Featured - Grow Early Education

At Grow Early Education, we love sparking creativity in every season, and winter is no exception! With the cold weather well and truly upon us, it’s the perfect excuse to rug up indoors and enjoy some cosy craft time with your little ones. Arts and crafts support fine motor development, creativity, and imagination, and best of all, they’re loads of fun!

In this week's blog, we have compiled some of our favourite winter-themed craft ideas to try at home with your child.

Winter Sensory Snowflakes

Use cotton balls, wool, or tissue paper to create soft and textured snowflakes. Cut or outline snowflake shapes using cardboard or thick paper and let your child glue soft materials onto them for a sensory experience. This activity encourages sensory development and fine motor skills.

Puffy Paint Snow Scenes

Mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue to create your very own puffy paint. Use it to design a wintery scene, think snow-covered trees, mountains, or imaginary snow creatures! This is a great activity to develop creative expression and cause-and-effect learning.

DIY Pine Cone Creatures

During your next nature walk, collect pine cones and other natural elements to turn into little creatures! You can add googly eyes, felt, or even pipe cleaners to bring imaginations to life. This activity supports nature exploration and imaginative play.

Snowy Tree Collage

Create a winter tree by gluing twigs or tree cutouts to a sheet of paper, using cotton balls, white paint, or glitter, simulate how the snow would fall. You could also use a sponge to dab on “snowflakes.” Participating in this activity can foster skills around creativity and storytelling.

Arts and crafts are so much more than just fun for little ones, they’re a vital part of early childhood development. Craft activities help children build fine motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination, and express their emotions in a creative and meaningful way. Through simple materials and open-ended exploration, children learn to problem-solve, experiment, and share their ideas with confidence. Whether at home or in our centres, craft time is a wonderful way to nurture imagination, connection, and learning!

Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres and see how we incorporate art into our everyday curriculum.

Vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet, especially for young, growing children, but convincing little ones to eat them can be a daily challenge for many families. At Grow Early Education, we’re always looking for fun, creative ways to support healthy eating habits, and hidden vegetables are one of our favourites!

Children can be very selective eaters, especially when it comes to unfamiliar textures, colours, or flavours. By incorporating vegetables into meals in a sneaky yet nutritious way, children still receive the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, often without even realising they’re eating something “green.”

Hidden vegetables are also a great stepping stone towards helping fussy eaters become more familiar with the flavours of vegetables, while reducing the stress of mealtimes.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

At Grow Early Education, our Centre Chefs and Educators know how to turn fussy mealtimes into vegetable victories. Here are some of our favourite ways we include hidden veggies in everyday meals:

Veggie-packed brownies – Grated carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, and even spinach are blended into brownie mixture.

Muffins with a twist – Carrot and zucchini muffins are a big hit with little tastebuds and a smart way to add extra fibre.

Homemade pizza with blended vegetable bases – We love using vegetable-rich tomato sauces on pizza. Children typically also have the option to add mushrooms, pineapple, capsicum, and other colourful fruits and vegetables to their toppings as well.

At Grow Early Education, our approach to healthy eating isn’t just about what's on the plate, it’s also about how children feel about food. We create a positive mealtime environment where children are encouraged to try new things without pressure. Through hands-on gardening activities, children plant seedlings, nurture them as they grow into herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and then help harvest and cook with them. When children are involved in the process from garden to plate, they feel proud of their contribution and are far more likely to taste and enjoy the final dish.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Children at Grow Early Education Tarneit making apple and cinnamon muffins for afternoon tea

We also use every opportunity to talk about food in fun and engaging ways such as discussing colours, shapes, and even where veggies come from. Through play-based learning, gardening activities, and sensory experiences, children build positive associations with healthy food.

Moroccan Beef and rice with plenty of hidden nutrients at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

Creating rainbow pizzas with a range of fruits and vegetables at Grow Early Education Frankston

Hidden vegetables are a great place to start, but the ultimate goal is helping children appreciate vegetables in all their crunchy, colourful glory. By combining creative cooking with positive food experiences, Grow Early Education supports children in building a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.

Follow us on Facebook to see other ways our Grow Early Education centres incorporate healthy eating habits into everyday curriculums.

