Choosing the right early learning option for your child is a big decision, and understanding the difference between Kindergarten and Long Daycare can help you feel confident you’re making the best choice for your family.

At Story House Early Learning, we offer embedded kindergarten (Vic and QLD), Preschool (NSW) across our long day care programs. Our Pathways to School curriculum embeds the foundation for school learning programs, which develops the skills and knowledge for school and life. 

What is the difference between kindergarten/preschool and kindergarten embedded in a long day?

Both are engaging early learning programs delivered by a university qualified Early Childhood Teacher and focus on social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through inquiry play-based learning.

Both follow a curriculum framework guided by state based government guidelines.

Both emphasise school readiness programs.

So what is the difference?

Preschool/kindergarten is delivered 

• Typically run during school terms (about 40 weeks per year)
  
• Operate for specific hours (e.g., 9:00 am – 2:30 pm)
  
• Is delivered for one year, so by the time your child gets to know their teacher, 40 weeks is finished.
• They do not offer year round care, so you need to find care for your child during school holidays.
  

Long Daycare provides:

• Offers flexible drop-off and pick-up times 
• Offers extended hours to support working families all year.
• Operates Monday to Friday, usually between 6:30 am – 6:00 pm.
• Children develop relationships with the teachers well before they enter the kindergarten/preschool program.
• Children create lifelong friends as they progress through each age group.
• Children will engage in the learning quicker as they will feel safe in a familiar environment.
  

At Story House, all our services deliver an Approved Kindergarten Program, meaning your child can experience the benefits of both worlds!

Differences by State

Each Australian state and territory has slight differences when it comes to how Kindergarten and Long Daycare are offered:

Queensland (QLD)

• Kindergarten is offered for 15 hours per week, 40 weeks of the year, and is delivered by a university qualified teacher, usually within Long Daycare settings or standalone Kindergartens.
  
• Follows the government approved Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG).
  
• Funded Kindergarten is for children who are 4 years old by June 30 in the year they attend.
  

New South Wales (NSW)

• Kindergarten is referred to as Preschool.
  
• Preschools may operate independently or as part of a long-daycare service.
  
• In Long Daycare, your child can still participate in a Government-approved Preschool program with a university qualified Early Childhood Teacher.
  
• Preschool funding generally starts the year before your child starts school (at age 4 or 5).
  

Victoria (VIC)

• Kindergarten is a two-year program available before school: 3-Year-Old Kindergarten and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten.
  
• In Long Daycare settings like Story House, your child can still participate in a funded Kindergarten program during their normal care hours.
  
• Funding applies based on your child’s age and eligibility, and fees can be offset by Government subsidies.
  

So, Which Option is Best for You?

If you’re a working family who needs care outside of standard Kindergarten hours, Long Daycare with an Approved Kindergarten Program may be the perfect fit.
Your child benefits from a rich learning environment while you enjoy the flexibility you need.

Why Families Love Story House Early Learning

At Story House, we offer:

• Our STRONG Beginnings curriculum, which includes our Stepping Stones for Little Feet and Pathway to School programs delivered by qualified educators.

• We offer a transition to school program, 6 months prior to your child starting school, including road safety, visits to local schools, lunch box learning program and so much more..
  
• Long Daycare hours to support busy family schedules
  
• Warm, nurturing environments tailored to each child’s unique journey
  
• Convenient locations across QLD, NSW, VIC and beyond.
  

Interested in finding out more?
Contact your nearest Story House centre today to arrange a tour!