From January 2026, Australian families will be guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per fortnight, or 3 days a week
The 3 Day Guarantee will replace the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test
Many families will save thousands per year under the new legislation
In a landmark moment for Australian families, the Albanese Government has successfully passed legislation for the 3 Day Guarantee for early learning, ensuring every child can access vital early education opportunities. This pivotal legislation celebrated as a “huge win for children,” will open doors to life-changing early learning experiences for tens of thousands of children across the country.
Three Cheers for Three Days! What the Activity Test Reform means for your family
From January, all families who are eligible for CCS will receive enough Child Care Subsidy so they can attend a minimum of 3 days per week!
We believe every child should have the opportunity to access quality early learning and this change is a HUGE step in that direction.
It’s a big win for families who are looking for work, or who work casually or are studying - these families can now plan with certainty.
From next year families will either have 72 or 100 hours of CCS per fortnight.
Even better, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families will all have 100 hours per fortnight of CCS, meaning they can attend 5 or 4 days per week.
By working with families to ensure they book the best sessions for their needs, we can help them make the most of the subsidised hours they have available and ensure they are paying the lowest possible out of pocket cost.
At Goodstart, we believe all children deserve the best possible start in life, which includes access to high-quality early childhood education and care.
We offer:
Discounts on multiple days
All day sessions
Discounted shorter sessions
Fee assistance programs for families that need support
Why the 3 Day Guarantee Matters
The 3 Day Guarantee law is expected to profoundly impact access to early learning. The legislation will enable approximately 40,000 children to access early learning opportunities while making early learning more affordable for another 66,700 children, primarily from low-income families.
Dr Ros Baxter, CEO of Goodstart Early Learning, praised the decision as “the best possible news” for Australia’s children and families. “This is a great day, and we thank the Parliament for prioritising the needs of Australia’s children,” Dr. Baxter said.
How Much will Families be Better Off?
According to the Department of Education’s fact sheet, a family with a combined annual household income of $90,000 would save $230 per week or $11,400 per year.
Annual Income (Household) | Weekly savings (from 2026) | Annual savings (50 weeks of care) |
$90,000 | $230 | $11,400 |
$120,000 | $220 | $10,630 |
$140,000 | $200 | $10,110 |
Addressing Barriers to Early Learning
The law’s approval comes in response to recommendations from the Productivity Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Both bodies highlighted that the existing activity test for the Child Care Subsidy created barriers for low-income families, limiting their children’s access to early learning services. By removing these obstacles, the 3 Day Guarantee ensures equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children, regardless of their family’s situation.
A Seamless Transition for Providers and Families
The legislation allows ample time for implementation, with a commencement date set for January 1, 2026. This timeline ensures that Services Australia and early learning providers can make the necessary system updates to deliver the guarantee effectively. Goodstart looks forward to working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for families.
Looking Ahead
Approving the 3 Day Guarantee marks a significant step forward in creating Australia's more inclusive and equitable early learning system. By prioritising children’s access to education and addressing financial barriers, this legislation promises to shape a brighter future for children.
