What is the difference?
Parents often ask whether a preschool or a long day care centre is the better choice for a 3 or 4 year old. Both follow the same national learning framework and both must meet the same quality standards. The real difference is in how the day feels for your child.
A long day care centre is built around long opening hours and a wide age range, from babies to school age. A preschool is built around one thing: getting 3 to 6 year olds ready for school.
Sophie’s Cottage gives you the focus of a preschool, with the funding and year-round opening that families usually only get from long day care.
Side by side
| Sophie’s Cottage | Typical long day care | Typical community preschool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages | 3 to 6 years only | Babies to 5 or 6 years | 3 to 5 years |
| Size | 28 children a day, 6 educators | Often 60 to 100 or more children | Varies |
| Hours | 8:30am to 4:30pm | Around 7am to 6pm | Around 9am to 3pm |
| Open | 52 weeks, closed public holidays only | Most of the year | School terms only |
| Child Care Subsidy | Yes | Yes | Usually no |
| Start Strong fee relief | Yes | Yes, at participating centres | Yes |
| Program | Preschool program all day, guided by Early Childhood Teachers | Preschool program for part of the day in the older room | Preschool program |
Why families choose a true preschool
Everyone is the same age
With no babies or toddlers on site, every room, resource and routine is designed for 3 to 6 year olds. Your child spends the day with children at the same stage.
Small enough to be known
With only 28 children each day, every educator knows every child and every family by name.
A day that looks like school
Our 8:30am to 4:30pm day is close to a school day. Children get used to the rhythm of arriving, learning, eating and packing up before they start kindergarten.
No holiday gaps
Unlike most community preschools, we stay open through the school holidays, so working families do not have to find care for 12 weeks a year.
Funding still applies
You can claim the Child Care Subsidy and Start Strong fee relief with us. Work out your weekly fee.
Doing it since 1996
We have been preparing local children for school for nearly 30 years. Some of our families are now on their second generation.
When long day care may suit you better
We would rather you find the right fit than the wrong one. Long day care may suit your family better if you need care before 8:30am or after 4:30pm, if your child is under 3, or if you only need 1 day a week. Our minimum is 2 days for 3 year olds and 3 days for 4 year olds.
If your child is 3 or older and those hours work for you, come and see the difference for yourself.
From the Happy Parents
“Each of you are tremendously caring and compassionate and our girls always feel safe and reassured by your kindness. Sophie’s Cottage is a very special place because of you all.”
Eric and Warwick
“You are Stellar in so many ways. Thank you for your creativity, your effort and most of all for caring. We are blessed to have become part of your community.”
Sylvia and Matt
“It’s a super special place and we’re so glad she has the best time making new friends and memories. We’ve seen a huge growth in her this year.”
Aly and Adrian