Hey Natalie, I recommend the collapsible, having seen and handled a few now. They are easier to handle and transport, and have the great advantage that it can be adjusted so the upper assembly isn't fully raised (several cm short of the top) but still is secure. Why would you want that? Well, if you get as far as putting a camera into the focusser, you would discover that, with a solid tube unit, you may not be able to get the camera to focus. By not raising the upper assembly all the way, you will be able to get a camera to focus for some astrophotography.
One extra item you should get is a light shroud to wrap around the open part of the scope. You should be able to easily make one, but you may need one or two plastic hoops to hold the material away from the light path. Pulling it tight across the three struts will likely block out some of the light that is coming from the stars and down the tube. A shroud is useful for:-
* Keeping extraneous light (streetlights, houselights, general sky glow) away from the inside of the tube - you just want the light coming from directly above the scope.
* Help keep dew from forming on the primary mirror (and stopping dust/dirt/leaves/cats getting in!)
* For when you drop something - it bounces off the shroud onto the grass (hopefully, not concrete) and doesn't fall onto your primary mirror - ouch!
Let us know how you go.
Once you have one, come back here and we can discuss important issues such as collimation, alignment of the finderscope, alignment of the telescope, what to look at and how to find it, how best to power it, when might you see colour in things, what eyepieces would be best - lots of good things!
ps. Your daughter can cope with the cold, lack of sleep, fighting off the mossies, being in the dark etc.?? All part of the hobby, I'm afraid. And did I mention extreme patience when it is clouded out for weeks on end!