Daycare or preschool?
Let's untangle it.

01The short answer

In NSW, daycare and childcare are everyday words for long day care: a centre open most of the year for long days, caring for babies through to school-age children. Preschool usually means a program for children in the one or two years before school. Some preschools are standalone services that run school-style hours during school terms; many long day care centres also run a preschool program inside the centre.

So the real question isn't the label — it's the hours, the ages, and the learning program that fit your child and your working week.

02Long day care (daycare)

Long day care centres typically open for around 10–12 hours a day, five days a week, for most of the year. Children are grouped into rooms by age, and educators follow the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

Because long day care is an approved care type, eligible families can usually claim the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It suits families who need care that lines up with full working days.

03Standalone preschool

A standalone (often community) preschool generally runs shorter days during school terms and focuses on the year or two before Kindergarten. It can be a lovely fit if a parent is home or working flexible hours, but families often need extra care for early mornings, late afternoons and school holidays.

Funding works differently too: in NSW, standalone preschools are supported through state programs, and you should check each service's fees directly.

04Preschool inside a long day care centre

Many centres — including Smart Steps — run a dedicated preschool room for older children within long day care. Your child gets a school-readiness program with a qualified early childhood teacher focus, while you get the long hours and year-round care of a centre.

For children aged 3–5 in long day care, NSW Start Strong fee relief may also apply on top of CCS. See how Start Strong works.

05How to choose: five questions

1. What hours do you actually need? Map your commute and work days first.
2. Do you need care in school holidays? Long day care usually stays open; standalone preschools usually close.
3. How old is your child? Babies and toddlers need long day care or family day care; preschool programs start around age 3.
4. What will it cost after subsidy? Use the CCS calculator to compare.
5. Does the program prepare children for school? Ask how the preschool year builds early literacy, numeracy and independence.

06How it works at Smart Steps

Smart Steps is a long day care centre in Moorebank for children 6 weeks to 6 years, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am–6:00 pm. Children move through three programs: Nursery, Toddlers and Preschool, the last focused on getting ready for school.

Our daily fee is $160 for Toddlers and Preschool and $165 for Nursery, with meals included. See full fee details. Service and Child Care Subsidy approvals are pending while we prepare to open.

Questions parents ask

What is long day care?

Long day care is a centre-based service open most of the year, usually around 10–12 hours a day, for children from babies to school age. It's what most people mean by daycare.

Is preschool better than daycare?

Not necessarily. A quality long day care centre can run a dedicated preschool program for 3–6 year olds. The right choice depends on the hours you need and the program.

Can I get Child Care Subsidy for preschool?

CCS applies to approved long day care, including preschool programs run inside a centre. Standalone preschools are funded differently in NSW.