As the school holidays roll around and the winter chill sets in, many families find themselves wondering how to keep their school-aged children happy, active, and engaged. That’s where Grow Early Education's Winter Vacation Care Program comes in!

Our Vacation Care Programs are available at select Grow Early Education centres across Australia, offering a warm and welcoming space where children can enjoy fun-filled experiences, socialise with peers, and take part in exciting, educational activities.

Whether you’re a working parent looking for full holiday care or just want your child to enjoy a few days of adventure, our long daycare centre's Vacation Care options are here to support you and your family.

Winter Vacation Care at Grow Early Education is a school holiday program designed for primary school children aged 5 to 12 years. Run by qualified and caring Educators, the program features a thoughtfully curated schedule of seasonal fun; think winter crafts, themed dress-up days, sports, science experiments, cooking, and more!

Our programs are held at our purpose-built, long daycare centres, giving families the flexibility of longer opening hours, nutritious meals provided, and a safe environment that feels like a home away from home.

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Vacation Care?

✅ Flexible hours: Our centres are open extended hours to suit working families (most centres are open 6:30am to 6:30pm)
✅ All meals included: Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared fresh daily by our in-house chef
✅ Engaging activities: From winter STEM experiments to games, cooking, and art
✅ Experienced Educators: Children are supported by trained and caring professionals
✅ Safe, inclusive spaces: Designed to make every child feel welcome and valued
✅ Casual bookings available: You don't need to be enrolled in our centre prior to enjoy our Vacation Care Program

Participating Centres and What’s On These Holidays

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting programs on offer at our participating centres this winter:

Grow Early Education Toowoomba:

Grow Early Education Toowoomba are offering children a variety of age-appropriate adventures, including Teddy Bear Picnics, Superhero Dress-Up Days, and Scavenger Hunts. The Program is designed to spark imagination, encourage social play, and keep children active and engaged throughout the whole school holidays. Find the whole list of adventures planned here!

Grow Early Education Heathmont in Melbourne:

At Grow Early Education Heathmont, children are stepping into the world of science with a range of exciting STEM-based activities during these school holidays. From kitchen science to explosive experiments, little learners will explore messy, sensory-rich, and thought-provoking experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity. Find the full list of vacation care activities for Heathmont here!

Grow Early Education Tarneit in Melbourne:

Grow Early Education Tarneit are turning up the energy this winter with a special visit from Little Sports Heroes! The team are gearing up for fun sports and active play days designed to keep children staying warm and cozy through the chilly winter. Check out the full list of children's activities here!

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North in Melbourne:

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland at Narre Warren North as the centre celebrates Christmas in July! Children will be busy crafting festive decorations by building snowmen, creating snowflakes, and making their very own cheeky elf. It’s a joyful, creative experience that captures the magic of the season and keeps little hands busy with holiday cheer. See the full list of Winter cheer here!

Our Vacation Care Programs are built around fun, safety, and nurturing relationships between Educators and fellow peers. Whether your child loves getting messy with arts and crafts or playing together in team games, our upcoming winter vacation care program has something for every child!

Give our Enrolments Team a call today on 1300 934 769 to secure your child's place. Casual bookings and full-time bookings are now available.

Learn more about our Vacation Care Program here.

Choosing the right Kindergarten or Preschool Program for your child is an important decision, especially when balancing work; family life; and preparing your child for formalised schooling; all need to be considered. That’s why our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are thoughtfully designed and led by Bachelor degree-qualified Teachers, to deliver educational excellence and a school readiness program - all with the convenience of long day care hours.

Led by university-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and guided by the approved Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our programs provide children with strong foundations for school and lifelong learning, all within a nurturing early education environment.

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Kindergarten or Preschool Program?

At Grow Early Education, our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are designed to support busy families while still delivering a high-quality, government-approved early learning curriculum.

Here’s how Grow Early Education's Kindergarten or Preschool Program can be the perfect fit for your family:

Long hours for working families: Enjoy extended care from early mornings to late afternoon, perfect for working parents or those with full schedules.

'Free' kindergarten or fee relief for Preschool for eligible children: Take advantage of Government funding, which means eligible children can attend 'Free' Kindergarten in Victoria and Queensland or receive fee relief for our Preschool Programs in New South Wales.

