The 3 Day Guarantee: What the upcoming CCS Changes Mean for Childcare Operators and Investors
Published Friday 19 September, 2025
What the 3 Day Guarantee Means
From January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will shift in a way that could significantly impact the childcare sector. Known as the 3 Day Guarantee, the reform ensures all CCS-eligible families will have access to at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight. Families may still qualify for up to 100 hours per fortnight, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will continue to have access to 100 hours.
For families, this removes a major barrier. Parents with casual or unpredictable work hours will no longer lose access to subsidised care because of the activity test. This gives children more consistent early learning opportunities - something research shows is vital for healthy development.
Implications for Operators and Investors
For operators and investors, the change presents a few important considerations. First, it’s likely to lift occupancy rates. Even small increases in average enrolments per child can have a meaningful effect on utilisation and revenue. The guarantee gives families more certainty, which often translates into more stable bookings.
Second, this is an opportunity to strengthen a centre’s reputation and community connection. The reform reflects a shift towards equity and inclusion. Operators who highlight the child development benefits and support families in navigating these changes will stand out as trusted providers.
Finally, from an investment perspective, this is a positive signal. By making childcare more accessible, the government is reinforcing its commitment to the sector as essential national infrastructure. That means stronger long-term growth prospects, greater stability, and increased confidence for investors.
Preparing for the Opportunity Ahead
The 3 Day Guarantee is more than just a policy tweak - it’s a step towards creating more predictable, inclusive, and sustainable childcare. For operators, the opportunity lies in preparing early and positioning centres to capture the benefits of this reform.