Long day care vs preschool in NSW — what is the difference?

A clear, honest guide for families in Dundas, Parramatta, Rydalmere and surrounding areas who are trying to understand their early childhood education options in New South Wales.

If you have been researching early childhood education options in NSW and found yourself more confused than when you started, you are not alone. The terms long day care, preschool, kindergarten, and childcare are often used interchangeably, and they mean different things depending on who you ask and which state you are in.

This guide cuts through the confusion and explains exactly what each option means in NSW, who they are for, and how to choose what is right for your family.

Understanding your options is the first step to making the right choice for your child.

What is long day care in NSW?

Long day care is a government-approved early childhood education and care service for children from 6 weeks old up to school age. Long day care centres typically operate from around 7am to 6pm, five days a week, for up to 52 weeks a year including school holidays.

Long day care centres follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and must meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF). They are staffed by qualified early childhood educators and teachers and provide a structured program of play-based learning, care, and development throughout the day.

Families can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help with the cost of long day care. As of July 2023, families earning up to $80,000 per year can receive up to 90% subsidy on their childcare fees.

What is preschool in NSW?

In NSW, preschool is typically a program for children aged 3 to 5 years, usually operating from around 9am to 3pm during school terms only. Preschools focus on early learning and preparing children for the transition to Kindergarten, which in NSW is the first year of primary school.

The NSW Government recommends that all children attend at least 15 hours of preschool per week in the year before they start school. This is supported by the Start Strong funding program, which helps make preschool more affordable for eligible families.

What is the difference between long day care and preschool?

Long day care

From 6 weeks to school age

Open 7am to 6pm typically

Open up to 52 weeks a year

CCS subsidy available

Full day care and education

Suits working families

Preschool

Typically 3 to 5 years old

Open 9am to 3pm typically

School terms only

Start Strong funding available

Focus on school readiness

Suits part-time needs

What about kindergarten in NSW?

This is where it gets confusing. In NSW, Kindergarten is the first year of primary school, not a type of childcare. Some centres use the word kindergarten in their name but are actually long day care centres or preschools. If you see a centre called something Kindergarten, check the age range and hours to understand what they are actually offering.

Can long day care centres offer a preschool program?

Yes and this is an important point. Many long day care centres in NSW, including Little Jungle Early Learning in Dundas, offer a preschool program within their long day care service. This means your child gets the educational benefits of a preschool program alongside the flexibility and extended hours of long day care.

How Little Jungle Early Learning combines both:

At Little Jungle Early Learning in Dundas we are a long day care centre that delivers a high quality preschool program for children aged 3 to 6 years in our Jungle Explorers room.

Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies and follows the EYLF. Children receive rich, intentional learning experiences every day that build the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need for Kindergarten and beyond.

Families can access both the Child Care Subsidy and the NSW Start Strong for Long Day Care funding, making our program genuinely affordable.

We are open from 7am to 6pm, up to 52 weeks a year, serving families across Dundas, Parramatta, Rydalmere, Telopea and Ryde.

Which option is right for my family?

Choose long day care if...You and your partner work full time or part time and need care outside school hours. You want your child to benefit from an educational program alongside flexible, extended care all year round.

Choose a standalone preschool if...You only need care during school hours and school terms, and you have alternative arrangements for school holidays, early mornings, and afternoons

Choose a long day care centre with a preschool program if...You want the best of both. Your child benefits from a quality preschool education while your family has the flexibility of extended hours and year-round care.

At Little Jungle Early Learning in Dundas, you do not have to choose. We offer both, under one roof, for families across Parramatta, Rydalmere and beyond.

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