Approved curriculum and added flexibility: Our program meets all of the educational requirements in a flexible, long day care environment. That means:
✅ flexibility for the number of hours and days you want your child to attend
✅ All-inclusive daily fees (meals, nappies, excursions, extra-curriculars, and access to our family communication app all in one fee)
✅ Year-round care, including school holidays

A focus on key learning goals: We have been in consultation with local schools and they have guided us on the learning goals for children, that will assist them in their transition to formal school:
- Toileting – I can use the toilet and wash my hands by myself.
- Independence – I can open up my lunch box and fill up my own water bottle. I can dress and undress myself such as putting on my own shoes and hat.
- Emotional Skills – I can communicate my wants and needs.
- Name Writing & Recognition – I can recognise my name and attempt to write it.
- Cognitive Abilities – I can retell a story or event. I can solve problems on my own.
- Literacy & Numeracy Skills – I can recognise some letters and sounds. I can recognise some numbers. I can recognise some shapes.
-‍‍ Social Skills Awareness – I can take turns with others. I can wait in line and follow instructions. I can ask and answer questions to take part in conversations.
- Fine Motor Skills – I can hold a pencil and crayon. I can cut and use scissors safely.
- Whole Body Listening – I can sit on the mat to participate in group time with my friends and teacher. I can actively take part in group learning.

Formal discussions and transition statements: A formal discussion between parents and the teacher is held at the end of the year to support each child’s transition to school by collaboratively creating a transition statement. This strengths-based statement provides a snapshot of the child’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions across the five learning and development areas.

School readiness initiatives to ease nerves: To help your child feel confident and excited about formalised school structures, we introduce regular school readiness initiatives. These could include fun and practical activities such as:
- Lunchbox days where children practice opening their own containers and eating from a packed lunch
- Uniform days where children wear their school uniforms, helping them prepare for daily routines and independence
- Visits to local schools across the year as part of your child’s transition to school process
- School-like routines such as sitting in group time, following simple instructions, and increasing independence with toileting and self-care

Education-Focused: Children learn through play and structured learning activities in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.

Reduced transition stress: If your little one already attends one of our centres, our Kindergarten and Preschool Programs are delivered within the same nurturing environment your child already knows and loves. With consistent Educators, familiar routines, and strong peer relationships, children experience a smooth and secure learning journey. This continuity supports emotional well-being, builds confidence, and allows your child to fully engage in their day, without the added stress of adapting to multiple environments.

Planning ahead? We are now taking enquiries for our 2026 Kindergarten or Preschool Program. Register your interest today to secure your child’s place and give them a strong educational foundation.

At Grow Early Education, Reconciliation Week is a time to come together to listen, learn, and reflect. In 2025, we embraced the powerful theme, Bridging Now to Next, with meaningful learning experiences that honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. Across our centres, Educators thoughtfully created opportunities for children to explore, connect, and celebrate through art, music, storytelling, and sensory play.

Here’s a look at how our Grow Early Education centres brought Reconciliation Week to life:

Celebrating Culture and Community at Grow Early Education Hervey Bay

At Hervey Bay, children celebrated Reconciliation Week through a vibrant mix of storytelling, art, and music. They painted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on their hands, created dot paintings, and watched videos of the didgeridoo to deepen their cultural understanding. These engaging experiences fostered a sense of community and connection to Country.

Sensory Play with Purpose at Grow Early Education Dalby

Children at Grow Early Education Dalby explored a unique sensory tray inspired by the Aboriginal flag. With colours and textures designed to spark curiosity, children squished and poked their way through the tray while being introduced to traditional Indigenous markings. Flashcards helped guide the children as they replicated the symbols, promoting conversation and cultural exploration through play.

Natural Connections with the Toddlers at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

In the Toddler Classroom at Grow Early Education Toowoomba, children engaged in hands-on learning experiences that celebrated Indigenous culture. They practised stamping the Aboriginal flag using their hands and explored colour, patterns, and meaning, while drawing traditional cultural symbols in the sand. These experiences sparked rich, age-appropriate conversations about Reconciliation Week, helping children begin to understand the importance of connection to land, culture, and people.

First Steps in Learning at Grow Early Education Toowoomba's Nursery Classroom

Even our littlest learners in the Nursery were invited to participate in age-appropriate ways. Educators introduced thoughtful books and resources to gently guide conversations around family, land, and connection to Country, laying the foundations for empathy and cultural awareness from the earliest years.

