Child Care Subsidy Explained

Childcare subsidy explained, without the confusion

Childcare is one of the biggest investments a family makes, and one of the most confusing to navigate. Between fees, subsidies, activity tests and absence rules, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

At Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, we believe families deserve clear, honest information about how childcare costs work. Here is our plain-English guide to fees and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

How fees work at Landsdale ELE

Our childcare fees are outlined in the fee schedule displayed at front reception, and we always provide at least 14 days' written notice before any fee changes.

Fees are paid one week in advance through the Debit Success direct debit system or the Pay Now system on Xplor. Both permanent and casual bookings require one week of full fees paid before commencing care.

What is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the Australian Government's main form of assistance with childcare costs. It is available to families who are Australian residents, where the child meets immunisation requirements and parents meet eligibility requirements.

Two things determine your subsidy:

• The activity test: this determines the number of hours of subsidised care your family is entitled to each fortnight

• Combined family income: this determines the percentage of your fees that is subsidised. Income thresholds change each financial year, and current thresholds are available from the Services Australia website

  
  

The 3-Day Guarantee

From 5 January 2026, CCS-eligible families are entitled to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of activity test results. This makes regular days of early learning more accessible for more families.

How to claim CCS, step by step

1. Sign in to your MyGov account and complete a Child Care Subsidy claim

2. Once we enter your enrolment information online, confirm the enrolment through your MyGov account

3. If eligible, the subsidy is paid directly to our service on your behalf, reducing the fees you owe

   
   

If your CCS has not yet come through when your child starts, families are required to pay fees in full until Centrelink approval commences. Once in place, Centrelink will back pay to your personal account or your childcare account, where fees can go into credit and be used over time.

You can estimate your subsidy using the Australian Government's Starting Blocks Child Care Subsidy calculator.

Absences: the 42-day rule

Life happens. Children get sick, families take breaks, and public holidays roll around. Families are entitled to receive CCS for up to 42 absence days per child per financial year, which can be used for illness, public holidays, local emergencies and parental leave, with no evidence required. Additional absence days may be available in specific circumstances under Family Assistance Law.

One important detail: children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian on the first and last scheduled day of their attendance for CCS to apply, so always remember to sign in and out.

Planning a holiday? Hold your child's place

If you are taking your child out of care for one week or more, a holiday rate may apply to hold your child's place. Simply provide two weeks' notice in writing via email to enrichment@landsdaleele.com. One week of holiday applies to your normal permanent bookings. For example, if your permanent booking is Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, your one-week holiday minimum will be three days.

Flexibility for real family life

We know not every family works nine to five. Our service offers a selection of session times to choose from when booking your child into care, and we can make booking arrangements for:

• Shift workers

• FIFO workers

• Alternating kindy days

  
  

Casual bookings can also be made via the Xplor app or email, with 24 hours' notice to cancel, subject to availability. If you find yourself booking the same casual days over a four-week period, we will chat with you about moving to a permanent booking on that day. Just talk to our administrators. We will do our best to make care work around your family's life.

Extra support when families need it

The Additional Child Care Subsidy may be available to help support families needing help with their children's safety and wellbeing, grandparents on income support who are primary carers, families in temporary financial hardship, and families moving from income support into work.

If you are ever having difficulty with fee payments, please speak with us early. Information you share is treated as strictly private and confidential, and we would always rather work out an arrangement together.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I am late to pick up?

The centre closes at 6:00pm, and a late fee of $5.50 per minute may be charged for collection after closing time. This covers the cost of the educators supervising your child outside operating hours, and may be waived at the Nominated Supervisor's discretion.

Can I book casual days?

Yes, via the Xplor app or email. Casual bookings are approved where the centre can maintain child-to-educator ratios, and 24 hours' notice is required to cancel.

What if my CCS has not come through yet?

Fees are paid in full until Centrelink approval commences. Once approved, Centrelink back pays, and the credit can be used over time.

How do I end or change a booking?

Changes to permanent bookings and terminations require two weeks' written notice via email.

Questions? Just ask!

Every family's situation is different, and we are always happy to walk you through fees, CCS and booking options in person.

Book a tour of Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, or contact our team. We will help you understand your options and find an arrangement that works for your family.