Preschool (post to the Schools & Preschools newsletter)

• ages: over 2 only *
• openings: always starts a new "class" in the fall
• open: academic year only; may offer optional summer sessions
• where: usually a dedicated building (not in someone's home)
• staff: usually has several staff such as a director, more than one teacher, etc.
• number of kids: usually more than 6 children

Daycare (post to the Childcare newsletter)

• ages: infant - 5 years
• openings: accepts children year-round as spaces open up
• open: year-round
• where: usually based in someone's home
• staff: usually one person, perhaps with an assistant
• number of kids: typically 12 or fewer children

Preschool (post to the Schools & Preschools newsletter)

• where: usually in a dedicated building; if in someone's home then "preschool" is in its name
  AND
• ages: only children over 2 are accepted; if younger children are accepted then there is a separate preschool program *

Daycare (post to the Childcare newsletter)

• where: either in someone's home, or a childcare center
  AND
• ages: any age child is accepted *

* Exceptions: There are a few large childcare programs that are not home-based, and that accept babies as well as older children, but that have a separate program for kids older than 2. For example, Blue Skies for Children, Montclair Community Play Center, and St. John's Childcare Center. Questions or announcements about these programs may be posted to either the Childcare or the Schools & Preschools newsletters.

Related page: Advice about Daycare vs. Preschool