Quality Care Made Affordable – Your Family’s Journey Starts Here
We understand that finding quality early childhood education shouldn’t mean stretching your family budget. Our Child Care Subsidy Calculator helps you discover exactly how much government support you’re eligible for, making exceptional care accessible for your little ones.
We’re dedicated to providing nurturing, play-based learning experiences where children develop confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for discovery. Our qualified educators create engaging environments that support each child’s unique developmental journey, preparing them for future learning adventures.
Working closely with families is at the heart of what we do. Use our CCS calculator below to see how affordable quality care can be at Daisy Lane Early Learning. Or give us a call to get help.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that helps eligible Australian families reduce their child care expenses. This means-tested support is calculated based on your family’s income, circumstances, and your activity levels (such as work, study, or volunteering).
Key eligibility requirements:
- Australian citizenship or eligible visa status
- Your child must meet current immunisation requirements
- Children must be under 13 years old and not attending secondary school
The subsidy covers various care types including long day care and outside school hours care. Once approved, CCS is paid directly to your child care provider, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Applications are processed through Centrelink via your myGov account.
What is Queensland's Free Kindy Program?
Queensland offers eligible children 15 hours per week of free kindergarten for 40 weeks in the year before Prep. This quality early education program is delivered by qualified teachers and focuses on developing essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and social development.
Eligibility: Children who turn four by 30 June of the attending year qualify for this program.
While the 15 hours are completely free, any additional care hours may incur costs that can often be offset by your Child Care Subsidy entitlement. This combination ensures maximum affordability while providing comprehensive care for your child.
For more information about Queensland’s free kindy program, visit the Queensland Government’s Early Childhood website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy?
Applications are completed through your myGov account by linking to Centrelink. Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive confirmation of your eligibility status and subsidy rate. Make sure to provide your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) to Daisy Lane Early Learning so we can correctly apply your subsidy to your fees.
Who qualifies for Child Care Subsidy?
To access CCS, your child must be under 13 years old and not attending secondary school. Parents or guardians need to meet activity requirements such as working, studying, or volunteering. Your family income must also fall within the government’s eligibility guidelines.
How is my subsidy amount determined?
Your subsidy calculation considers several factors:
- Your combined family income
- The number of care hours your child requires
- Your recognised activity hours (work, study, volunteering)
- The government uses a tiered percentage system – lower income families typically receive higher subsidy rates
How is the subsidy applied to my fees?
Once approved, your subsidy is paid directly to Daisy Lane Early Learning. This automatically reduces the fees you pay, with you covering the remaining gap between the subsidy amount and our published rates.
What if my circumstances change?
Life changes happen! If your family income, work hours, or circumstances change, it’s crucial to update your details with Centrelink through myGov immediately. Keeping information current ensures your subsidy remains accurate and prevents payment disruptions.
Can Daisy Lane Early Learning help with my CCS application?
Absolutely! We understand the process can feel daunting, which is why our knowledgeable team is here to support you. We can provide guidance, answer questions, and help ensure your family is correctly set up to receive maximum benefits.
Do I need to renew my subsidy annually?
Yes, CCS eligibility requires annual confirmation. Centrelink will prompt you to update your details, usually at the end of each financial year. Completing this renewal process promptly prevents any interruptions to your subsidy payments.
Where can I get additional help?
For comprehensive information about Child Care Subsidy, visit the Services Australia website. You can also contact Daisy Lane Early Learning directly – our team is always ready to assist with CCS questions or general enquiries about enrolment.
Fact Sheet – 3 Day Guarantee – Early Education
The Australian Government’s 3-Day Guarantee marks a pivotal reform in early childhood education policy, commencing January 2026. This initiative removes the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test, a requirement that previously limited access to subsidised care based on parental work, study, or volunteer hours. Under the new framework, all families who meet Child Care Subsidy eligibility criteria will be guaranteed a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care per fortnight—effectively three days per week—without needing to satisfy any activity requirements. Special provisions ensure families with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, recognizing the importance of culturally responsive early learning. This policy shift reflects growing evidence about the critical importance of early childhood education in child development, school readiness, and long-term educational outcomes. By guaranteeing access to quality early learning regardless of family circumstances, the 3-Day Guarantee aims to level the playing field and ensure that all Australian children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can benefit from the cognitive, social, and emotional development that quality early education provides.