Ever felt like two days of childcare just isn’t enough for your child’s learning or your family’s routine?
You’re not alone. Many families currently receive limited hours of subsidised care, making it harder to balance work, life and quality early education.
That’s about to change.
At Buttercups, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, play, and belong. Every family deserves peace of mind when planning their week. The new 3 Day Guarantee is a big step in this direction, giving families more certainty and access to quality early learning.
From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce the 3 Day Guarantee. Every eligible family will have access to at least three days per week (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early education and care, no matter how much they work, train, or study.
This article explains what the 3 Day Guarantee means for your family. It covers how it could help you save on childcare costs, and how to make the most of the additional hours available from 2026. You’ll also find steps to take if you’d like to increase your child’s days at Buttercups.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The 3 Day Guarantee is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to universal access to quality early learning.
Until now, the number of subsidised childcare hours a family could access depended on their activity hours (for example, how much they worked or studied).
For many families, this limited access to just 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – only two days of care per week.
The 3 Day Guarantee changes that.
It means that from January 2026, every family eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will receive a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight. That’s equal to three days of care each week.
This change makes early learning more accessible and consistent. It ensures every child has more time to develop key skills and connections in their early years.
More time in care also means more opportunities to learn, play, and make friends. These early experiences help children build strong foundations for school and life.
Why Access to More Childcare Hours Matters for Your Child
Early childhood is a critical time for learning, social development, and building confidence. The 3 Day Guarantee ensures children have more opportunities to:
- Develop social skills through interaction with peers and educators.
- Engage in structured play and learning experiences that build foundational literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
- Build confidence and independence by participating in daily routines, group activities, and new challenges.
- Form lasting friendships that support emotional development and a sense of belonging.
More time in high-quality early learning environments helps children arrive at school ready to learn, curious, and confident, setting them up for lifelong success.
How the 3 Day Guarantee Supports Families Too
Access to extra childcare hours is not just about children – it also supports families. With guaranteed access to three days of subsidised care per week:
- Families can plan work, study, or training schedules with certainty.
- Parents can balance personal and professional commitments, knowing their child is cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.
- Families eligible for extra days may reduce out-of-pocket childcare costs, making early learning more affordable.
At Buttercups, every additional day of care is an opportunity for children to grow, while giving families more support.
3 Day Guarantee Childcare: What You Need to Do
For most families, no action is required. If you already receive Child Care Subsidy, your hours will automatically increase from January 2026.
Families of First Nations children may need to update their Centrelink account to ensure your child is registered as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This helps you receive the full 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight available to eligible families.
At Buttercups, our team is here to make this transition smooth and stress-free.
How This Could Benefit Your Family
The 3 Day Guarantee could make your family eligible for an extra day of care at the same CCS rate you receive now.
For example:
- Before January 2026, a family using two days of care may have received 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
- From January 2026, that same family will automatically receive 72 hours per fortnight – enough to attend three days a week at the same subsidised rate.
If you currently pay $25.00 per day ($50.00 per week for two days), you could pick up another day of care for $25.00 per day ($75.00 per week for three days). That’s more time for your child to learn, play, and build friendships – and more flexibility for your family!
Remember: The 3 Day Guarantee Childcare Is About Subsidised Hours, Not Placements
- The 3 Day Guarantee guarantees subsidised hours, not a childcare placement, so families still need to secure a position with their chosen service.
- You’ll continue to pay a gap fee, based on your CCS percentage and the centre’s daily rate.
- For families new to care, it’s best to join your local Buttercups waitlist early to secure your preferred days before 2026.
Our priority is giving every child in our care consistent, nurturing early learning, and that families can plan with confidence.
How Buttercups Supports Families with the 3 Day Guarantee Childcare
We’re here to make this transition easy and positive for all families.
Our Centre Managers can help you understand how the 3 Day Guarantee applies to your individual situation and discuss any opportunities to increase your child’s attendance if you’d like to take advantage of the new hours.
Ready to Access the 3 Day Guarantee Childcare?
If you’d like to understand how the 3 Day Guarantee and Child Care Subsidy changes 2026 will impact your family, or if you’re ready to enrol or add an extra day of care, we’re here to help.
- Contact your local Buttercups centre to speak with the Centre Manager, or
- Join our waitlist to secure your child’s place for 2026.
