My DD is 2.4 years old and I was thinking that it might be time to get her name down at a few preschools or day care centres so she can go next year when she is 3 (if there is availability). I am a SAHM so the care would just be for 1 day/wk to start with and only 9am-3pm hrs.

Now my questions are:

What is the difference between preschool and day care as far as learning, activities and preparing for school? Which would you recommend?

What is the average cost in Sydney for preschool or a short day of care (9am-3pm)in a day care centre?

Do you recommend private or council run centres? why?

Do you have to be within the area to be able to put your child into the centre or does it not matter?

I am not fussed on how far I have to travel, the care that my daughter will be getting is much more important to me (us).

And lastly, if you are in the area, can you recommend any preschools or day care centres in the outer west (quakers hill, stanhope gardens, schofields, rouse hill, kellyville ridge etc) or hills (castle hill, baulkham hills etc) areas?

As you can tell I am a bit worried about putting DD in care (and picky ), but I think she will love it and also benefit from it.

Thankyou soooooo much