Childcare offers a range of incredible benefits for children and families alike. From supporting your child’s learning and development to providing a safe and nurturing space for busy working families, it’s no wonder so many parents choose to send their children to childcare. That said, childcare services can quickly add up to a significant expense for many households.
While each childcare provider is responsible for setting its own childcare fees, eligible families may be able to take advantage of government subsidies that help to make the cost of childcare more affordable. And with some big changes expected to come into effect next year, here’s what you need to know about childcare fees in QLD in 2026.
How much is childcare per day?
When it comes to childcare, each individual service provider sets their own rates, so there can be variance across providers. These fees often vary depending on several factors, including:
- Types of childcare: Long day care, family day care, kindergarten services, and outside of school hours care (OOSH) providers all charge different childcare fees.
- Provider facilities: The quality of the service, along with its facilities and staff credentials, often impacts childcare fees.
- Child’s age: Childcare costs can vary depending on whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler.
- Location: Certain suburbs offer more affordable childcare options compared to others. You can use the Find a Service tool on the StartingBlocks website to search and compare local childcare providers.
- Inclusions: Some childcare providers include nappies, wipes, meals, and extra-curricular activities as part of their childcare fees, whereas others may charge extra for these additions.
- Time in care: Most childcare providers charge an hourly rate, so the length of time your child spends in care will impact the final cost.
- Supply and demand: Popular childcare providers with long waiting lists can often afford to charge higher fees compared to other providers with greater availability. Not to mention, you could also be up for an administrative fee to join the waitlist at your preferred service.
With so many factors impacting daily childcare fees, it’s often best to get in touch with your chosen childcare provider for more information on their fee schedule.
Understanding the Child Care Subsidy and how it works
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main form of government assistance to help make the cost of childcare more affordable. This subsidy is paid directly to your approved childcare provider, who passes the benefit along in the form of reduced childcare fees.
To get the CCS, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Care for a child aged 13 or under who isn’t in secondary school (unless an exemption applies),
- Use an approved childcare provider,
- Be the person responsible for paying the childcare fees, and
- Meet residency and immunisation requirements.
The amount of assistance you can receive depends on:
- Your household income
- The hourly rate cap, which depends on the type of approved childcare you choose and your child’s age,
- The number of hours of recognised activity you (and your partner) do, and
- How many children you have in your care.
The CCS rates are reviewed annually, with changes typically taking effect from early July. You can use our CCS calculator to work out how much CCS you could be entitled to. But remember, this is an estimate only.
Introducing the 3 Day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, all CCS-eligible families will be eligible for the 3 Day Guarantee, entitling families to at least 72 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight for each child.
Under these changes, the government is replacing the current activity test, meaning:
- Families who do more than 48 hours of recognised activity per fortnight can receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight.
- Families with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eligible for 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, no matter their activity level.
These updates mean childcare will be easier on your budget, more flexible for your family, and provide your child with even more opportunities to thrive through early learning.
Depending on your family’s circumstances, you might also be eligible for other government payments, including the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS), the Family Tax Benefit, and the Parenting Payment. For more information on each of these payments, please refer to the Services Australia website.
What’s included at Kids ELC
At Kids ELC, we believe all children should have access to high-quality childcare. Our daily Kids ELC fee covers:
- Fresh, nutritious meals,
- Nappies and wipes,
- Our interest-led Kids ELC curriculum,
- Thoughtfully designed facilities,
- Supportive, qualified educators, and
- Dedicated studio rooms for each age group.
As an approved childcare provider, eligible families of Kids ELC can take advantage of reduced out-of-pocket childcare fees thanks to the CCS. We’re also proud to offer the Queensland Government’s Free Kindy program. With the Free Kindy program, eligible children can take part in 15 hours of fun, play-based kindergarten learning each week. Running across 40 weeks of the year, that’s 600 hours of Free Kindy, delivered by qualified early childhood teachers, at no cost to you, at all Kids Early Learning Centres.
Enjoy affordable childcare at Kids ELC
Childcare costs have been front of mind for many families, and the government is introducing new subsidy reforms to help ease cost-of-living pressures. With extra subsidy support and the new 3 Day Guarantee, childcare is set to become more affordable for families.
At Kids ELC, we understand just how challenging it can be to navigate the CCS and other government assistance programs while trying to enrol your child in childcare. Whether you’re looking to maximise your CCS or you need a hand understanding the different government payments available, our team are on hand to help every step of the way.
Get in touch with our friendly team for more information on our childcare fees or for help navigating the CCS and other subsidies.
