The 3-Day Guarantee: What It Means for Village Early Learning Families in 2026

Exciting news is coming for families in 2026. From January 5, all eligible families will benefit from the Australian Government’s new 3-Day Guarantee. This change makes childcare more accessible and easier to plan for, no matter your work or study situation. At Village Early Learning in Perth, we are ready to help families take full advantage of this new opportunity.

What is the 3-Day Guarantee?

The 3-Day Guarantee means that every eligible child will receive at least three full days of subsidised childcare per week. This is part of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and is designed to make childcare more affordable and flexible for families.

For example, if you usually work part-time or stay at home with your child, you can still access three days of childcare support each week without needing to prove how many hours you work or study.

For First Nations children, the support is even stronger. Families of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access up to 100 hours of subsidised childcare every fortnight, giving even more flexibility and access to early learning opportunities.

Who is Eligible for the 3-Day Guarantee?

The 3-Day Guarantee is available to families who are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Most families who use childcare in Australia qualify. You do not need to meet strict work or study hours to access at least three days of subsidised care each week. To check your eligibility, you can log in to your MyGov account or speak to our team at Village Early Learning, and we will guide you through the process.

Why Choose Three Days at Village Early Learning?

Knowing that you have at least three days of subsidised care each week makes planning much easier. Families can pick the days that suit their schedule and lifestyle. For example:

• Monday attendance can give your child a calm start to the week. After settling in at Village Early Learning, they can enjoy a full day of activities, learning, and play, setting a positive tone for the rest of the week.

• Friday attendance can be a great way for your family to prepare for a relaxing weekend. Your child will have a fun and engaging day with friends while you can finish the week feeling organised and ready to enjoy family time.

• Families can mix and match days. For example, your child could attend Village Early Learning on a Monday and Friday, with a midweek day like Wednesday for a Gecko Sports class or another extra curricular activity.

This flexibility ensures your child gets the benefits of regular early learning while your family can structure your week in a way that works best for you.

Benefits of Attending Three Days a Week

Attending three days at Village Early Learning gives children consistency and routine, which is important for early development. It helps children:

• Build social skills and friendships

• Explore new interests and activities

• Develop confidence and independence

• Enjoy a variety of learning experiences, from creative arts to outdoor play

At the same time, families gain the peace of mind of knowing their child is cared for, engaged, and happy, while also having time to plan work, study, or family activities around their chosen days.

What Families Should Know

The 3-Day Guarantee ensures your child has access to a minimum number of subsidised hours, but it does not guarantee a place at Village Early Learning. Families are still required to enquire and complete the enrolment process. Please contact our Enrolments Team to check current availability.

Additionally, a small gap fee may still apply, which covers the difference between the centre’s fees and the government subsidy. For families already receiving more than three days of subsidy, your current arrangements will continue unchanged.

How Village Early Learning Can Help

At Village Early Learning, we are here to help you plan the best days for your child to attend. We can guide you through the 3-Day Guarantee, check your subsidy eligibility, and help you structure your child’s week to make the most of early learning opportunities.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how the 3-Day Guarantee can work for your family, please contact us at Village Early Learning on 1300 687 845. Our team is happy to help get your child’s early learning journey underway!