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The Child Care Subsidy

Making Private Early Education More Accessible for Australian Families

At Kids Academy Early Learning, we believe that every child deserves the highest quality education and care from the very beginning - and that affordability should never be a barrier. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government initiative that helps reduce child care fees for eligible families, making it easier to access the premium care and education we provide.

With the proposed 3-day guarantee, even more families could benefit from subsidised early learning - regardless of how much they work, study, or volunteer.

What is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is financial assistance provided by the Australian Government to help families manage the cost of child care. The subsidy is paid directly to child care providers like Kids Academy, meaning your fees are reduced automatically.

Your CCS percentage is based on:

  • Your family’s combined income
  • The number of hours you work, study, volunteer, or train
  • The type of approved care you use

You only pay the remaining “gap” fee after the subsidy is applied.

What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?

In February 2025, the Australian Government introduced legislation for a 3-day guarantee - a key step toward a universal early learning system.

If passed, this means that from next year:

  • All CCS-eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight (equal to three days a week), even if they work or study less than the current activity requirement
  • Families caring for First Nations children will be eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight
  • Families working, studying, training or volunteering for more than 48 hours per fortnight will continue to receive up to 100 hours per child

These changes are designed to make high-quality early education more accessible for more families. More information will be released as the legislation progresses.

Am I Eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?

To be eligible for CCS, you must:

  • Have a child under 13 enrolled at an approved child care provider like Kids Academy
  • Be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible visa
  • Meet the activity test (or benefit from the 3-day guarantee, if it passes)
  • Ensure your child’s immunisations are up to date

You can check your eligibility and apply through MyGov.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy

Step 1: Apply via MyGov

  • Log in to your MyGov account and link it with Centrelink
  • Submit a claim, including income and activity details
  • Receive your assessed CCS percentage

Step 2: Contact Kids Academy & Discuss Fees

  • Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 to find your nearest centre and learn about daily fees

Step 3: Estimate Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

  • Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator below estimate how much you'll pay after CCS

Step 4: Confirm Your Enrolment

  • Once you’ve enrolled, log into MyGov and confirm your child’s CCS enrolment

Need help? Our friendly team is here to assist - just call 1800 244 532.

Estimate Your Child Care Costs

Want to know how much you'll pay after CCS is applied? Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to get an estimate based on your CCS percentage and centre fees.

Before using the calculator:

  • Log in to MyGov to check your CCS percentage
  • Call 1800 244 532 to confirm daily fees at your preferred Kids Academy centre
Please note

This is only an estimate of how much your family might pay for early childhood education and care. To confirm your eligibility and receive your subsidy, you must update your details for each child through your Centerlink - MyGov Account.

Children

Please note: If you have more than one child aged 5 or under in child care, eligible higher rate children will receive a 30% higher subsidy, up to a maximum 95%

$

Subsidy

%
hrs
$40,000
$530,000.00+
$
%
hrs

Maximising Your CCS Benefits

  • 3-Day Guarantee (Proposed): Receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight - regardless of how many hours you work or study
  • Higher CCS for second children: Have more than one child under five? Your second child may qualify for a higher subsidy
  • Increase your hours of activity: Families working or studying over 48 hours per fortnight may receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care
  • Low-income families: Those earning under $80,000 may be eligible for up to 90% off child care fees

Need help understanding your entitlements? Call us on 1800 244 532 for personalised support.

Why Choose Kids Academy Early Learning?

  • We’re an approved CCS provider
  • Flexible session times to help you make the most of your subsidy
  • All-inclusive daily fees - covering meals, nappies, and premium learning experiences
  • Personalised support to help families navigate the CCS process
  • A private, purpose-built environment and research-backed early education program

Ready to get started? Find your nearest Kids Academy and book a tour today!

Have Questions? Contact Us!

Call our Family Support Team at 1800 244 532 – we’re here to help!

Book an Occasional Care or Casual Day at Kids Academy