What’s Changing?

Exciting news for parents! From January 2026, the Federal Government is changing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test. Under the new 3-Day Guarantee, all families with a CCS approval will be able to access up to 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight, even if parents are not working, studying, or training.

From 5 January 2026:

• All CCS eligible families will get 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight for each child.
• Families caring for First Nations children will get 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight for each child.
• No minimum activity hours required to access the scheme.

This change is designed to support universal access to early learning, helping more children get school-ready while providing targeted cost-of-living relief for families. It makes early learning more accessible for stay-at-home parents and families with limited activity hours.

How much will your family save?

How the 2026 changes could affect your family budget, based on income:

What Does This Mean For You?

If your child is attending childcare in 2026, you could save thousands of dollars in childcare fees.

The Day Guarentee Early Learning means:

• More opportunities for your child to learn, play and grow.

• Less financial pressure on your family.

• Access to quality early education at Piptree’s nurturing centres.

Approval for CCS (Child Care Subsidy) and other benefits can take weeks, sometimes months. Families who wait often miss out on their preferred start dates. 

Our Commitment

At Piptree, we know how important these first years are. Our programs focus on play, exploration, and social development in a caring environment. With the new CCS changes, more families than ever can access quality early learning at a lower cost.

We’ll support you through every step, from CCS applications to enrolment – so your child is ready to thrive in 2026.