Dear families, exciting changes are coming to early childhood education in Australia! Starting 1 January 2026, the Government’s new “3 Day Guarantee” will ensure most families can access at least 72 hours of subsidised early learning and care per fortnight – that’s roughly 3 days a week – for each child. This reform will remove the current Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test, making child care more accessible and affordable for thousands of families. Below, we explain what this means for you and how Bush Kids is here to support your family through these changes.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The 3 Day Guarantee is a new law that guarantees families a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per fortnight (approximately 3 days a week) for each child. In other words, every child in a CCS-eligible family will be able to attend a minimum of three days of child care with government subsidy. This guarantee begins January 2026, giving providers and parents time to prepare.
Importantly, the 3 Day Guarantee replaces the old CCS “Activity Test.” Under the current system, the hours of subsidised care you get depend on the hours parents spend in work, study or other recognized activities. From 2026, these restrictions will be lifted. Every family eligible for CCS will automatically receive 72 hours/fortnight subsidised care, no matter their activity hours.
Families with First Nations children will now be entitled to the full 100 hours/fortnight of subsidised care regardless of activity – an increase from the 36 hours they were guaranteed before.
Current Rules vs New Rules: What’s Changing?
- Before 2026: Your subsidised hours depend on how many hours you work or study. Some families receive limited or no subsidised care if they don’t meet minimum activity hours.
- From January 2026: All CCS-eligible families will receive a guaranteed 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (approximately 3 days per week), regardless of how many hours they work or study.
This means families who previously could not access sufficient subsidised care – including part-time workers, stay-at-home parents, or those between jobs – will now have access to 3 days of affordable early learning.
Who Will Benefit?
- Low- and middle-income families who were previously restricted by the activity test.
- Single parents and those with unpredictable or casual work arrangements.
- First Nations families, who will receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
- Families with one parent at home or those studying part-time.
The Department of Education estimates:
- Families earning $90,000 may save up to $11,400 per year.
- Families earning $120,000 may save around $10,630 annually.
- Families earning $140,000 may save around $10,110 annually.
Why It Matters for Your Child
At Bush Kids, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive in a nurturing, engaging learning environment. Regular access to early learning helps children build relationships, confidence, and a love for learning. The 3 Day Guarantee ensures more children can consistently benefit from the nature-based, play-driven programs we offer.
How Bush Kids Can Help
We’re here to help you make the most of this change:
- Speak with our Centre Directors for personalised advice about your family’s CCS entitlements.
- Adjust your enrolment to take advantage of the 3 subsidised days.
- Stay informed through our newsletters and staff updates.
- Enrol your child in a Bush Kids program at Bunbury, Eaton or Busselton today.
Final Thoughts
This reform is a positive step for families across Australia. It removes a major barrier to accessing early education and helps every child get the best possible start. At Bush Kids, we’re excited to welcome more children into our centres and continue supporting families with high-quality, nature-based learning.
If you have questions or would like to explore enrolment options, contact your local Bush Kids centre today.
We’re here to help your child grow, explore and thrive – naturally.
