The 3 Day Guarantee: More Access to Early Learning for Families
From January 2026, Lismore families will have greater access to affordable high-quality preschool education and care thanks to an important change called the 3 Day Guarantee.
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The 3 Day Guarantee is a new policy change that means eligible families can access up to three subsidised days of early learning each week, instead of the current one day. This is a significant step forward in making quality early childhood education more accessible for Australian families.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee, families need to meet the following criteria:
- Children must be under school age
- Family income must be below $535,279 annually
- Families must qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
What does this mean in practice?
To put this in perspective, consider Rachel's scenario. Under the current system, her out-of-pocket costs are approximately $21 per week for one subsidised day. Under the 3 Day Guarantee, her costs would increase to around $63 weekly — but she would gain two additional subsidised days for her son Artie. That's three days of quality early learning for a very affordable cost.
Why does consistent access matter?
Consistent access to early learning supports children's development in many important ways:
- Curiosity development: regular engagement with learning environments nurtures natural curiosity
- Social-emotional growth: consistent peer interaction builds social skills and emotional resilience
- Problem-solving abilities: ongoing exposure to challenges builds critical thinking
- Nature connection: regular time outdoors deepens children's relationship with the natural world
What Explorers offers
At Explorers School of Early Learning, we provide:
- A nature-based curriculum nestled in Nesbitt Park
- Skilled and experienced educators who know your child
- Inclusive meals and resources included in daily fees
- A comprehensive school readiness support programme
Get started
We encourage prospective families to book a tour and experience our nature-inspired learning environments first-hand. You can also check Services Australia for eligibility details regarding the Child Care Subsidy.
Please note that spaces in our nursery and toddler rooms are already in high demand, so we encourage families to register their interest early.