Reconciliation Week at Grow Early Education was a reminder that cultural understanding starts with open hearts and curious minds. Through age-appropriate and meaningful experiences, our Educators continue to embed First Nations perspectives into daily learning, ensuring every child grows up in an environment that values diversity, respect, and unity.

Together—now more than ever—we walk hand in hand toward a future built on truth, connection, and care for all cultures.

Follow us on Facebook to see how our Grow Early Education centres incorporate National Reconciliation Week into their curriculums.

Did you know? Attending consecutive childcare days can significantly benefit your child’s development, emotional security, and daily routine.

In this week’s blog, we’re exploring why booking consecutive childcare days can make settling in easier, strengthen learning, and support deeper relationships with Educators and peers.

Consistency Builds Security

Children thrive on routine. When they attend childcare on consecutive days, they’re able to easily settle into their environment. This consistency helps them feel safe, secure, and confident, knowing what they can expect and who they will see each day. It will also positively prepare a child for school as they get used to attending more.

Better Learning and Engagement

Early learning is all about repetition and connection. Attending multiple days in a row supports stronger learning outcomes, giving children the opportunity to build on what they’ve learned the day before. It also means less time re-adjusting and more time engaged in meaningful play and education.

Stronger Relationships

Children have a chance to form stronger bonds with their Educators and peers when spending more time together and developing bonds. These relationships are key for social and emotional skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Seamless Participation in Programs

Whether it’s art experiences, language development, group time, or outdoor adventures, children who attend on consecutive days are more likely to be present for the full scope of planned programs and special events. They won’t miss out on the fun (and learning!) that happens on the days in between.

A Smoother Transition for Families Too

Consecutive days not only benefit children, but they can also make life easier for families. Routine drop-offs, fewer back-and-forth adjustments, and smoother transitions throughout the week often lead to a more positive experience for everyone.

Thinking about increasing your child’s days or aligning them together? Have a chat with your Centre Director today or call our Enrolments Team on 1300 934 769. We’d love to support you in finding a schedule that works best for your child and family!

Whether it be muddy, gloopy, or messy, we LOVE sensory play at our long daycare centres.

Sensory play is a fundamental part of early childhood development and at our childcare centres, we embrace the mess and magic of sensory trays to create hands-on, engaging experiences for children of all ages.

From the squish of jelly to the crunch of leaves, sensory trays offer children the opportunity to explore textures, sounds, smells, and even tastes in a safe and fun environment.

In this week's blog, we are showcasing how these engaging provocations can support brain development, fine motor skills, and creativity in young children while encouraging holistic development.

The Benefits of Sensory Trays:

Brain Development: Sensory input helps build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, enhancing memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, pinching, and grasping all help children strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers.
Language Growth: Descriptive words fly around the room as children talk about what they feel, see, and smell.
Emotional Regulation: Sensory play can be calming and therapeutic, helping children self-regulate and manage big emotions.
Imaginative Play: With each new tray setup, children create stories, pretend scenarios, and explore their creativity.

At our Grow Early Education centres, our Educators use sensory trays to reflect seasonal themes, cultural learning, and educational topics. Here are just a few we’ve loved recently:

Grow Early Education Dalby:

The children at Grow Early Education Dalby recently enjoyed a bright and colourful Easter-themed “scoop and pour” tray. This tray was part of the centre’s Easter celebrations and provided a fantastic opportunity for children to practice pouring, sorting, and scooping.

Grow Early Education Darling Heights:

The Toddler Classroom were further introduced to literacy concepts as Educators set up an ocean-themed alphabet sensory tray. Children were able to create sandcastle letters as they explored a number of colours and textures, and ocean animals.

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North:

Educators were observing children's play habits within their child-initiated classroom time and discovered that the children were spending a lot of time in the home corner. To further extend on their interests, Educators set up a baking-themed sensory tray that allowed the children to experience utensils and ingredients through their senses.

Grow Early Education Bushland Beach:

As part of the Grow Early Education curriculum exploring dinosaurs, our Educators created an exciting, age-appropriate sensory experience for the Tiny Tots Classroom. The children used paintbrushes to gently dust away sand and uncover hidden dinosaur fossils, just like real palaeontologists! This hands-on activity sparked curiosity, encouraged fine motor skills, and brought the prehistoric world to life.

