The New 3 Day Childcare Guarantee: What Mount Coolum Families Need to Know
Starting 5 January 2026, families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy will receive a guaranteed three days of subsidised childcare each week, no matter their work hours. If you’ve been holding back on childcare at Mount Coolum because of activity test limits, this change could ease your budget and give your child more consistent early learning. Here’s what the new 3 Day Guarantee means for families across Mount Coolum, Coolum Beach, Marcoola, and the wider Sunshine Coast.
Understanding the 3 Day Guarantee
The 3 Day Guarantee marks a big shift in how childcare works for Australian families. This change removes the activity test barrier that has kept many children from regular early learning.
Key Changes for Sunshine Coast Families
From January 2026, you’ll get 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight—that’s three full days weekly—no matter how much you work. This is the biggest change to the Child Care Subsidy in years.
The current system ties your subsidy hours to your work, study, or volunteer activities. Many Sunshine Coast families get just one day of subsidised care weekly because they work part-time or casual hours in tourism or hospitality.
Starting 5 January, your work hours won’t matter for the basic three-day entitlement. This means your child can attend Mount Coolum Early Learning Centre three days every week with government support.
For families who already qualify for more than three days, nothing changes—you’ll keep your current entitlement. This policy lifts everyone to a minimum of three days without taking away from anyone who gets more.
Who Benefits Most from the Guarantee
Stay-at-home parents will see the biggest change with this policy. If you’re not working but want your child to experience quality early learning, you can now access three subsidised days weekly at Mount Coolum.
Casual workers with changing schedules will find relief, too. Your child can maintain a steady three-day routine even when your work hours fluctuate. This helps build friendships and learning consistency for your little one.
Single parents often struggle with childcare costs while managing limited work hours. The guarantee means your child gets three full days of early learning, giving you more time for work or study.
Small business owners and freelancers—common on the Sunshine Coast—will love the stability. No more worrying about whether this month’s income will affect your childcare subsidy hours.
Parents between jobs also win big. You’ll keep your three subsidised days during your job search, helping your child maintain their routine while you focus on finding work.
Services Australia will automatically update your entitlement on 5 January—you don’t need to do anything if you already receive the Child Care Subsidy.
Contact Mount Coolum Early Learning Centre
Questions about the 3 Day Guarantee or want to discuss increasing days?
Mount Coolum Early Learning Centre
30 Suncoast Beach Drive, Mount Coolum QLD 4573
Website: https://mtcoolumearlylearning.com.au/
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm
Get in touch to discuss how the 3 Day Guarantee could work for your Sunshine Coast family. We’re here to help you access quality early learning for your child.
