Childcare Subsidy

Understanding Childcare Subsidy (CCS)*

The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is the Australian Government’s main financial support program for families using approved early childhood education and care services.

At Willunga Child Care Centre & Preschool in Quakers Hill, NSW, we help families understand how this assistance works and how to apply.

Who can get CCS?
You may be eligible if your child is under 13 years of age (and not attending secondary school), you use an approved service, you are responsible for paying the fees, and you meet residency and immunisation requirements.

How is the subsidy calculated?
The CCS subsidy amount depends on a few factors:
1. Your family’s combined income.
2. The number of children in care.
3. The type of service used (centrebased, inhome etc).
4. How many recognised “activity” hours (work, study, volunteering) you and your partner complete each fortnight.

What you need to do
To claim CCS you’ll need to:
1. Enrol your child at an approved service.
2. Link your MyGov account with Services Australia and apply for CCS.
3. Keep your income and activity details up to date to avoid overpayments.

3 Day Guarantee

From 5 January 2026, the CCS rules are being updated through the 3 Day Guarantee to give eligible families even greater access and flexibility.

Here’s what changes:
All CCS eligible families will be guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight per child (roughly three days of care each week). 

Families caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child, or meeting higher activity levels or exemptions, can access up to 100 hours per fortnight.

The subsidy rate (%) you receive stays the same - what changes is the minimum number of hours of subsidised care. These reforms mean more children will have access to quality early learning regardless of how many work or study hours their parents have. It’s part of a wider commitment to support children’s growth, help families balance work and learning, and build strong foundations for school.

How this benefits families at Willunga
At Willunga Child Care Centre & Preschool, we’ll help you understand your eligible CCS hours, plan your bookings and maximise your support under the new system. Whether you’re planning for one day a week or five - we’ll work with you to make sure your child gets the best start.

email icon
Contact Us today to explore how you can save more with subsidy benefits. 

First Day at Childcare

Talk to your child about what they will see and do. A simple conversation can help them feel more comfortable and excited.

What to Expect

Your child’s first day is an exciting step! Our friendly educators will welcome your child, introduce them to their class and peers, and guide them through routines in a safe, nurturing environment. Expect a day full of play, creativity, and gentle support as your child settles in.

Preparing for the First Day

What to do:

  • Talk positively about childcare and the fun activities they’ll experience.
  • Visit the centre beforehand if possible, so your child feels familiar with the space.
  • Encourage your child to express feelings and ask questions.

What to Bring

Here are some few essentials to bring each day.

  • A named bag with a spare set of clothes.
  • Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for indoor and outdoor play.
  • Recess or snack (if applicable) and a labelled drink bottle.
  • Any comfort items like a favourite soft toy or blanket to help them feel secure.
  • Nappies (if required).

At Willunga Child Care Centre & Preschool, we make the transition smooth, caring, and enjoyable - helping your child feel confident, safe, and excited for each day of learning.

What Parents Are Saying

Real stories from families who trust us with their little learners.

Willunga Child Care is the ONLY place I would ever take my children to. I have taken my kids to other surrounding locations and the service and care of Willunga is unmatched; other places do not show as much care and love to your kids. Highly recommend!
Sarah M.
,
Parent of 4-year-old
“The teachers are incredibly caring and patient. My daughter has grown so much in confidence since joining.
Sarah M.
,
Parent of 4-year-old
“The teachers are incredibly caring and patient. My daughter has grown so much in confidence since joining. Every day she comes home excited to tell me what she learned”
Sarah M.
,
Parent of 4-year-old
Staff are welcoming and friendly! They responded promptly to requests and questions we had. My children are engaged and enjoy attending this childcare - would recommend!
Justin S
,
Parent of 2-year-old
Great staff and environment. Trustworthy childcare I can leave the kids with. Linda is very helpful and has great experience.
Sophie K
,
Parent of 3-year-old
Willunga Child Care is the ONLY place I would ever take my children to. I have taken my kids to other surrounding locations and the service and care of Willunga is unmatched; other places do not show as much care and love to your kids. Highly recommend!
Tim C
,
Parent of 5-year-old
Very friendly and caring staff! I have full trust in the workers and will continue to send my child and any future kids that I have here.
Michelle S
,
Parent of 3-year-old
All 5 of my babies have gone to Willunga. The staff are fantastic. I have a child with ADHD and Autism and they were very understanding and caring providing one on one help for my son with his speech therapy work. Could not speak highly enough of Miss Linda and staff.
Kathryn T
,
Parent of 5 children
Had great experience since I moved my son across to this centre. Centre Director Miss Linda goes to great efforts and genuinely cares for the development of kids in her child care. My son has developed a lot of skills while in this child care. Highly recommended
Ammeet S
,
Parent of 3-year-old
One of the best pre-schools/day care I have come across. Very supportive learning environment and qualified teachers. Highly recommend.
Shadev C
,
Parent of 5-year-old
The staff have helped my child get ready for school with confidence. A special thanks to Miss Linda, who is wonderfully strict in the best way, teaching the kids good discipline and important life skills. Thank you to Miss Jinny and the other staff for their kindness, patience, and dedication.
Pavan R
,
Parent of 5-year-old
My daughter comes a few days a week and she’s thriving. Learning to write, many friends and educators care for her wellbeing and learning. My wife loves that she’s picked up CLEAN. No food on her clothes and no snotty noses with neat hair. Shows effort in care.
Jay W
,
Parent of 3-year-old
Willunga is one best for kids to enrol. I have two kids last two and half years, they have learned quite a-lot and their time here has been good for their development. I highly recommend any parents looking to enrol their kids to enrol them here.
Subash M
,
Parent of 3 and 5-year-old

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are your opening hours?

Q: What ages do you care for?

Q: How do I enrol my child?

Q: Do you provide meals?

Q: What is your child-to-educator ratio?

Q: Do you offer Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Q: How do you support school readiness?

Q: What should my child bring each day?

Q: How do you communicate with parents?

Q: How can I arrange a visit?

Visit us at Willunga Child Care and discover a warm, supportive space where your little one can feel safe, curious, and inspired every day.

Discover Our Centre Today