Grow Early Education Gunnedah:

At Grow Early Education Gunnedah, our Educators thoughtfully build sensory-themed trays based on the children’s interests. Recently, they created a vibrant, ocean-themed sensory tray filled with a variety of textures and shades of blue. This immersive experience allowed the children to explore and learn about the fascinating underwater world through sensory play that stimulates curiosity and imagination.

Sensory play isn’t just fun, it’s foundational. Our Educators love designing trays that are not only exciting for children, but meaningful too. Whether it's a celebration of culture, a holiday event, or an everyday exploration of science and nature, there’s always something new to discover with a sensory tray.

Interested in trying your own tray setup at home? Here are some simple sensory tray ideas to try:

Ocean Adventure: Blue jelly, shells, toy sea creatures, and seaweed (green spaghetti).
Construction Site: Crushed Weet-Bix or Coco Pops as “dirt,” trucks, pebbles, and cones.
Rainbow Rice Art: Layered colourful rice with scoops, funnels, and paintbrushes for mixing and creating.
Fruit Exploration Tray: Citrus slices, spoons, and bowls of water for squishing and squeezing.

Stay up to date with our centres on Facebook to see what sensory play trays they create next!

At Grow Early Education, we believe that learning goes far beyond the classroom, and one of the most powerful lessons begins right in the garden. As part of our all-inclusive childcare programs, gardening is a key component of our curriculum for children across all of our classrooms. Through our hands-on gardening lessons, children are learning valuable life lessons on curiosity, wellbeing, and healthy habits.

Gardening provides a wealth of benefits during the early learning years, from Toddlers exploring the textures in the soil to Kindergarten and Preschoolers nurturing growth from seeds through to harvest. This type of sensory-rich, outdoor activity supports holistic development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skillsets.

Here’s how gardening at our childcare centres helps young children thrive:

Physical Development

Digging, planting, watering, and harvesting help build fine and gross motor skills. Children develop strength, coordination, and dexterity while staying active and engaged outdoors.

Grow Early Education Dalby participated in Green Day where they utilised their collaborations with the community to create a learning experience in the garden

Cognitive Growth

Gardening teaches science in real-time. Children explore plant life cycles, weather patterns, and ecosystems, helping them understand the world around them. They also learn responsibility and patience as they care for their growing plants.

Grow Early Education Bundaberg harvest fresh herbs for their Centre Chef to use in their healthy meals

Emotional Wellbeing

Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and increase calmness in children. Gardening builds self-esteem and pride, as children see the results of their efforts bloom and grow.

Grow Early Education Gunnedah children are caring for their gardens ensuring their vegetables grow big and healthy so they can harvest them and use them in their weekly cooking classes — Grow Early Education Gunnedah children are caring for their gardens, ensuring their vegetables grow big and healthy so they can harvest them and use them in their weekly cooking classes

Social Skills

Whether they’re working in teams to tend to a veggie patch or taking turns with watering cans, gardening encourages cooperation, communication, and empathy.

Grow Early Education Tarneit are learning about composting and the benefits that can have on fueling the soil and their vegetables — Grow Early Education Tarneit are learning about composting and the benefits that can have on fuelling the soil and their vegetables

At Grow Early Education, we’re proud to offer gardening experiences at all of our daycare centres as part of our all-inclusive fee structure. That means families can enjoy the benefits of this enriching activity at no extra cost. Our outdoor learning environments are purposefully designed to include edible gardens, flower beds, and even worm farms, giving children a deeper connection to nature and sustainable living.

Our passionate Educators integrate gardening into our daily routines and learning programs, aligning with both the Early Years Learning Framework and the Abecedarian Approach Australia to nurture a love of the environment from an early age.

Whether it’s tasting and smelling the herbs they’ve grown or spotting the first sprout from a seed they planted, children at Grow Early Education are constantly discovering, experimenting, and learning. And as any gardener knows, those early roots make all the difference.

Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres on Facebook to see how they use gardening in their everyday curriculums.

At Grow Early Education, we embrace Australia’s rich multicultural heritage and believe in fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and inclusivity within our long daycare centres. Harmony Week, celebrated from March 17th to 23rd, is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about acceptance, respect, and unity while celebrating the diverse backgrounds that make up our communities.

