Is there really a big difference between daycare and preschool for a 3 year old, or is it mostly about the teachers?
We found a daycare with a preschool room, and also a separate preschool nearby. Both say play based, art, outside time, social learning, all the nice things. Daycare hours work better for us though. At age 3, does the preschool label matter, or is teacher fit the bigger thing?
Longer hours can actually be calmer if it means one consistent place. We almost chose a short preschool plus separate care, but that was too many transitions for my son.
Observe if you can. Are kids busy in a good way, are teachers talking with them, is there pretend play. Play based can mean rich play or just chaos.
I would be suspicious of heavy kindergarten prep at 3. I wanted stories, blocks, songs, bathroom help, and learning how to be with other kids.
At 3 I care more about warm teachers, routine, play, safety, and outside time than the word preschool. Our daycare preschool room was better than the fancy preschool we toured.
Ask about ratios and turnover. Those things change your child's day way more than the brochure words.