Child Care Subsidy
3-Day Guarantee Program
More families can now access subsidised early learning — at least three days a week — without being restricted by the old activity test.
● In effect from 5 January 2026
What changed
The Child Care Subsidy update, explained simply
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government updated CCS rules so that eligible families can access a guaranteed minimum of subsidised care each fortnight — without needing to meet an activity test for those hours. This is often described as a "3 Day Guarantee" because 72 hours per fortnight roughly equates to three full days each week.
72
hours of subsidised care per fortnight
Guaranteed for every CCS-eligible child, regardless of the activity test
0 hrs
72 hrs guaranteed
100 hrs (with exemptions)
Hours, not days
The 72-hour entitlement is measured across a fortnight, not per week. You don't need to attend exactly three days — hours are used flexibly.
Activity test removed
The first 72 subsidised hours per fortnight are no longer gated by the activity test, making access easier for more families.
CCS still applies
You must still be eligible for CCS and registered with Services Australia. The subsidy reduces — but usually doesn't eliminate — your gap fee.
Indicative cost example
What might this mean for your fees?
The example below is illustrative only. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your household income, your CCS rate, hours used across the fortnight, and Montessori Minds' current session fees.
Example family — indicative only
Not a quote or guarantee
Household income (approx.)
~$90,000
Days of early learning
3 days per week
Estimated weekly cost (before CCS)
Estimated weekly cost (with 3 Day Guarantee)
~$62/week
Potential weekly saving
up to ~$371
Why regular attendance matters
How consistent attendance supports your child
At Montessori Minds, we see real differences in children who attend consistently. Our Montessori-informed program is designed around continuity — and three or more days each week allows children to settle, build relationships, and engage deeply with their learning environment.
- Stronger routines and a growing sense of confidence in the environment
- Deeper friendships and a genuine sense of belonging within the group
- Continuity of learning — children can revisit and extend work across sessions
- Smoother transitions for both children and families as relationships develop
- Greater opportunities for child-led exploration within our prepared environment
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, additional support may be available under CCS — potentially up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, subject to CCS eligibility and Services Australia rules. At Montessori Minds, we are committed to creating a culturally safe, respectful and welcoming environment. We value every child's identity, belonging, and connection to community, culture and Country.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Important note for families
This page explains the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) 3 Day Guarantee, which is administered by Services Australia — not Montessori Minds. CCS decisions, rates, and eligibility are determined independently by the government. Please use the information here as a guide only, and always verify your entitlements directly with Services Australia or via myGov.
These figures are a guide only. Actual costs depend on your CCS rate, hours used across the fortnight, and Montessori Minds' session fees. Please contact Services Australia, use the CCS Estimator, or contact Montessori Minds for further guidance.
CCS Estimator
Contact Montessori Minds
Services Australia