This nationwide celebration highlights the importance of inclusiveness and cultural respect for all Australians, regardless of their background. The signature orange colour of Harmony Week represents meaningful conversations, communication, and mutual understanding—values we strive to instil in the children every day.

Throughout Harmony Week, our Grow Early Education centres across Australia will engage in various fun and educational activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Here’s how we have been getting involved so far:

Dress-Up Day – At Grow Early Education Gunnedah, children and Educators embraced diversity by dressing in traditional attire or wearing orange. They engaged in fun, themed activities, including arts and crafts sessions to further develop their understanding of what Harmony Week represents.

Multicultural Experiences – Across our Grow Early Education centres, we regularly engage with and share stories from different cultures, whether it be from our local Indigenous Australians or international cultures and holidays.

Diversity Art Projects – The children at Grow Early Education Bridgeman Downs created art pieces to showcase to their families around the centre. With the help of the Educators, children used their handprints to create personal details on their Harmony Day flowers. They also worked together to create their "Diversity Tree" using handprints as the leaves.

At Grow Early Education, we understand that early childhood is a critical time to instil values of respect, understanding, and inclusivity. By celebrating Harmony Week, we provide children with meaningful experiences that help them appreciate and embrace the differences that make each person unique. These celebrations encourage lifelong respect for diversity, fostering a future generation that values unity and kindness.

Let’s celebrate Harmony Week together and continue to nurture a world where everyone belongs!

Stay up to date with your nearest Grow Early Education centres Harmony Week celebrations on Facebook.

The Australian Government is making significant changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to provide more support for families and move towards a universal early education and care system. Announced on 11 December 2024, these changes will take effect from 5 January 2026, ensuring that more families receive subsidised childcare hours.

Key Changes to the CCS in 2026

The new subsidy rules will make childcare more accessible by adjusting how subsidised hours are calculated. Here’s what will change:

Minimum of 3 Days of Subsidised Care per Week for All Families

All CCS-eligible families will now receive three days of subsidised childcare per week for each child, regardless of their work or study commitments.
This means that more children will have access to early education and care, supporting their learning and development.

Increased Support for First Nations Families

Families caring for First Nations children will receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight per child.
This measure aims to provide greater access to childcare and early education for Indigenous communities, supporting cultural and educational growth.

Additional Support for Working, Training, and Volunteering Families

Families will continue to receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight per child if they:

Work, train, study, or volunteer for more than 48 hours per fortnight.
Qualify for an exemption under the CCS rules.

How CCS Eligibility is Determined

While the changes expand access to subsidised care, the actual subsidy percentage families receive will still depend on:

Combined family income – Higher-income families may receive a lower subsidy rate.
Hourly rate caps – The government sets limits on the amount of subsidy per hour.
Number of children in care – Families with multiple children in care may receive additional support.
Age of children – Different rates apply depending on whether the child is in early learning or school-age care.

What’s Next?

The Australian Government is working with Services Australia to ensure childcare providers and families are prepared for the transition in January 2026. More details and guidance will be provided in the coming months to help families understand how these changes will affect them.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 CCS changes represent a significant step towards making early childhood education more accessible for Australian families. By ensuring that all CCS-eligible families receive at least three days of subsidised care and increasing support for First Nations children, these reforms will ease financial pressures and improve early learning opportunities.

As we approach the rollout, families are encouraged to stay informed and check their eligibility to make the most of these new benefits. Stay tuned for further updates as the government finalises the implementation process!

Stay up to date with our Grow Early Education centres on Facebook!

Locations

Gunnedah

Heathmont

Bridgeman Downs

Featured Articles

Why Choose Grow Early Education's Vacation Care?

Participating Centres and What’s On These Holidays

Grow Early Education Toowoomba:

Grow Early Education Heathmont in Melbourne:

Grow Early Education Tarneit in Melbourne:

Grow Early Education Narre Warren North in Melbourne:

Celebrating Culture and Community at Grow Early Education Hervey Bay

Sensory Play with Purpose at Grow Early Education Dalby

Natural Connections with the Toddlers at Grow Early Education Toowoomba

First Steps in Learning at Grow Early Education Toowoomba's Nursery Classroom

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