Early Childhood Education and Care – for all families.

From January 2026, parents of young children will have guaranteed access to three days of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) each week, following legislation passed by the Australian Government on 13 February, 2025.

Currently, to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families must meet requirements of the Activity Test – proving work, study or volunteer hours for at least 16 hours a fortnight.

Under the new system, the Activity Test is replaced by the Three-Day Guarantee, and all families will be eligible for at least 72 hours of subsidised ECEC per fortnight (3 days per week), regardless of their activity levels.

What does this mean for our families?

• Every family earning under $533,280 per year will receive 72 hours (six days) of subsidised ECEC per fortnight, without needing to meet activity requirements.
• First Nations families, and families caring for First Nations children, will receive access to 100 hours subsidised care per fortnight.
• Families receiving more than 72 hours of CCS through their work, study or volunteering activities will maintain their current entitlements.
• An estimated 66,700 families will automatically benefit.
• The removal of the activity test makes quality early education more accessible and affordable, reducing stress for families.

Example of benefits

Sarah and Alex are a couple with one child accessing ECEC at 3 days (36 hours) per week. Their combined family income is $90,000 per annum. Sarah works full-time and Alex works 8 hours per week.

Previously, they received 36 hours of CCS per fortnight. From January 2026, they are automatically eligible for 72 hours per fortnight. This saves them $230 per week of care, or $11,400 per year.For different family income thresholds, the savings are:

The 3-Day Guarantee marks a significant step toward the government's goal of creating a universal early education and care system, while providing immediate cost-of-living relief for families.

At C&K, we look forward to opening our doors to new families, and seeing children attend for additional days in 2026! With 40 childcare centres across Queensland, we welcome children from six weeks to five years to learn, play, and thrive alongside our experienced teachers and educators.

Find your nearest C&K childcare centre, book a tour or begin an enrolment application ahead of time.

For more information, view the Fact Sheet - 3 Day Guarantee – Early Education - Department of Education, Australian Government