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3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
A landmark change to early childhood education and care (ECEC) has come into effect today, with the Australian Government’s 3 Day Guarantee now providing all Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligible families with access to a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Quality
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Is your service ready? Key updates to Queensland kindergarten funding in 2026
Queensland’s Kindergarten Funding program continues to evolve as a key mechanism to expand access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). From 1 January 2026, updated funding category guidelines and funding essentials will take effect, building on the reforms introduced in 2025 and reinforcing the state’s commitment to free kindergarten for all Queensland families.
2025-12-17 07:00:15
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
What early childhood providers need to know about mandatory merger clearance in 2026
As Australia enters 2026, one of the most significant competition law changes in decades will come into effect, and early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers should be aware of what it means for the sector. From 1 January 2026, a mandatory, suspensory merger clearance regime will require certain large business acquisitions to be reviewed and approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) before they can proceed.
2025-12-17 06:30:05
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Early childhood education assets continue to attract strong investor interest in record-breaking $151m Burgess Rawson from CBRE auction
Investment in early childhood education and care (ECEC) infrastructure continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term value, with a standout childcare transaction featuring Burgess Rawson from CBRE’s final portfolio auction for 2025.
2025-12-16 08:00:10
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Provider
Quality
Workforce
Community-led early learning service opens in Alice Springs to support First Nations children
A new early childhood education and care service has opened in Alice Springs, increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive education for local First Nations families.
2025-12-12 07:34:17
by Fiona Alston
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Economics
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3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Quality
Canberra early learning service honoured with national award for team excellence
2026-01-05 07:00:44
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Quality
Practice
Research
Embedding culture every day: Evans Head–Woodburn Preschool recognised for reconciliation leadership
2026-01-05 08:00:05
by Fiona Alston
