At Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre, we understand that every dollar counts when you are raising a family. As we approach July 2026, there is some wonderful news for our families in Liverpool, Blacktown, and Prestons. Significant changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the continuation of the NSW Start Strong Fee Relief program mean that quality early childhood education is becoming more accessible than ever.
We believe that every child deserves a nourishing and safe environment to grow, and our family-owned centre is dedicated to helping you navigate these financial benefits. Whether your little one is in our Penguins (0-3 years) or Koalas (3-5 years) room, these five steps will ensure you are maximizing your savings this winter.
Our Commitment to Liverpool Families
Before we dive into the steps, it is important to remember that Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre has three locations, Liverpool, Blacktown, and Prestons. Across all our sites, we maintain a children first policy, ensuring that while the paperwork might seem complex, the result is always focused on your child's precious early years.
Step 1: Update Your myGov Details for the July 6 Indexation
The first and most crucial step is to ensure your information is up to date. Starting from July 6, 2026, the Australian Government is implementing its annual indexation of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
What does this mean for you? The family income thresholds are shifting upward. For families earning up to $88,520, the maximum CCS rate remains at 90%. However, for those earning above this amount, the gradual reduction in subsidy now happens across higher bands, meaning many families will see a slight increase in their subsidy percentage or a slower "taper" as their income grows.
What you need to do:
- Log in to your myGov account and navigate to Centrelink.
- Check that your estimated family income for the 2026-27 financial year is accurate.
- Confirm that your child's enrolment details for Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre are correctly linked.
By keeping these details meticulous, you avoid "gap fee" surprises and ensure the subsidy is applied accurately from day one of the new financial year.
Step 2: Understand the New 2026 Hourly Rate Caps
A major part of the July relief is the increase in the hourly rate cap. For long day care services like ours in Liverpool, the cap is rising to $15.19 per hour.
This is excellent news because the subsidy is calculated based on whichever is lower: the actual fee charged or the hourly rate cap. With the cap increasing, the government is essentially "covering" a larger portion of the fees, reducing the out-of-pocket costs for our families.
At Rainbow Hut, we are committed to building capacity in our community by providing high-quality care that remains affordable. By understanding these caps, you can better plan your family budget. If you have multiple children in care under the age of five, remember that you may still be eligible for the higher CCS rate (up to 95%) for your younger children, further increasing your July savings!
Step 3: Secure Your NSW Start Strong Fee Relief
In addition to the federal CCS, families in New South Wales have access to the Start Strong Fee Relief program. This state-funded initiative is designed to support school readiness and ensure every child has access to at least 600 hours of preschool education in the years before they start big school.
For 2026, the savings are substantial:
- $2,563 per year for children aged 4 years and above (by July 31, 2026).
- $769 per year for children aged 3 years old (by July 31, 2026).
This relief is applied directly to your gap fees. To claim this, you must complete a Fee Relief Declaration Form at our centre. Please note that you can only claim this relief at one early learning service at a time. If your child is part of our Koalas room and transitioning to school soon, this funding is specifically designed to support their School Readiness Program, which utilizes Technology Integration and structured learning to prepare them for the future.
Step 4: Utilize the 72-Hour Fortnightly Guarantee
As of 2026, a significant barrier to child care has been removed. All CCS-eligible families are now guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of their activity level (work, study, or volunteering).
Previously, the "Activity Test" often limited how many hours of subsidy a family could receive. Now, we can offer a growth-oriented environment for at least three days a week to every child, ensuring they don't miss out on the social and educational benefits of an Early Learning Centre Liverpool.
This guarantee is a game-changer for families looking to increase their child's attendance without a massive financial burden. If you have been considering moving from two days to three days a week to help your child settle or prepare for school, now is the perfect time to make that transition.
Step 5: Partner with Our Admin Team for a Meticulous Review
We don't just see ourselves as a service provider; we see this as a partnership. Our administration team at Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre is here to help you understand your statements.
We suggest a "July Check-in":
- Review your first statement in July: Look for the updated CCS percentage and the Start Strong Fee Relief credit.
- Verify attendance: Ensure your child's sign-in/out records are accurate, as the subsidy is paid based on these records.
- Talk to us: If your circumstances change: perhaps you've moved between our Liverpool, Blacktown, or Prestons locations, or your household income has shifted: let us know so we can help you update the system.
Why Choose Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre?
Beyond the financial savings, choosing Rainbow Hut means choosing a nurturing environment focused on unleashing your child's full potential. Our family-owned small business values the long-term relationships we build with children and their parents.
We take great pride in our multiculturalism and diversity, ensuring that every child's individual beliefs are respected. Our purpose-built facilities are designed to be a "home away from home," providing a safe space where fun and learning go hand-in-hand.
Whether it is our structured School Readiness Program or our focus on mindful practices, we are dedicated to shaping young minds for a bright, successful future.
Start Saving Today!
Don't wait until the end of the month to sort out your fee relief. These steps are simple but vital for ensuring your family receives every cent of support available.
If you have questions about your eligibility or want to see our nourishing environment for yourself, we would love to welcome you. Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre has three locations: Liverpool, Blacktown, and Prestons: ready to support your child’s journey.
BOOK A TOUR TODAY and join our Rainbow Hut family! Click here to contact our friendly team and secure your child's place for 2026.
Key Takeaways for July 2026 Fee Relief:
- CCS Hourly Cap: Increased to $15.19 to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- NSW Start Strong: Up to $2,563/year for 4+ year olds and $769/year for 3 year olds.
- Income Thresholds: Adjusted for inflation, helping more families get higher subsidies.
- 72-Hour Guarantee: Minimum 3 days of subsidised care per week for all eligible families.
- Action Needed: Update myGov and sign the Start Strong declaration form at the centre.
We look forward to continuing our journey with you and your precious little ones. At Rainbow Hut, we truly believe that by working together, we can provide the best possible start for every child in our care.
