<p>Both of my kids went to pre-school around 18 months, not daycare. They started with 2 hours a day 2 times a week. Most of the time our nanny sat outside waiting for them. By the time they were 4, they were there 5 days a week from 9-3. </p>
<p>In our experience, we liked pre-schools with a structure. The reason was to make sure kids were not left there doing nothing and fending for themselves. Our purpose in sending our kids to pre-school was not for babysitting, but for socialization, arts and crafts, and as they got older, some academic learning.</p>
<p>I have to say, cheap is not always good. It takes money to fund various activities and get good teachers. Rule of thumb for us was non-profit pre-schools were generally better.</p>