Search

The Australian Government is investing in targeted measures to improve the lives of First Nations children through better access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).

On 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test was replaced. All CCS eligible families can now get 3 days of subsidised child care per week. These changes are known as the 3 Day Guarantee.

This video is a recording of the information session held on Tuesday 20 January 2026 regarding the closure of the Institute of Tertiary and Higher Education Australia.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps families with the costs of child care. Families must meet eligibility criteria to get CCS. The amount of CCS a family can get depends on their circumstances.

In Home Care (IHC) is a flexible form of early childhood education and care where an educator provides care in the child's home. It is restricted to families who can't access other types of approved care.

Family Day Care (FDC) is a type of early childhood education and care (ECEC) usually provided in the home of an educator.

Australian families receive help with the cost of early childhood education and care (ECEC) through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

Generally, Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid to providers who pass it on to families. Families must make a co-contribution by paying the gap fee. Providers must take all reasonable steps to collect gap fees electronically.

Providers should have policies and procedures to show that they are taking all reasonable steps to collect gap fees using electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Providers must take all reasonable steps to collect gap fees from families electronically. This is a requirement under Family Assistance Law (FAL).