From January 2026, a major change is coming to early childhood education in Australia: the government’s new 3-Day Guarantee. This new law means every child will be able to access at least three days of subsidised early learning and care each week, no matter what their parents’ work or study situation is. Here’s what this means for families, why it matters, and how it will shape the future for our children.
What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?
From January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test will be replaced.
Every child will be guaranteed at least three days (or 72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) per week, if needed.
Parents and carers will no longer need to prove they are working, studying, or volunteering to access these subsidised days.
Why Is This Change So Important?
For many families, the old activity test created stress and barriers. If you weren’t working enough hours or had irregular work, you could miss out on subsidised care. This made it harder for some children, especially those from low-income or vulnerable backgrounds, to access early learning.
Now, with the 3-Day Guarantee:
- No more red tape: Parents don’t have to jump through hoops or justify why they need care.
- More children benefit: Approximately 40,000 additional children will access early learning for the first time, and tens of thousands more families will see their costs decrease.
- Real savings: Families could save up to $11,400 a year, depending on their income and care needs.
- More flexibility: Parents can take up work or study opportunities without worrying about losing their subsidised care.
How Will This Help Children and Families?
✓ Better school readiness: High-quality early learning gives children a strong start, helping them develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills that last a lifetime.
✓ Support for disadvantaged families: The reform especially helps families facing disadvantage, family violence, unemployment, or health challenges, ensuring no child misses out on early learning.
✓ Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: These families will be able to access up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight, boosting equity in early education.
✓ Less stress for parents: With guaranteed care, parents can focus on work, study, or family life, knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This is a visionary step towards a universal early childhood education system in Australia. It’s about making sure every child, no matter their background, has the chance to thrive. By removing barriers and making early learning more affordable and accessible, the 3-Day Guarantee is set to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all Australian children.
What Should Parents Do Next?
If you’re planning early learning for your child, now’s a good time to look at options in your area. Providers like Tribe Early Learning are ready to help families understand what these changes mean and how to maximise their benefits.
Stay tuned for more details as the January 2026 start date approaches.
Tribe Early Learning: Leading the Way
At Tribe Early Learning, we believe every child deserves the best start in life. We’re committed to supporting families through these changes, offering high-quality, nurturing early education that prepares children for school and beyond. As thought leaders in early education, we’re here to answer your questions and help your family get the most from the new 3-Day Guarantee.
Final Thoughts
This new legislation is more than just a policy change—it’s a promise to families that every child’s early years matter. With more children able to access quality early learning, we’re building stronger foundations for the future—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
