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What Is the 3-Day Early Education Guarantee?

At the heart of this reform is one powerful change: the removal of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test for the first 72 hours of care per fortnight.

Here's what that means for you:

• Every CCS-eligible family will automatically receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. That's 3 full days of subsidised care per week.
• No work, study, or volunteer requirements are needed to access this minimum subsidy.
• Families earning a combined income of up to $533,280 per financial year (2024–25) will be eligible.
• Current entitlements won't be affected for families already receiving more than 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
• First Nations families will remain eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight.

This is a huge win for inclusivity, equity, and ease of access, especially for families who previously faced barriers to affordable early education.

Big Savings for Families: What You Could Expect

Beyond flexibility and accessibility, the 3-Day Guarantee brings significant financial relief.

Here's what real families can expect:

• A family earning a combined annual income of $90,000 with one child attending 3 days of care per week could save up to $230 per week, or around $11,400 per year.
• Families earning a combined income of $120,000–$140,000 per year could still save over $10,000 per year.

Over 100,000 families across Australia will be eligible for more subsidised hours, with around 66,700 families benefiting in the first full year alone.

At Simba Education, we know these savings can make a world of difference. More affordable care means less financial stress and more flexibility to choose what's best for your child's growth and education.

Why 3 Days (or More) Makes a Lasting Impact?

At Simba, we've long championed the benefits of consistent, high-quality early learning. Especially during the foundational years from birth to age 6.

Attending three or more days per week provides:

• Security and Connection — Regular attendance builds stronger bonds with educators and peers, creating a sense of belonging.
• Boosted Brain Development — Hands-on, play-based programs spark curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Building a strong learning foundation.
• Social and Emotional Growth — Children gain confidence, communication skills, and emotional regulation that prepare them for school and life beyond.
• School Readiness — With more time to explore, learn routines, and develop independence, children are better prepared for a successful transition to primary school.

The 3-Day Guarantee helps remove barriers from families with low activity hours by ensuring more children can benefit from all that early learning has to offer.

How Simba Education Families Can Make the Most of This Opportunity

Already Enrolled but Attending 2 Days?

Now's the perfect time to consider adding an extra day. Starting January 2026, you'll be entitled to 3 days of subsidised care. Yes, you read that right! Ask fast to secure your preferred day!

Here's what one more day can offer:

• More stability and confidence for your child
• Greater learning opportunities in our enriching learning environments
• Substantial savings on your childcare fees

On Our Waitlist or Looking to Enrol?

We encourage families to plan ahead now and secure your child's spot for 3+ days in 2026. With increased affordability, spaces will fill quickly.

At Simba Education, we offer early education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with beautifully designed learning environments that support holistic development across every stage.

Let's Plan Together

This policy marks a transformational moment for early learning in Australia, and Simba Education is ready to help your family make the most of it.

To learn more about how Simba Education can help your child transition to early childhood education, connect with our friendly team by email to contact@simba.nsw.edu.au or call us on 02 7241 4311.

We invite you to Book a Tour to experience our welcoming, child-led learning environments firsthand.