The Australian Government is making early learning more accessible for all families. From January 2026, every family (eligible for CCS) will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised early learning each fortnight through the new 3 Day Guarantee.
More Days Learning Belonging — Guaranteed.
Make the Most of the 3 Day Guarantee.
Give your child more of what matters
More belonging, growth and joy.
When you choose Eden, you’re doing more than just booking care, you’re giving your little one an extra day to feel valued, explore, connect and blossom. And now, with the 3 Day Guarantee, that extra day is within reach for more families than ever.
What the 3 Day Guarantee means for you
The Australian Government is making early learning more accessible for families.
With the 3 Day Guarantee, every family who are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is entitled to a minimum of three days (72 hours) of subsidised early learning per fortnight, no matter your work or study hours.
In simple terms:
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Your child now has 72 hours of subsidised early-learning every fortnight, no matter your work or study hours.
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That means three days of support, care and discovery, every second week helping you breathe easier, knowing they’re in a place that cares.
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More affordable access for every family which means less worry for you and more smiles, more connection and more freedom for them.
It’s designed to give children more time to learn and give families more support to balance work, life and play.
Why an extra day makes all the difference
Every extra day your child spends in care is another day of connection, learning and confidence-building. When children attend more regularly, they don’t just get used to their environment, they belong there.
More security, more growth
Children who attend more often feel settled, safe and connected in their surroundings. That sense of comfort helps them explore confidently, opening the door to curiosity and faster developmental growth.
Stronger bonds, stronger results
With extra time each week, your child forms deeper, more trusting relationships with familiar educators. These consistent connections help them feel seen, understood and supported every single day.
Confidence for the next big step
From toddler to kindy, extra days create steadier routines and stronger school readiness. Children grow more independent, capable and confident, ready to take on “big school” with excitement.
Cognitive & emotional safety
Cognitive growth and emotional wellbeing flourish with consistent attendance across the week. Three or more days bring the stability, connection and calm every child needs to truly thrive.
It’s more achievable than ever
The barriers that once made extra days feel out of reach have now been lifted. Families can freely choose what’s best for their child, investing in more learning, joy and belonging without compromise.
Why it matters so much
More days at Eden mean more time for your child to build confidence, connection and consistency.
“We’ve noticed such a difference since moving from two to three days. The friendships, the confidence, the routine, it’s made mornings so much easier.” – Matilda EA Parent, 2025
An extra day helps your child:
- More time to build confidence and friendships so children thrive when they feel settled and known.
- A stronger routine and sense of belonging that helps make mornings smoother, evenings calmer.
- More opportunities to grow curious, independent and engaged so they walk into school life feeling ready, not rushed.
And now, with the 3 Day Guarantee, that extra day is more affordable than ever.
What this means for your family
If your child currently attends one or two days a week, you can now add a third day, often without exceeding your subsidised hours.
Example:
If your daily fee is $140 and your CCS covers $118, you’ll only pay $22 per day for your third day of care.
Your centre team can help you:
- Calculate your estimated out of pocket expense
- Explore the best routine for your family
Talk to us today about adding an extra day!
Ready to make the most of it?
Here’s how to make the most of your guaranteed hours:
Talk to us today about adding an extra day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 3 Day Guarantee mean free childcare?
No, but you’ll receive 72 subsidised hours every fortnight, helping reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
When does it start?
From January 5th, 2026.
Do I need to do anything now?
Yes, speak with your centre team soon to secure your preferred days before spots fill up.
Will my CCS automatically update?
Yes, though your total fees will depend on your CCS percentage and daily rate. Your centre can help you estimate your new costs.
Is every family eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee?
No, not all families are eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee. To be eligible, a family must first be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and have a child under school age.
Eligibility is also restricted to families with a combined annual income of less than $535,279. The guarantee specifically benefits families who did not previously meet the activity test for subsidies but can now access at least 3 days (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised care.
