The 3 Day Guarantee: What Families Need to Know About Early Childhood Education From January 2026

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Starting January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce a 3 Day Guarantee for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), ensuring that every child has access to at least three days of subsidised care each week, regardless of their parents’ work or study activity levels. This exciting change replaces the current Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test and is aimed at supporting universal access to early learning for all children.

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How the 3 Day Guarantee Works

From January 2026:

All families will be eligible for at least 3 days of subsidised ECEC per week, regardless of activity levels.

Families who meet activity requirements or have a valid exemption can still access 5 days of subsidised care per week.

Families caring for a First Nations child will also be eligible for 5 days per week of subsidised care.

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Scenario example - Jane has 2 children under 4 years of age, her partner works  full time while Jane is a stay at home mum. Jane knows her children would love to spend time with other children playing and learning 1-2 days per week. But her partners income and the fact Jane doesn’t work or study means the cost is $350 for 2 children 1 day per week. With these changes the cost will be significantly less.

The 3 Day Guarantee will benefit families across Australia. In its first full financial year, it is expected to support around 66,700 families, with more than 100,000 families eligible for additional hours of subsidised care.

The government will invest $426.7 million over five years (from 2024–25) to implement the 3 Day Guarantee. 

Whether it’s your first time applying for a subsidy or reviewing your child’s eligibility, our team at Wanslea can support you. As a leader in Early Childhood Education and Care, we offer flexible options. Get in touch today to find out how we can support you. Email enrolments @wanslea.org.au.

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