Making Sense of the Child Care Subsidy
Choosing the right care for your little one is a big decision, and we know that “the budget” is a big part of that conversation. At Dinky Di Kids, we’re all about transparency and support. With the latest Australian Government changes—including the new 3 Day Guarantee – accessing high-quality early education is more affordable than ever for our Central Coast families.
What’s new for 2026?
Understanding your out-of-pocket costs shouldn’t feel like a chore. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is designed to reduce your daily fees, with the government paying a portion directly to us so you only pay the “gap.”
The biggest win for families is the 3 Day Guarantee. From January 2026, the old “activity test” has been simplified. Now, every CCS-eligible family can access at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (that’s 3 days a week), regardless of how many hours you work or study.
Estimate your savings
Because every family’s circumstances are unique – based on your combined income and the number of children you have in care—we always recommend using the official StartingBlocks CCS Calculator.
It’s a quick, 2-minute tool that gives you a realistic estimate of your subsidy percentage and your daily gap fee here at Dinky Di.
Need a hand with the results? Pop into the centre or give us a buzz. We’re always happy to sit down and help you work out how these changes benefit your family.
Our Commitment
We understand that modern families need flexibility. However, we also believe in the power of quality education. We work closely with our families across all four locations to help secure those vital three days, ensuring your child receives the full benefit of the incentive.
