Child Care Subsidy Changes in 2026: What the New 3 Day Guarantee Means for Haynes & Hilbert Families

From January 2026, families across Haynes, Hilbert and surrounding suburbs will benefit from major changes to the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy, including the introduction of the 3 Day Guarantee. These changes are designed to make early learning more accessible and affordable for families, regardless of work or study hours.

The new 3 Day Guarantee ensures that all families who are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight per child, which is roughly three days per week. This applies even if parents or carers are not currently working, studying, or meeting the previous activity test.

For families in Haynes, Hilbert and nearby communities, this means more affordable access to quality early learning and care, greater flexibility for families with irregular or changing work patterns, and more consistent attendance for children, supporting learning, development and routine. Families who work or study may still be eligible for up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight, depending on their activity levels.

Some things remain the same. Families must still meet Child Care Subsidy eligibility requirements, the subsidy percentage continues to be based on family income, child care places remain subject to availability, and families may still need to pay a gap fee depending on service fees and their subsidy rate.

The 3 Day Guarantee will begin on 5 January 2026 and applies across Western Australia, including Haynes and Hilbert. At Little Learners Place in Haynes and Hilbert, we are committed to supporting families through these changes and helping children thrive in a nurturing, high-quality early learning environment. Families are encouraged to contact the centre for more information about enrolments or how the Child Care Subsidy applies to their situation.