What’s the Difference Between Daycare and Preschool?

Choosing the right early learning environment for your child can feel overwhelming — especially when terms like daycare and preschool are often used interchangeably. But while they both provide valuable care and learning, there are key differences that can help you decide what’s best for your family.

1. Age Groups Served

Daycare centers typically accept children from infancy through early school age. They’re designed to accommodate working parents by offering full-day supervision and care for a wide age range — from babies to elementary-aged kids.

Preschools, in contrast, usually focus on children ages 2.5 to 5 and are more geared toward kindergarten readiness.

At Tomlin Academy, we proudly serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering infant care, toddler care, preschool, and school-age programs — all under one nurturing roof.

2. Learning Structure & Curriculum

Daycares often blend playtime with early learning, but the primary goal is safe, nurturing care throughout the day.

Preschools tend to follow a structured educational curriculum designed to support pre-academic skills like early math, literacy, social development, and problem-solving.

Tomlin Academy’s approach combines the best of both worlds — nurturing care with a strong educational foundation at every age level.

3. Scheduling & Flexibility

Daycare programs often offer full-day care and are open year-round, including summer and most holidays — perfect for working parents who need consistent care.

Preschools may follow a school-year calendar and offer part-time or half-day options. Some close during breaks and summer.

At Tomlin Academy, we offer flexible scheduling to support busy parents while maintaining a consistent, enriching environment for children.

4. Licensing & Staff Qualifications

Both daycare and preschool facilities are licensed and regulated, but preschools may have more specific educational standards and staff with early childhood teaching credentials.

Daycare providers may range from certified centers to home-based care with varying staff training.

Our staff at Tomlin Academy are trained in both education and care — combining warmth with expertise.

5. Your Family’s Needs

If you’re looking for all-day care that can start as early as infancy, daycare is likely the best fit.

If your child is 3–5 years old and you’re focused on kindergarten readiness, preschool might be the better choice.

At Tomlin Academy, we understand that every child and family is unique — that’s why we offer a blend of both! Our program combines the nurturing environment of a daycare with the school-readiness focus of a preschool.

✅ In Summary: Daycare vs. Preschool

Feature	Daycare	Preschool
Ages Served	Infants to school-age (up to 12 yrs)	Typically ages 2.5 to 5
Curriculum Focus	Care + development	Structured school-readiness program
Scheduling	Year-round, full-day	Often part-day or school-year only
Flexibility	High	Lower
Goal	Support for working families	Prepare for kindergarten

Still unsure which option is best for your child?

We’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us or schedule a tour to learn more about what makes Tomlin Academy a nurturing, education-focused environment for children of all ages.

📞 Call us: (816) 785-7878

📧 Email us: admin@tomlinacademy.org

We’d love to talk with you or schedule a tour so you can see the Tomlin Academy difference firsthand!