How Much Does Childcare Cost
Understanding Fees, Inclusions and Government Support
Childcare costs vary depending on where you live, your child’s age and how many days they attend.
Understanding what’s included in your daily fee, and what government support your family may be eligible for, is the first step to planning with confidence.
At Papilio, we believe families deserve clarity and transparency when it comes to fees. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Affects the Cost of Childcare?
Several factors influence what families pay for early learning:
- Centre location - fees vary by region and city
- Your child’s age - care for babies and toddlers may be higher due to lower educator-to-child ratios
- Days and hours attended - more days generally means higher weekly fees
- Your CCS eligibility - government subsidy can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs
What’s Included in Your Daily Fee at Papilio?
At Papilio, your daily fee is designed to cover everything your child needs for a full, enriching day. Most of our centres include:
- Five healthy meals and snacks - freshly prepared on-site each day. See more >
- Nappies - provided for your convenience and peace of mind
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen and a Papilio shirt included
- The Lifelong Learning Curriculum - a research-based program supporting school readiness, emotional development and early learning. See more >
- Incursions - engaging in-centre experiences and visiting educators
- Storypark - our secure family app for daily photos, updates and two-way communication. See more >
- Mathseeds & Reading Eggs - included for preschool-aged children enrolled in our School Readiness Program. See more >
What Is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment that helps reduce the cost of early learning for eligible families. Your subsidy percentage is based on:
- Your family’s combined income
- The type of childcare service your child attends
- The number of hours you work, study or volunteer
- Whether your child is up to date with immunisations
The CCS is paid directly to Papilio, which means it reduces your fees automatically, you only pay the gap. Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.
The 3 Day Guarantee
From January 2026, the Australian Government’s 3 Day Guarantee is now in effect. This means:
- All CCS-eligible families receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, equivalent to three days per week
- This applies regardless of how many hours you work, study or volunteer
- Families caring for First Nations children are eligible for 100 hours per fortnight
- Families already doing more than 48 hours of recognised activity per fortnight continue to be eligible for up to 100 hours per child
For many families, this means more subsidised hours than before. Contact your centre or speak with our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 to understand how this affects your fees.
Why Quality Early Learning Is Worth It
Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that children who attend high-quality early education programs develop stronger cognitive and emotional skills, setting them up for a smoother, more confident transition to primary school.
At Papilio, every element of your child’s day is thoughtfully designed to make that investment meaningful.
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