From January 2026, a major change to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will make it easier for more families to access subsidised early learning and care. Known as the 3 Day Guarantee, this update will provide eligible families with up to three days of subsidised child care per week, even if they don’t meet the CCS activity test.
Whether you’re planning a return to work, navigating life with a toddler, or simply looking to give your child more time to play and connect with others, this change could open new opportunities for your family.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
Currently, families who don’t meet the CCS activity test, based on hours of paid work, study, or volunteering, can only access 24 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (around one day per week).
From January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee will increase that to 72 hours per fortnight, or the equivalent of three days per week in most long day care settings.
It’s a welcome change that will allow more children to experience the benefits of consistent early education during their most important developmental years.
Who Is Eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee?
You may be eligible if:
- You have a child under school age
- Your family income is under $535,279 per year
- You are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
- You do not meet the CCS activity test
Check your eligibility on Services Australia
Real-Life Example: Meet Emily and Noah
Emily is a mum living in Melbourne with her 2-year-old son, Noah. She’s currently on parental leave and doesn’t meet the CCS activity test.
Right now, that means she’s only eligible for one subsidised day of care per week. If she wanted Noah to attend more often, she’d need to pay full fees, which just hasn’t been possible.
From January 2026, Emily will be eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee, giving her up to three subsidised days per week.
| 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 Noah, this means more time to learn through play, build friendships, and prepare for preschool. For Emily, it’s a chance to rest, plan her return to work, and feel supported.
Why the Early Years Matter
The first five years of life are a time of rapid brain development. Positive early learning experiences during this window build the foundation for a child’s confidence, curiosity, and wellbeing for years to come.
At Papilio Early Learning, we provide a premium early education experience through our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum, developed by early childhood education specialists and informed by the latest research in brain science, child development and psychology.
Our programs support children at every age and stage:
- Babies - learning to feel safe, secure and connected
- Toddlers - developing language, independence and problem-solving skills
- Preschoolers - building friendships, self-regulation, and school readiness
Why Families Choose Papilio
Papilio isn’t just a place for child care, it’s a place where children are nurtured, challenged and celebrated every day.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Premium, research-led curriculum - Our exclusive Lifelong Learning Curriculum helps children build skills for life and a love of learning.
- Safety and quality first - Every centre is supported by national teams dedicated to education, compliance, and quality.
- Highly qualified educators - Our passionate team members receive ongoing training through the Affinity Learning Academy to continually grow their skills.
- All-inclusive daily fee - Nappies, meals and learning resources are included, no surprise costs.
- Nutritious meals, cooked onsite - Each centre has a dedicated chef who prepares seasonal, balanced meals and snacks every day.
- Focus on school readiness - Our preschool program helps children build the confidence, independence and social-emotional skills they need for a smooth transition to school.
What to Do Next
While the 3 Day Guarantee takes effect in January 2026, families are already enquiring and reserving places, especially in nursery and toddler rooms where demand is highest.
Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532.
Questions About the 3 Day Guarantee?
To find out how this change may apply to your family, visit Services Australia for up-to-date information on CCS eligibility and entitlements.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Day Guarantee is about more than saving money - it’s about giving more children access to consistent, high-quality early education and giving families more flexibility and support.
At Papilio Early Learning, we’re proud to offer a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where your child can grow, thrive, and build the skills they need for a bright future.
Enquire or book a tour today and discover how we can support your family’s journey.