What Are The Differences Between Daycare & Preschool?

When it comes to options for early-years childcare services in Australia, parents can choose between daycare and preschool. Both are reliable, structured, and are overseen by qualified staff. They also are similar in that they provide little ones with the opportunity to play and socialise with their peers. Whilst there are some similarities, there are key differences between the two. Understanding the similarities and differences can help parents determine the best fit to meet their needs and budget.

Preschools and daycares operate on different schedules. As a rule, preschools tend to have shorter operating hours. They also normally close on holidays and during the summer months. Daycares offer a bit more flexibility in scheduling, which makes them preferable for working mums and dads. For example, Creative Childcare centres are open from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Another marked difference is that daycare centres allow for greater personalisation of a child’s schedule. Parents can choose which days their children will attend daycare and whether they will be present year-round or only during select times of the year.

Both preschool and daycare offer educational opportunities, albeit in different structural settings. Preschools tend to be more regulated whilst daycares offer more freedom to children. Both preschools and daycares encourage children to explore their cognitive, social, emotion, and physical development through a variety of activities. Since preschools last a few hours versus the day-long operation of daycares, they must control the environment and learning a bit more than daycares to ensure children are being enriched.

licensing and accreditation requirements

, which covers everything from curriculum to staffing. Whilst the delivery method of educational learning may look different, children are receiving similar benefits with both options. Both preschools and daycares offer play-based learning that is conducive to young learners.

Preschools accept children between the ages of 3 and 5 and generally require them to be potty trained to attend. Daycare centres do not have the same requirements and will admit children still in nappies. Both preschools and daycare centres separate children into age-appropriate groups for playtime and learning activities. This allows children who may not have siblings a greater opportunity to socialise with peers.

Traditionally, parents who wish to prepare their children for future schooling chose preschools for their structured lesson plans and activities. Now, this is no longer necessary, as daycare centres provide a similar curriculum and can achieve similar

Creative Childcare engages children in several interactive creative lessons in

, art,

, and

. Our curriculum is fun, age-appropriate, and aimed at fostering creativity whilst building a child’s developmental, communication, and motor skills. Creative Childcare also provides a

.

Parents interested in a quality creative learning program offering the flexibility and convenience of a daycare centre no longer must choose between daycare and preschool. Creative Childcare provides the best of both worlds. Phone us on 1300 002 929 or

to learn more.