Childcare Subsidy & Free Kindy
Childcare Subsidy (CCS)
CCS in Australia is a government payment that helps families with the cost of approved child care. It aims to make early education more affordable and accessible.
The subsidy amount depends on factors like household income, the type of care used, and the number of hours parents work, study, or volunteer. Eligible families can receive a percentage of child care fees paid directly to providers, reducing out-of-pocket costs. CCS supports working parents, promotes early childhood development, and encourages workforce participation. Applications are managed through Centrelink via the myGov portal.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) – Key Info
What is CCS?
A government payment to help reduce childcare costs.
Amount depends on family income, activity hours, and type of care.
Eligibility:
You or your partner pay childcare fees
Care for the child at least 2 nights per fortnight
Child meets immunisation requirements
Using an approved provider
How to Apply:
Apply via MyGov (linked to Centrelink).
Recommended to apply early – processing can take 4–6 weeks.
Confirm your Complying Written Agreement (CWA) and government enrolment via MyGov.
Subsidy Rates:
Families earning up to $83,280 may receive up to 90% subsidy.
Families earning under $533,280 may also be eligible for a percentage.
What You’ll Need:
Financial details (e.g. TFN, income info)
ID, residency status
Immunisation records
Work/study/volunteering proof
Additional Support:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of activity level.
Free Kindy Program
We support children's continuous learning and help lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to school through our Approved Kindergarten Program.
What is the Free Kindy Program in Long Day Care?
The Free Kindy Program gives eligible children 15 hours of free kindergarten each week, for 40 weeks of the year, funded by the government.
At Little Scholars, this program runs within our long day care setting, so your child can enjoy both free kindy and full-day care in one convenient place.
How It Works:
Your child takes part in a government-approved kindy program, led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
The 15 hours of kindy is free, and anything outside those hours is charged as usual long day care (which may be reduced further with Child Care Subsidy – CCS).
This is called a wrap-around model, where kindy hours are wrapped into your child's normal day of care.
So, you get the best of both worlds — free kindy education and the flexibility of full-day care!
If you’re unsure how it works for your family, our team can help you understand what’s covered and what you might pay.
