What the 3 Day Guarantee means for children, families and our team at Lili’s Early Learning
From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce a major change to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Known as the 3 Day Guarantee, this reform gives eligible families a minimum of 72 subsidised hours of early learning per fortnight, regardless of their activity test outcome.
For families, this means greater access to early learning.
For children, it means more consistent routines and deeper learning opportunities.
For our team at Lili’s, it marks an important shift as we prepare for increased attendance, new enrolment patterns and ongoing support for families.
At Lili’s Early Learning, we are committed to guiding families through this change with clarity, care and a continued focus on high-quality early education.
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The reform ensures CCS-eligible families with a child under school age can access 72 subsidised hours per fortnight, which is the equivalent of around three days each week.
At present, families who do not meet the activity test receive 24 hours per fortnight. In 2026, this increases significantly, improving access to early learning for families across Australia.
Why this reform matters
Greater access to early learning
More children will attend regularly, supporting:
language development
social and emotional growth
smoother routines and transitions
stronger continuity of learning
greater equity for families from different backgrounds
More stability for families
The Guarantee provides consistent subsidised hours, helping families with fluctuating work arrangements feel more confident planning their child’s attendance.
Capacity planning for services
With demand expected to rise, early learning services nationwide are preparing for:
increased enquiries
a rise in bookings for children aged 0 to 3
educator recruitment and ongoing professional growth
considered room planning to maintain quality
At Lili’s, we will continue planning carefully to ensure our team and environments remain strong, stable and ready to welcome families who increase their days in 2026.
What this means for our educators
Educators and early childhood teachers will play an important role as attendance patterns change. This may include:
welcoming children who increase their days
supporting additional orientation visits
revisiting routines to keep them predictable and calm
continuing to deliver rich learning experiences
working closely with families as they adjust
Our commitment to professional learning, communication and support remains unchanged.
What this means for families at Lili’s Early Learning
Flexibility and stability
Families who previously accessed only one subsidised day may now increase to three, helping children settle into regular routines and build stronger relationships with educators.
No change for families already attending regularly
Families already using three or more days will continue with their current arrangements.
Predictability around fees
For some families, increased subsidised hours may reduce their out-of-pocket costs. For others, fees will remain the same. The Guarantee does not reduce existing entitlements.
Our approach as we prepare for 2026
Clear communication
We will keep families updated as more information is released by Services Australia.
Workforce planning
Our ongoing focus on training, educator development and recruitment will help support increased demand.
Safety and quality
Lili’s will continue to operate with strong compliance, regular audits and a continued focus on child safety and wellbeing.
Prioritising each child’s experience
More consistent attendance supports:
stronger bonds
smoother daily rhythms
deeper engagement with our learning program
increased confidence and belonging
We’re here for you
The 3 Day Guarantee marks an important moment for early learning, and we are committed to supporting our children, families and team throughout this transition.
If you have questions, please speak with our Centre Manager.
Together, we can make 2026 a positive and supported start for every child at Lili’s Early Learning.