In the years before a child starts school, they take part in a tailored program that will help to prepare them for formal learning. Depending on the centre, children can be between three and five years old when they start preschool. The location can be within a long daycare centre, in a separate purpose built centre, or even within a primary school.

The hours of operation tend to be similar to school, around 8.30am until 3.00pm, though some centres offer longer hours especially if they are part of a long daycare centre. Qualified educators help children learn about cooperation, emotional regulation, language and literacy, and building independence.