Big News for Families: 3 Days of Subsidised Childcare Coming in 2026!

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Australian families! From 5 January 2026, all families with children eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will be able to access three full days of subsidised early learning per week for each child—no work, study, or training activity test required. This is a major step forward in making early childhood education more accessible, affordable, and equitable.

What Does the 3-Day Guarantee Mean for Families?

• Guaranteed access to high-quality early learning – Every CCS‑eligible child can attend three full days each week, ensuring consistent learning and care.
• More subsidised care for all – CCS-eligible families earning under $533,280 per year will automatically receive 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (about six days), per child.
• Support for First Nations children – The guarantee provides up to 100 hours per fortnight.
• Keep your current entitlements – Families already receiving more than 72 hours due to work or study commitments will retain their benefits.
• No activity test needed – Families will not need to prove work, study, or volunteering hours to access the first three days.
• Cost-of-living relief – Families earning between $50,000–$100,000 could save an average of $1,460 per year, making childcare more affordable.
• Better school readiness – Regular early learning supports literacy, numeracy, social skills, and confidence, giving every child the best start in life.
• Fairer access for everyone – Supports families previously disadvantaged by activity-based rules.

This change guarantees that every child can access high-quality early learning, supporting their development during the most formative years.

How Much Will Families Save?

According to the Government’s fact sheet, here’s what families could save with the 3-Day Subsidised Childcare Guarantee, based on:

• One child in care for 36 hours per week (three full days)
• 50 weeks of care per year
• Average Centre-Based Day Care hourly fees for 2025–26
• Savings rounded for clarity

Annual Household Income	Savings Per Week	Savings Per Year (50 weeks of care)
$90,000	$230	$11,400
$120,000	$220	$10,630
$140,000	$200	$10,110

For many families, this could cover a family holiday, reduce monthly grocery expenses, and provide peace of mind with predictable childcare costs.

How Bright Steps Academy Can Help

At Bright Steps Academy, we are ready to support families with nurturing, play-based early learning environments across our centres. Our programs are designed to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while making learning fun:

• Engaging Outdoor Play: Natural playgrounds, gardens, climbing frames, sandpits, and bike tracks encourage exploration, curiosity, and physical development.
• Child-Led Learning: Bright, purpose-built classrooms support hands-on, interactive experiences that develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• School Readiness Programs: Our curriculum incorporates early literacy, numeracy, STEAM activities, and social-emotional learning to ensure children enter school confident and ready to succeed.
• Caring, Qualified Educators: Our passionate educators provide individual support, nurture each child’s unique strengths, and foster positive relationships with families.
• Holistic Development: Activities and routines focus on wellbeing, creativity, independence, and resilience, helping children develop the skills they need for lifelong learning.

By combining the 3-Day Subsidised Childcare Guarantee with our high-quality programs, families can access more early learning at lower cost and give their children a head start for school and life.

Secure Your Child’s Place for 2026

Spaces are limited as we prepare for this exciting new opportunity. Don’t miss out—book your tour or enrol today and take full advantage of the upcoming 3-day childcare guarantee.

Enquire today CCS CAULCULATOR

For more information on the 3-day guarantee – legislation passed 

www.education.gov.au/newsroom/articles/3day-guarantee-legislation-passed

www.ministers.education.gov.au/clare/albanese-government-introduces-legislation-guarantee-3-days-early-education-and-care

Our Core Values

At Bright Steps Academy, everything we do is shaped by our values: