From January 2026, an important update to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will help more families access quality early learning. Known as the 3 Day Guarantee, this change means eligible families who don’t meet the CCS activity test will now be able to receive up to three subsidised days of care per week.
Whether you're planning to return to work, need extra support while job seeking, or simply want to give your child more opportunities to play, learn and grow, this new initiative opens more doors.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
Right now, families who don’t meet the CCS activity test (based on hours of paid work, study, or volunteering) can access 24 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, or roughly one day per week.
From January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee will increase that to 72 hours per fortnight, the equivalent of three days per week in most long day care settings.
This change means more children can enjoy the benefits of consistent early education and care during the most important developmental years.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee if:
- Your family income is under $535,279 per year
- You don’t meet the CCS activity test
- You have a child under school age
- You are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy
Real-Life Example: Meet James and Ava
James is a dad living in the Erina Heights area on the Central Coast. He’s currently between jobs and doesn’t meet the CCS activity test, which means his 4-year-old daughter, Ava, has only been eligible for one subsidised day per week.
With the 3 Day Guarantee starting in January 2026, James will be eligible for up to three subsidised days per week, helping Ava attend care more regularly.
| Subsidised days/week | 1 day | 3 days |
| Daily fee | $140 | $140 |
| CCS rate | 85% | 85% |
| Out-of-pocket per week | $21.00 | $63.00 |
For Ava, it means more time to build friendships, explore new ideas, and prepare for school. For James, it’s more space to focus on job hunting, recharging, and planning ahead.
Why Early Education Matters
The early years are when children build the foundations for learning, communication, confidence, and social connection. Regular access to high-quality early education helps children thrive, now and in the future.
At Kids Academy, our programs are designed to nurture every child’s growth during this powerful window of development. Through play-based experiences and personalised support, we help babies, toddlers and preschoolers build skills that will last a lifetime.
As part of our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, each stage of your child’s journey is supported:
- Babies: Forming secure relationships and exploring with their senses
- Toddlers: Gaining independence, language, and self-expression
- Preschoolers and kindergarteners: Building school readiness, resilience, and confidence
Why Families Choose Kids Academy
Kids Academy is more than just child care. We provide private early education with purpose, supporting every child to reach their full potential in a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Purposeful, premium early learning - Our research-based Lifelong Learning Curriculum builds confident, capable learners through inquiry and play.
- Safety and quality at the core - Supported by national teams dedicated to education, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Highly qualified educators - Our passionate team members are supported to grow their skills through the Affinity Learning Academy.
- Nutritious meals cooked onsite - Each centre has an experienced chef preparing balanced, seasonal meals children enjoy.
- All-inclusive daily fee - Nappies, meals and educational resources included, with no hidden extras.
- School readiness focus - We help your child build the skills they’ll need to succeed in prep and beyond.
What to Do Next
The 3 Day Guarantee begins in January 2026, but families are already planning ahead, and demand is expected to rise.
To secure your child’s place in our nursery, toddler or preschool rooms, we recommend starting the enrolment process early.
Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Day Guarantee gives more families access to the kind of early education that lays the foundation for lifelong success. At Kids Academy, we’re proud to offer a premium early learning environment where every child is recognised as capable, curious, and full of potential.
👉 Enquire or book a tour today to secure your child’s place for 2026 and give them the very best start in life.