The only benefit of in home care to say a nanny is that you can claim childcare benefit. My son has been in long day care since he was 8 months old as I had to go back to work. I find that children who are only in one day a week will take longer to settle in than one that is in say two consequective(sp) days. At two I would not be suprise if there is some tears on both sides.

The other centre that I have mainly dealt with of the years are Blue Emu in Emu Heights and Jamisontown. Both are council run centres and I was quite happy with the care and what was taught to them. Most council run centres are open from 7am to 6pm.

The main thing is to go and visit as many centres as you can. See which one you feel comfortable with. Just because someone says it is good does not mean that you will like it. I would go there without booking in so you can see what the centre is like normally and not when they are trying to put on a different face. The only time I would avoid is between 11.30 and 2pm due to sleep times. Take notice how the staff deals with the children and other staff. Also take notices of the surrounding like whether there is mess everywhere like inside and out. where say paints, child safety gates to certain areas. You could take your daughter with and see which one she is more comfortable with.

There are many question to ask like where is the nappy changing area if she is still in nappies, what are about the meal plan and how they deal with allergies if any. What you need to bring varies from centre to centre. Also what you need to do if your child needs to take medication varies from centre to centre. Ask for their parent information booklet or something with the information in it as you will get so bamboozled by at the term and what different centres have. I have found that generallly your first opinion is generally the best one.

I hope that I have not confused you and if they is anymore questions just ask me.

Ang