Preschool vs Long Day Care vs Family Day Care: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right early learning environment for your child is an important decision. Many parents wonder about the differences between preschool, long day care, and family day care, particularly when it comes to preparing their child for school.

At Little Scribblers, we offer a school-like environment with a dedicated School Readiness Program, ensuring children are fully prepared for their transition to primary school.

So, what are the key differences, and which option is best for your child?

Preschool (Kindergarten in Some States)

Preschool is a structured early learning program for children aged 3 to 5 years, designed to prepare them for school.

Key Features of Preschool:

• Set hours (e.g., 9 AM – 3 PM), following the school term calendar.
• Focus on early literacy, numeracy, and social development.
• Qualified early childhood teachers leading the program.
• No extended hours, making it difficult for working parents needing flexible care.

Many parents assume that only preschools offer a structured, school-readiness curriculum, but this is not the case.

Long Day Care (With a Preschool Program)

Long day care provides full-day education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years—but did you know that most high-quality long day care centres, including Little Scribblers, also offer a preschool program within long day care hours?

This means children get the same school-readiness education as a traditional preschool, but with added flexibility for busy families.

Key Features of Long Day Care (at Little Scribblers):

• Full-day learning with extended hours (e.g., 7 AM – 6 PM).
• Qualified early childhood teachers leading a structured School Readiness Program.
• A school-like environment to build independence, confidence, and essential social skills.
• Nutritious meals, nappies, and care essentials provided (so parents don’t need to pack lunches or supplies).
• Year-round operation, including school holidays.

Little Scribblers’ School Readiness Program

At Little Scribblers, we go beyond play-based learning to ensure children are fully prepared for primary school. Our School Readiness Program is designed to:

• Develop literacy and numeracy skills through engaging, hands-on activities.
• Encourage independence by mirroring a structured classroom routine.
• Strengthen social and emotional skills so children feel confident in new environments.
• Introduce early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts to spark curiosity.

By choosing long day care with a preschool program, parents get the best of both worlds—structured education plus the convenience of full-day care.

Family Day Care

Family day care is an in-home care option, where registered educators provide childcare in a home setting.

Key Features of Family Day Care:

• Small group sizes (max 4 children under school age).
• Flexible hours, including some evening and weekend options.
• A home-like environment, ideal for children needing extra comfort.
• Learning experiences tailored to the child’s interests.

Family day care is great for parents who prefer a personalised, small-group setting, but it may not offer the same level of structured school preparation as a preschool program within a long day care centre.

Final Thoughts: Helping Your Child Feel Secure

If you need structured school preparation with flexible full-day care, long day care with a preschool program is the best option.

At Little Scribblers, we combine high-quality education with the convenience of long day care hours—helping your child build the skills they need for a confident start to school.

🔍 Looking for a long day care centre that prioritises school readiness?Enquire today to learn more about how we prepare children for success in school and beyond.