In Australia, early childhood education and care is delivered by providers and services in the states and territories and subsidised by the Australian Government.
3 Day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test is being replaced. All CCS eligible families can get 3 days of subsidised child care per week.
Building Early Education Fund
We are building and expanding ECEC services in areas of need across Australia.
Find out more about the Building Early Education Fund
Quality and safety
The Australian Government is committed to improving the safety, health and wellbeing of children in early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Governments across Australia have come together to strengthen safety, improve quality and protect children.
3 Day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test is being replaced. All CCS eligible families can get 3 days of subsidised child care per week.
Wage increase for early childhood workforce
We’re funding a wage increase for the early childhood education and care workforce through a worker retention payment.
Learn about the worker retention payment
Providers can get extra help to engage with the worker retention payment.
Provider how-to
Easy how-to guides for early childhood education and care providers to administer Child Care Subsidy.
View our how-to guides
Grants and extra support
There is a range of extra support available to providers, educators and staff, and families.
Learn about extra supportStay up to date
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