Over the past few weeks, lots of Milestones families have reached out with questions about the upcoming Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changes, especially the new 3 Day Guarantee starting in January 2026.
And if you’re wondering what it means for your child, your routine, or your fees, you’re definitely not alone.
This update breaks everything down in a simple, human way - no jargon, no stress - so you can feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.
1. Do I need to do anything now to receive the 3 Day Guarantee?
For most families, the answer is no.
Services Australia will apply the new 72 subsidised hours per fortnight automatically if you’re eligible.
There is one important thing to remember:
- Confirm your family income when Services Australia asks you to. It’s a quick step, but it’s what keeps your CCS running smoothly.
If you’re unsure or feeling overwhelmed by it, just ask your Centre Manager - we help families with this every day.
2. My child already attends 3, 4 or 5 days -does anything change?
Good news: nothing negative happens to your CCS or fees.
The 3 Day Guarantee simply means that if your work or study hours change, you won’t suddenly lose access to subsidised care. It gives families more stability and peace of mind, which is something many parents have told us they really need right now.
Your routine stays your routine, and your child keeps the consistent, familiar days they love.
3. What if my child needs more than 3 days a week?
The 3 Day Guarantee is a minimum, not a cap.
If your child attends 4 or 5 days, the first 72 hours (roughly 3 days in most long day care settings) will fall under the guarantee.
Any extra hours will still be subsidised the same way they are now, based on your CCS percentage.
In short: If you need more than 3 days, you can keep them. The guarantee won’t reduce your entitlements.
4. Will this make childcare more affordable for us?
For some families, yes, especially if you’ve only been eligible for one subsidised day until now.
For families already using multiple days, the biggest benefit is certainty:
- no sudden changes
- no panic if your activity hours shift
- no surprise reductions in subsidised days
If you’d like help estimating what this might look like for your family in 2026, your Centre Manager can go through it with you in just a few minutes.
5. Should I secure my 2026 days now?
If you’re planning changes for next year, yes, it’s a good idea to start the conversation now.
January is always busy, and with more families gaining access to three subsidised days, demand is expected to increase.
You don’t need to make a big decision yet, even just saying, “I’m thinking about adding a day next year,” helps us plan ahead and gives you the best chance of securing your preferred routine.
Nursery and toddler rooms fill the fastest, so we recommend chatting to your Centre Manager sooner rather than later.
A Quick Checklist: Is the 3 Day Guarantee likely to help my family?
You may benefit if:
- You currently only receive one subsidised day per week
- Your activity hours vary or are unpredictable
- You’d like to add days in 2026
- You’re enrolling your child for the first time next year
- You want a more consistent weekly routine for your child
Even if you’re not sure, we’re always here to talk it through.
Why This Matters for Children, Too
While it’s natural to focus on fees and entitlements, the biggest impact is often on the children themselves.
More consistent days can help your child:
- feel settled and secure
- form deeper friendships
- follow familiar routines
- enjoy richer play and learning experiences
- build confidence heading into school
Every extra day at Milestones is another day your child is supported, encouraged, and given space to grow.
What Your Child Will Enjoy at Milestones
While it’s natural to focus on fees and entitlements, the biggest impact is often on the children themselves.
More consistent days can help your child:
- feel settled and secure
- form deeper friendships
- follow familiar routines
- enjoy richer play and learning experiences
- build confidence heading into school
Every extra day at Milestones is another day your child is supported, encouraged, and given space to grow.
What Your Child Will Enjoy at Milestones
No matter how many days your child attends in 2026, they’ll be welcomed into:
A caring, consistent environment
Educators who know your child, understand their cues, and celebrate their wins.
Wholesome breakfasts, warm lunches and delicious snacks, all included.
Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum
- Healthy Beginnings (0-1 years)
- Early Experiences (1-3 years)
- School Readiness (3-5 years)
Safety and quality you can trust
With national teams dedicated to quality, safety and compliance, your child’s wellbeing always comes first.
Play-based learning, every single day
Outdoor adventures, art and sensory play, music, movement, rest time and calm moments with educators who care.
We’re Here to Make This Easy
CCS changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.
If you have questions about your fees, booking patterns or eligibility for the 3 Day Guarantee, we’re always here to support you.
Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532
Find your nearest Milestones centre and book a tour
You’re doing an amazing job, and we’re here to help make childcare simple, supportive and stress-free.