Playschool vs Preschool vs Daycare: What Is the Difference?

Playschool or playgroup

The first step outside home, usually for children between 18 months and 3 years. Sessions are short, often two to three hours, and built around free play, songs and getting used to being with other children.

Preschool

A wider term covering the years before Class 1, typically from age 2 or 3 to 6. It includes Pre-Nursery, Nursery and the two KG years. Learning is still play-based, but with more structure: early language, numbers, art and outdoor time.

Nursery and kindergarten

These are class names inside preschool. Nursery is usually for 3 to 4 year olds. Kindergarten, split into Junior and Senior or LKG and UKG, covers ages 4 to 6 and prepares children for Class 1.

Daycare or creche

Care for the hours you are at work. It can start as early as four to six months and often runs to 6 pm or later. Good daycare includes meals, naps and play, and many centres combine it with a preschool session in the morning.

Which do you need?

• Child under 2 and both parents working: daycare with infant care
• Child aged 2 to 3, a parent at home: playgroup or Pre-Nursery
• Child aged 3 to 6: preschool, with daycare added if you need the hours
• Want one school until Class 12: a K-12 school with a pre-primary wing