If you’ve been thinking about starting child care but weren’t sure if it was affordable, or if you were eligible for support, there’s good news.
From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce the 3 Day Guarantee, helping more families access up to three subsidised days of child care per week, even if they don’t meet the usual activity test for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
At Aussie Kindies, we believe all children deserve access to high-quality early learning. This new policy makes that possible for even more families, and we’re here to make your child’s start a happy and supported one.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
Right now, if your family doesn’t meet the CCS activity test (based on paid work, study or volunteering), you may only be eligible for 24 subsidised hours per fortnight, or about one day per week.
From January 2026, that will increase to 72 hours per fortnight, which is the equivalent of three days per week in most long day care settings.
That’s more time for your child to learn, play and connect with others, and more support for you as a parent or caregiver.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee if:
- Your family income is under $535,279 per year
- You don’t meet the CCS activity test
- You have a child under school age
- You are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy
📍 Check your eligibility on Services Australia
Real-Life Example: Meet Tahlia and Max
Tahlia is a mum in Victoria, studying part-time while raising her 3-year-old son, Max. She doesn’t meet the CCS activity test and has only been eligible for one subsidised day of care each week.
From January 2026, she’ll qualify for up to three subsidised days per week under the 3 Day Guarantee.
| Subsidised days/week | 1 day | 3 days |
| Daily fee | $140 | $140 |
| CCS rate | 85% | 85% |
| Out-of-pocket per week | $21.00 | $63.00 |
This change gives Max more time to play, learn and grow with friends, and gives Tahlia the space she needs to study, rest and prepare for what’s next.
Why the Early Years Matter
The first five years of life are full of big changes, learning to talk, making friends, following routines, and exploring the world through play.
At Aussie Kindies, we create safe, welcoming environments where children feel confident to explore, ask questions, and grow at their own pace.
Whether your child is:
- A baby just starting to explore their world
- A toddler building independence and language
- A preschooler getting ready for big school
Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is designed to support them at every stage. Grounded in research, it helps children build essential life skills, through play, relationships, and hands-on experiences.
Why Families Choose Aussie Kindies
Aussie Kindies centres are rooted in community, care and quality. We work closely with families to create meaningful connections and provide the consistency children need to thrive.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Community-minded care - Our centres are inclusive, welcoming and deeply connected to the families and communities we serve.
- Focus on safety and quality - Supported by national teams dedicated to education, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Qualified, caring educators - Our team members are supported to grow their skills through the Affinity Learning Academy.
- Nutritious meals, cooked fresh onsite - Our centre chefs prepare seasonal menus designed for growing minds and bodies.
- All-inclusive daily fee - No hidden costs. Nappies, meals, and learning resources are all included.
- Strong school readiness focus - We help children build confidence, friendships and foundational skills for a smooth transition to school.
Planning for 2026? Now’s the Time to Start
Although the 3 Day Guarantee doesn’t start until January 2026, families are already enquiring and reserving places, especially in nursery and toddler rooms, where demand is highest.
To make sure you secure your preferred days, we recommend starting the enrolment process early.
Find your nearest Aussie Kindies centre and book a tour today.
Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Day Guarantee is a meaningful step forward, making early learning more accessible and affordable for Aussie families, and giving children more time to build confidence, friendships and skills for life.
At Aussie Kindies, we’re proud to offer a nurturing, play-based learning environment where every child is valued, and every family feels part of our community.
👉 Book a tour or enquire today to secure your place for 2026. We’d love to welcome you to the Aussie Kindies family.