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3 day guarantee for childcare

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The 3-Day Guarantee: How Families Will Save on Childcare in 2026

The Australian Government will implement the 3-Day Guarantee for early childhood education and care (ECEC) beginning in January 2026. Every family eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will have access to three days, or 72 hours, of subsidised care every two weeks. This care will no longer be limited by the activity test. This reform opens the door to quality early learning for more children, removes long- standing hoops tied to work or study, and reduces out-of-pocket costs for families. It is expected to help more than 100,000 children and meaningfully lower fees.

Key Points at a Glance
  • 72 subsidised hours per fortnight for each child (about 3 days per week) for all CCS- eligible families
  • Removal of the CCS Activity Test
  • Around 40,000 children are newly accessing care
  • A further 66,700 children are already enrolled to benefit from greater affordability
  • Families could save up to $11,400 per year
  • Children gain from stronger school readiness and developmental outcomes

What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?

The 3-Day Guarantee replaces the prior CCS Activity Test, which required families to show at least 16 hours per fortnight of recognised activity to receive subsidised care. From January 2026, that proof requirement disappears for the first 72 hours of care per fortnight (roughly six days per fortnight, or three days per week), making access simpler and fairer.

What changes:

  • All CCS-eligible families with incomes under $533,280 per year will automatically receive 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, per child
  • First Nations families continue to receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight
  • Families already entitled to more than 72 hours because of work or study keep their existing higher entitlements
  • For the first three days of subsidised care, CCS-eligible families won’t need to prove work, study, or volunteering hours
  • More consistent access for families previously disadvantaged by activity-based rules

In short, the policy removes red tape and ensures every child can participate in high-quality early education during the most formative years.

What This Means for Families

The 3-Day Guarantee translates to practical benefits at home and at your service.

More flexibility: If you’re eligible, you get the subsidised hours, no activity paperwork for
the first three days.

Lower costs: Many families will experience fee reductions of thousands of dollars each year.

  • Provide ongoing updates and useful links.
  • Provide individual enrollment support.
  • Help families to maximize their benefits with the new legislation.

Why This Policy Matters

We strongly encourage families to think ahead and consider securing additional days prior
to the 2026 fully transition to maximize the 3-Day Guarantee.

  • We’re excited by the positive outcomes of this reform for children and families in
    Australia.
  • It helps build early cognitive, emotional, and social skills through steady
    participation.
  • It improves school readiness by fostering communication, independence,
    confidence, and routine.
  • It ensures that more children experience high-quality education during their most
    critical developmental stages.

Families already receiving more subsidised hours through work, study, or exemptions will keep receiving those hours. First Nations families remain eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight.

Financial Relief for Families

Using Department of Education assumptions—one child in care 36 hours per week (three full days), 50 weeks per year, average Centre-Based Day Care hourly fees for 2025–26, and rounded figures, estimated savings are:

Annual Household Income Weekly Savings Annual Savings (50 Weeks)
$90,000 $230 $11,400
$120,000 $220 $10,630
$140,000 $200 $10,110

These savings ease cost-of-living pressure and support children’s ongoing participation in quality care. Please note: The 3-Day Guarantee may not be available at every provider. Services must meet eligibility rules and opt in. Montessori Academy intends to participate under government guidelines and pass these benefits on to our communities.

A Win for Children: Why Three Days a Week Helps

At Montessori Academy, we strongly support the 3-Day Guarantee. Consistent attendance, three days per week, helps children:

● Build secure relationships and confidence through predictable routines.
● Enhance academic and cognitive skill development through ongoing engagement.
● Promote social-emotional skills with peers and adults.
● Increase readiness for school, communication, and self-regulation.

This effort will provide more children with a comprehensive, child-directed curriculum. It provides them with the skills to prosper in the here and now, and in their formal education experience throughout the school years.

Getting Ready for the 2026 Start

The policy starts in January 2026. This gives families, services, and agencies time to adjust. Montessori Academy will:

● Provide ongoing updates and useful links.
● Provide individual enrollment support.
● Help families to maximize their benefits with the new legislation.

We strongly encourage families to think ahead and consider securing additional days prior to the 2026 fully transition to maximize the 3-Day Guarantee.

We’re excited by the positive outcomes of this reform for children and families in Australia. As further details are released, we’ll keep this page updated to help you stay informed. Want to estimate your benefits? Try our Child Care Subsidy Calculator or reach our Family Care Team at familycare@montessoriacademy.com.au or 1300 000 162.

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