From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government will provide a significant boost to early childhood education under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reform known as the 3 Day Guarantee, every family eligible for CCS will be able to access at least 72 hours (the equivalent of three full days) of subsidised child‑care per fortnight for each child regardless of how many hours guardians work, study, or volunteer.
For families caring for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, the entitlement is higher: up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight foreach eligible child.
OUR COMMITMENT BACKED BY THE THREE DAY GUARANTEE
The 3-Day Guarantee has been introduced as part of the Australian Government’s reform to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program, coming into effect on 5 January 2026.
It is a direct response to widespread concerns around equitable access to early childhood education and aims to remove key barriers that have prevented some families particularly those with lower incomes or inconsistent work patterns from receiving adequate childcare support.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR FAMILY
This new guarantee removes barriers to access and helps families manage the rising cost of living.
KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE
Universal access to three full days of subsidised care (36 hours per week, or 72 hours per fortnight)More children receiving the early learning support they need to thrive and become school-ready.
Greater financial relief for working and non-working families alike
For First Nations families, the subsidy will increase from 36 to 100 hours per fortnight, offering additional support and consistency for children's learning and development.
THE FINANCIALIMPACT
Families enrolled at Maples can expect meaningful savings. Based on 36 subsidised hours per week over 50 weeks.
For example, a family earning $90,000 per year that previously qualified for just 18 hours of care each week will now receive double resulting in an increase to 36 hours per week greatly reducing out-of-pocket expenses and offering more stability for their child’s education.
GOOD BYE TO THE ACTIVITY TEST
A major shift under this policy is the removal of the Activity Test. Families will no longer be required to meet work, study, or volunteering conditions to qualify for subsidised care.
This change eliminates a significant hurdle for many parents, allowing more children to access high-quality early education regardless of their caregiver’s employment status.At Maples Early Learning, we believe every child deserves a strong start — and with the 3 Day Guarantee, we’re proud to help make that possible.
ENROL FOR 2026 NOW
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