Poplars Early Learning on the 3-Day Guarantee Childcare
From 5 January 2026, families in Canberra and Jerrabomberra who are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight. Here’s how it affects you and how Poplars Early Learning supports you in preparing.
What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?
The 3-Day Guarantee provides up to 72 subsidised hours of care per child per fortnight for families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
The subsidy CCS activity test will not apply to the first 72 hours. Any hours beyond that will continue under the regular rules.
Additional hours (up to 100 hours per fortnight) may apply for families caring for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child or with more than 48 hours of recognised participation per child.
Families still need to secure a place with a provider and pay any gap fee.
Learn more about the Government’s 3-Day Guarantee Childcare policy on the Department of Education website.
How the 3-Day Guarantee Will Help Local Families
For many local families, cost and schedule challenges limit care to two days a week.
With up to 72 subsidised hours per fortnight, you may add a third day without a major increase in out-of-pocket cost.
For example, a Canberra family with one child enrolled for three days a week (36 hours) and a combined income of $90,000 currently receives 18 subsidised hours weekly. From 2026, they’ll receive 36 hours, saving around $230 per week or about $11,400 per year (based on average 2025-26 fees).
More consistent attendance supports children’s routines, relationships, and learning.
What It Means for Poplars’ Families
At Poplars Early Learning, Approved Provider Fiona O’Donnell, who has more than 35 years of experience in early education, says many parents are already planning ahead for the 2026 changes.
“We’re seeing current families secure extra days now to make sure they’re ready when the new subsidy starts. New families are also enquiring early to take advantage of the 3-Day Guarantee. It’s such a great help for working families trying to balance care and cost.”
Both our centres at Holt and Jerrabomberra are supporting families as they plan for next year, helping them understand how the new subsidy will fit into their care arrangements.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Childcare Changes
With demand for quality education already rising, now is the best time to plan ahead.
Follow these steps to ensure your family is ready when the 3-Day Guarantee begins:
Check your CCS eligibility through the Services Australia website.
Review your current care schedule and decide if an extra day would help with work or routines.
Book a tour at our Holt or Jerrabomberra centres.
Confirm your 2026 enrolment early to secure preferred days.
Our team can help you understand your subsidy, fees, and options for extra days.
FAQs About the 3-Day Guarantee
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A Government policy starting in January 2026 that gives all CCS-eligible households up to 72 subsidised hours of care per fortnight.
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No. Families still pay the gap fee after subsidy, based on their CCS percentage and daily fees.
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No. You can use your 72 subsidised hours flexibly across the fortnight.
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Savings depend on family income and care hours, but many will benefit from hundreds of dollars in weekly reductions.
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FAQs About the 3-Day Guarantee
The upcoming changes make this the perfect time to reassess your family’s care needs.
At Poplars Early Learning, we’ll continue supporting Canberra and Jerrabomberra families with trusted, high-quality early education built on family values and experience.
Contact us today to discuss enrolments for 2026 and secure your child’s place before spaces fill.
