3 Day Guarantee Scheme
Need Another Day of Care?
Big News Incoming! From January 5th 2026 the Australian Government will guarantee 3 days per week of subsidised early education and care. On top of that, there is no more activity test for these minimum hours. Edukare is here to help accommodate your child’s extra day of care.
What You Need To Do
From the 5th of January 2026 you will be guaranteed 3 days of subsidised care by the Australian Government. As a result, families attending early education centres can now pick up an extra day of care at minimal to no costs. As an existing family in our close nit centres we want to make sure that we accommodate you and your child before we open up positions to new incoming families for 2026.
As always, spots are limited in all of our centres and we wish to accommodate your preferred day of extra subsidised care. Additionally, there are some circumstances where you may be eligible to secure 4 days of subsidised care. Please use the subsidy calculator to work out what you’re entitled to and get in quick to secure your child’s additional day/s.
- 3 days guaranteed per week, no matter your work or study hours.
- Up to 4 days per week if you meet the activity test, have an exemption, or care for First Nations children.
How Much You Could Save
The government is committed to helping you and your family save thousands on childcare moving in to 2026. They are investing $426.7 million over 5 years.
Example
Amanda and Dave have one child in care 3 days/week (36 hours). Their combined income is $90,000.
Before: 18 hours/week subsidised
From Jan 2026: 36 hours/week (72 hours per fortnight)
Savings: $230/week – over $11,000/year
Other income examples
| Annual income | Better-off per week | Annual better-off (50 weeks of care) |
| $90,000 | $230 | $11,400 |
| $120,000 | $220 | $10,630 |
| $140,000 | $200 | $10,110 |
Importantly, families earning over $533,280 remain ineligible.
Moving to a 2-Day Minimum
Starting from January 2026 Edukare will be moving to a minimum two days care requirement. This has always been the preference as two days of care allows your child to settle in and build relationships with our staff and other children. With these new changes from the Australian Government, now is the best time for us to transition to this new requirement. With additional subsidised care available we urge you to get in quick and let us know your preferred extra days so we can best accommodate your needs.
Secure your child's subsidised care for 2026
Claim Your Extra Day of Subsidised Care Now
At Edukare we would like to prioritise our existing families before opening positions for January 2026. Please act quickly to let us know your preferred extra day of care.
