Preschool vs Long Daycare
Why Choose Learn and Laugh?
Choosing the right early learning path for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Learn and Laugh, we understand that families seek both quality education and practical support. While there may seem to be differences between preschool and long-day care, our long-day care program delivers everything you need – flexibility, curriculum richness, and fostering essential life skills.
But what is the difference between long daycare and preschool? And why might long daycare be the better fit for your family?
How ‘Long Daycare’ and ‘Preschool’ Are the Same
Whether your child attends preschool or a long-day care centre like Learn and Laugh, they will benefit from:
- A curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Educators who nurture creativity, emotional intelligence, and school readiness.
- Age-appropriate groupings and experiences that are designed to support peer interactions.
- Licensing and accreditation that meet the National Quality Standards (NQS).
Learn and Laugh, Step by Step – Sensorial activities boost concentration, joy in mastering skills, and critical thinking.
What Sets Long Daycare Apart from Preschool?
| Feature | Preschool | Learn and Laugh Long Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Term-based, shorter days | 7 am–6 pm, year-round |
| Age Range | Typically 3–5 years | From 6 weeks to 5 years |
| Toilet Training | Expected | Nappy-friendly—and we provide nappies |
| Meals | Provided by parents | Nutritious meals & snacks included |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Choose days and times to suit you |
Preschools often mimic primary school schedules, with shorter hours and term-based periods.
The long-day-care, however, is built for today’s busy family – extended hours and year-round care, inclusive meals, and flexible schedules.
What sets Learn and Laugh apart from Other Services
- A play-based learning approach enriched with routine, personalised attention, and school readiness
- Nutritious daily meals included, ideal for busy parents
- Support for every age – from infants to pre-schoolers
- A values-driven philosophy that strengthens individuality and emotional well-being
- Deep relationships with families built on trust and ongoing communication
Learn and Laugh room set up based on current children’s interest
What “School Readiness” Means at Learn and Laugh
Some families are concerned that long-day care doesn’t focus on academic readiness. We not only incorporate numeracy and literacy but emphasise crucial life skills like independence, social competence, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. All this is underpinned by the EYLF principles.
Read our School Readiness Guide (PDF) to see how we prepare children for their transition to school.
EYLF Outcomes and how we embed them in our routine:
Outcome 1: A strong sense of identity
Children choose their own activities, independently return materials, and learn peer collaboration.
Outcome 2: Connection and contribution to the world
Group gardening and collaborative projects that nurture care for others and cooperation.
Outcome 3: Sense of wellbeing
Practical life experiences support confidence, health habits, and coordination.
Outcome 4: Confident and involved learners
Sensorial activities boost concentration, joy in mastering skills, and critical thinking.
Outcome 5: Effective communicators
Storytelling and group discussions help build language and literacy foundation.
These outcomes align with both EYLF and Montessori philosophies, reflecting our commitment to holistic development.
Learn and Laugh – hands on learning and education. Above example; density.
Real Voices from Our Centres
From Learn & Laugh Drummoyne:
“Some families thought preschool was more structured – doing crafts like stencils. But we follow the same play-based, interest-led philosophy. The only difference? Our hours and the need to pack a lunch.”
From Randwick’s School Readiness Programme:
As the year progresses—especially in the final months before school—we introduce intentional experiences designed to support this transition and reflect real-life school situations. Children enjoy dress-up using local school uniforms, carrying backpacks, opening lunchboxes independently, and exploring with Reading Eggs – all designed to mirror real school routines. We work to build strong connections with local schools, providing learning experiences that help children become familiar with their future school environment.
One said, “Do you know I’m going to school?” as they practised with a backpack.
Learn and Laugh offers a variety of daily freshly cooked meals
Explore Our Services with Confidence
- EYLF Curriculum
- All-Inclusive Meals
- Age-Appropriate Grouping
- Extended Hours for Working Families
- Emphasis on Emotional and Social Development
Next Steps
Ready to learn more?
- Read earlier blog posts on community connections, partnership with families, transition to school and more.
- Review our menu planning blog featuring healthy meals.
- Request a personal tour to experience our long-day care and preschool integration first-hand.
Learn and Laugh values connection with community and the world around us
