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

Preschool is a structured day where there are activities & learning. They have things to learn each semester (2 terms), they will be put into groups to improve whatever skills, language, motor skills etc etc. Another thing is the children are expected to be toilet trained (or at least in pullups & learning) by the time they are three. Generally there is no day sleep either unless you request it. Ummm, usually they only go 1-2 days a week.

Daycare won't have structured programs of things that need to be learnt, she can be in nappies & more than likely will be offered a day sleep.

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

For daycare I have no idea. For preschool Zander was $34 a day until he was three and then $31 a day.

Do you recommend private or council run centres? why?

Our preschool is community based & we love it. Basically it's "owned" by the community in that any decisions made about pretty well everything at the preschool are made by the comittee made up of parents & other community members. So the parents have a big say in what's happening.

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

Most centres will expect you to be in the area to go there. However if there are lots of vacanices you'd be able to get into ones out of area.


Zander loooves preschool, his Wednesdays are the highlight of his week. Prior to starting this year he had never been in any care, even when he was babysat it was with family. I can totally understand the nervousness at leaving her alone. What we did to get him used to it was in November last year we went once a week for an hour for 6 weeks. I stayed with him & he got to know the teachers & played on the equipment, just generally checking out the place. When he started he was used to the place which was a huuuge help.