Child Care Subsidy
Explore the 3-Day Guarantee
Since 5 January 2026, under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reform known as the 3-Day Guarantee, every family eligible for CCS can 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 for each eligible child.
Our Commitment, Backed by the 3-Day Guarantee
The 3-Day Guarantee was introduced as part of the Australian Government's reform to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) program, and came 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.
The Australian Government is investing $426.7 million over five years in the guarantee. It is designed to support universal access to early learning, help children become school-ready and ease cost-of-living pressure on families.
Source: Australian Government Department of Education, 3 Day Guarantee
What This Means for Your Family
This 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 increases from 36 to 100 hours per fortnight, offering additional support and consistency for children's learning and development.
The Financial Impact
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 now receives double, 36 hours per week, greatly reducing out-of-pocket expenses and offering more stability for their child's education.
What Three Days Could Cost at Maples
Estimated out-of-pocket cost per week for three days of care, after the Child Care Subsidy.
Estimates use 2026–27 CCS rates at the standard rate for one child, 12-hour sessions at Kilmore ($161.50 a day) and 11.5-hour sessions at Hawthorn East ($187.50 a day), with the usual 5% withholding. Use the calculator below to work out your own family's cost.
Child Care Subsidy Calculator
See what the Child Care Subsidy could cover at Maples and what you might pay each day, week and fortnight.
More questions about fees and subsidies? Read our FAQs
Goodbye to the Activity Test
A major shift under this policy is the removal of the Activity Test. Families are no longer 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.
The Activity Test was introduced in 2018 and required parents to work, study or volunteer to receive subsidised care. It was removed in full on 5 January 2026, so eligibility for three days of care no longer depends on what parents do during the day.
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 2027 Now
Come and see Maples for yourself, or secure your child's place today.
Book a tour or register
Visit us at Kilmore or Hawthorn East, or register online and tell us the days you would like.
We confirm your place
Our team contacts you about availability and talks you through the fees for your chosen days.
Your subsidy is applied
Once your enrolment is linked to your CCS in myGov, the subsidy and 3-Day Guarantee come off your fees automatically.
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