From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce a 3-Day Guarantee for childcare, providing families with access to three days (72 hours) of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per fortnight, regardless of income or activity levels. This support will be delivered through the Child Care Subsidy, which will no longer be limited by the current activity test.
This landmark reform will make quality early learning more accessible and affordable for families, while removing long-standing barriers tied to work and study requirements. It is expected to benefit more than 100,000 children and reduce out-of-pocket childcare costs significantly.
Key Highlights
- All CCS-eligible families will receive 72 subsidised hours per fortnight for each child (around 3 days per week)
- The current CCS Activity Test will be removed
- An estimated 40,000 children will newly access care
- A further 66,700 children already enrolled will benefit from increased affordability
- Families may save up to $11,400 per year
- Children benefit from improved school readiness and developmental outcomes
What is the 3-Day Guarantee?
The 3-Day Guarantee replaces the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test, which previously required families to prove they worked, studied, or volunteered for at least 16 hours per fortnight to access subsidised care.
From January 2026, that requirement will be removed for the first 72 hours of care per fortnight (around six days per fortnight or three days per week), making access to early learning simpler and more inclusive.
Here’s what the change means:
- All CCS-eligible families earning under $533,280 per year will automatically receive 72 hours (equivalent to about six days) of subsidised care per fortnight, per child
- First Nations families will continue to receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight
- Families currently receiving more than 72 hours due to work or study commitments will retain their existing entitlements
- CCS eligible families do not need to prove work, study, or volunteering hours to access the first three days of subsidised care
- More equitable access for families previously disadvantaged by activity-based rules
This reform removes unnecessary barriers and ensures that every child has the opportunity to benefit from high-quality early education during the most critical years of their development.
What the 3-Day Guarantee Means for Families
In simple terms, the 3-Day Guarantee means more freedom, less financial stress, and easier access to early learning for most families.
- More flexibility: You no longer need to meet activity or work requirements to access care. If you’re eligible, you get it.
- Lower costs: Many families will save thousands of dollars per year in childcare fees.
- Better access to early education: More children in care means stronger school readiness and development outcomes.
Why This Policy Matters
The 3-Day Guarantee is a transformative investment in Australia’s future. It removes long-standing financial and logistical barriers that have limited access to early childhood education and care.
- Promotes inclusion and equity by giving most children the same opportunity to attend
- Supports early cognitive, emotional, and social development through consistent participation
- Provides essential school readiness skills such as communication, independence, confidence, and routine
- Ensures more children experience high-quality early education during their most sensitive stages of development
This policy empowers children to thrive at school and in life by providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Families currently receiving more subsidised hours (due to work, study, or exemptions) will continue to access those benefits. First Nations families will remain eligible for up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight, ensuring continued support for their children’s educational journey.
Financial Relief for Families
According to the Department of Education, families across a range of income levels are expected to benefit from significant weekly and annual savings under the 3-Day Guarantee. The government’s fact sheet provides estimated savings based on the following assumptions:
- One child attending care for 36 hours per week (equivalent to three full days)
- 50 weeks of care per year
- Average Centre-Based Day Care hourly fees for 2025–26
- Savings figures have been rounded for clarity
| Annual Household Income | Weekly Savings | Annual Savings (50 Weeks) |
| $90,000 | $230 | $11,400 |
| $120,000 | $220 | $10,630 |
| $140,000 | $200 | $10,110 |
This cost-of-living relief helps families access care without financial stress, supporting both parents and children.
Please note: The 3-Day Guarantee may not be available at all childcare providers. Services must meet eligibility criteria and opt in to participate. Montessori Academy intends to actively participate following government guidelines and pass on these benefits to our early learning communities.
A Win for Children: The Benefits of Three Days Per Week
Montessori Academy strongly supports the 3-Day Guarantee, which aligns with our belief that consistent, high-quality early learning is critical during the first six years of life.
Benefits of attending three days per week include:
- Greater consistency, helping children feel secure, confident, and connected
- Improved academic and cognitive outcomes through sustained engagement
- Stronger social and emotional relationships with peers and educators
- Better preparation for school, including routines, communication skills, and self-regulation
This initiative gives more children the opportunity to benefit from a holistic, child-led education, preparing them to thrive now and in the future.
Preparing for the 3-Day Guarantee
The 3-Day Guarantee will begin in January 2026, allowing time for families, services, and government agencies to prepare for a smooth transition.
At Montessori Academy, we are committed to supporting families throughout this change. We will:
- Share regular updates and resources
- Provide personalised enrolment guidance
- Help families maximise their entitlements under the new policy
We encourage families to begin planning early and consider securing additional days ahead of the 2026 transition to make the most of the 3-Day Guarantee.
We’re excited about the positive impact this policy will have on children and families across Australia. As more details are announced, we’ll continue to update this page to keep families informed.
To get a clearer understanding of your potential entitlements, use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator or contact our Family Care Team at familycare@montessoriacademy.com.au or call 1300 000 162.