What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
This new initiative removes the strict work/study hour requirements previously tied to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). From 5 January 2026, eligible families can receive:
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- ✅ No minimum activity hours required to access 3 days of care
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- ✅ Up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight for families who meet the activity test
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- ✅ 100 hours guaranteed for families caring for a First Nations child
That means more affordable care, more flexibility, and more opportunities for your child to benefit from early learning.
How much could you save?
The government estimates that in its first full year, this initiative will benefit 66,700 families immediately, with over 100,000 families becoming eligible for more hours of subsidised care overall.
Importantly, families earning over $533,280 per year in 2024–25 will remain ineligible for subsidised care, which aligns with current CCS policy.
What this looks like for real families
For many families, these changes could mean thousands in savings per year. Here’s an example:
Let’s say Lisa and Tom have one child enrolled in care three days per week (36 hours total). Their combined income is $90,000. Lisa works full-time, and Tom works casually (8 hours/week). Previously, they were only eligible for 18 hours of subsidised care per week.
Under the 3 Day Guarantee, they will now receive 36 hours per week — saving them around $230 each week ($11,400 per year) based on average 2025–26 fees.
Here’s how savings compare across different household incomes:
| Annual Income | Additional Weekly Savings | Annual Savings |
| $90,000 | $230 | $11,400 |
| $120,000 | $220 | $10,630 |
| $140,000 | $200 | $10,110 |
Figures are based on one child in care for 36 hours/week, 50 weeks/year, using projected 2025–26 average hourly fees. Figures are rounded.
Why choose Busy Bees in 2026?
If you’re planning to enrol your child in care in 2026, this initiative could unlock thousands in savings — but more importantly, it unlocks access to the benefits of early education during your child’s most formative years.
At Busy Bees, we make every day count. With your three guaranteed days of subsidised care, your child will experience:
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- 🐝 All-inclusive care – no hidden fees, just everything your child needs
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- 🌿 Flexible hours – designed to work for modern families
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- 🎨 Enriching, play-based programs – yoga, cooking, nature play, STEM, music, and more
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- 🎓 School readiness focus – setting children up for success in Prep and beyond
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- 💛 Warm, inclusive environments – where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated
Enrolments for 2026 Are Now Open
With the 3 Day Guarantee coming soon, we’re expecting high demand across all centres — especially for families looking to secure care for three days per week.
Now is the perfect time to:
👉 Book a tour and visit your local Busy Bees
👉 Speak with our team about how your family could benefit from the 3 Day Guarantee
Let us help you give your child the best possible start — with care that’s playful, purposeful, and proudly Busy Bees.
