What is the difference between long day care, family day care and kindy in Queensland?
If you are exploring childcare options for the first time, the terminology can feel overwhelming. Long day care, family day care, kindergarten, preschool, Free Kindy — these terms are often used interchangeably but they describe very different types of care and education. Understanding the differences helps you make a confident, informed choice for your family.
Here is a plain-language guide to the main types of early childhood education and care available to Queensland families.
Long day care
Long day care is a centre-based form of approved childcare that provides education and care for children from birth to school age in a purpose-built facility. It is the most common type of childcare used by working families in Queensland.
What makes it different? Long day care centres operate for extended hours — usually between 10 and 12 hours per day, five days a week, 52 weeks a year including school holidays. This makes it particularly suited to families where both parents work or study.
Who works there? Long day care centres are required to employ qualified educators, including a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher to lead the educational program. Educator-to-child ratios are regulated by the government to ensure children receive appropriate attention and care. You can meet our team at Scotts Road to see the educators behind our programs.
What does it cost? Families pay a daily or weekly fee which varies by centre and age group. Most families are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy through the Australian Government, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs. At Scotts Road Child Care Centre in Darra, fees start from as little as $12.19 per day after CCS. Learn more on our Child Care Subsidy page.
Can my child access Free Kindy through long day care? Yes — if the long day care centre is a Queensland Government approved Free Kindy provider. At Scotts Road, children aged 4 receive 15 hours of funded kindy per week for 40 weeks a year as part of our long day care program. This means families get the benefit of both extended hours care and a government-funded kindy program in one setting. Read more about our Preschool and Free Kindy program.
Family day care
Family day care is a home-based form of approved childcare where an educator cares for a small group of children in their own home. It is regulated and approved under the same national framework as long day care centres.
What makes it different? The main difference is the setting and group size. Family day care educators typically care for no more than four children under school age at one time, often in a mixed-age group. The environment is more home-like and intimate than a centre-based setting.
Who works there? Family day care educators are registered with an approved family day care service and must meet qualification and training requirements. They are supported by a coordination unit that conducts regular visits and ensures compliance.
What does it cost? Family day care is also eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Fees vary by educator and are generally set individually within guidelines.
Is it right for every family? Family day care suits some children and families very well, particularly those who prefer a smaller, home-like environment. However it may not be available in all areas and hours can vary depending on the individual educator.
Kindergarten (kindy)
In Queensland, kindergarten — commonly called kindy — refers to a specific early childhood education program for children in the year before they start Prep. It is a structured, play-based learning program led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and focuses on school readiness.
What makes it different? Kindy is a program, not necessarily a place. It can be delivered in a standalone community kindergarten, a long day care centre, or a prep program at a state school. The program itself is what is regulated — 15 hours per week for 40 weeks per year for eligible children.
Is kindy free? Yes — through the Queensland Government's Free Kindy initiative, eligible children receive 15 hours of kindy per week at no cost when attending an approved provider. This applies whether the kindy is delivered in a standalone setting or within a long day care centre like Scotts Road. Learn more about our Free Kindy program.
What is the difference between kindy and preschool? In Queensland, the terms kindergarten and preschool are often used interchangeably to describe the same program — early learning in the year before Prep. Both refer to a play-based educational program led by a qualified ECT.
What age does my child need to be? Children must turn 4 by 30 June of the year they attend kindy in Queensland. Learn more at the Queensland Government Free Kindy page.
Outside school hours care (OSHC)
Outside school hours care — commonly called OSHC — provides before school, after school and vacation care for primary school-aged children. It is separate from the early childhood programs above and is designed to support working families with school-aged children.
At Scotts Road, our OSHC and Vacation Care program is conveniently located near Darra State School and is also eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
Which type of care is right for my family?
The right choice depends on your child's age, your family's working hours, and what kind of environment suits your child best.
Long day care is usually the best fit for families who need flexible extended hours of care and education for children from birth to school age — particularly if you want your child to access Free Kindy within the same setting.
Family day care may suit families who prefer a smaller, home-like environment, particularly for younger children.
Standalone kindy may suit families who only need part-time care in the year before Prep and do not require the extended hours of long day care.
Scotts Road Child Care Centre — long day care and Free Kindy in Darra
Scotts Road Child Care Centre in Darra is an approved long day care centre and Queensland Government approved Free Kindy provider. We offer early learning programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, open Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm, 52 weeks a year.
Our programs include our Nursery program for babies from 6 weeks, our Toddler program for children aged 1 to 3, and our Preschool and Free Kindy program for children aged 3 to 5. Our OSHC and Vacation Care program supports families with school-aged children.
We are conveniently located in Darra, directly across from Darra State School, and are easily accessible for families across Oxley, Richlands, Forest Lake, Sinnamon Park, and surrounding suburbs.
To find out more, read our frequently asked questions, or book a tour to come and see our centre in action. Call us on (07) 5512 0910.
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Long day care is a type of centre-based childcare service that operates extended hours for children from birth to school age. Kindy is a specific educational program for children in the year before Prep. Kindy can be delivered inside a long day care centre — meaning families can access both in the one setting.
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Yes — daycare is an informal term commonly used to describe long day care. Both refer to a centre-based early childhood education and care service that operates for extended hours.
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Children can start long day care from 6 weeks of age. At Scotts Road, our Nursery program caters specifically to babies from 6 weeks in purpose-built rooms with qualified educators.