Choosing an early learning centre is an important family decision, and understanding the fees should not feel confusing or overwhelming.
At Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre Blacktown, we believe families deserve clear information, transparent communication and a supportive partnership from the first enquiry onwards. In this guide, we explain how childcare fees work, how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) may reduce your out-of-pocket costs, what the daily fee and gap fee mean, and what families should ask before enrolling in childcare Blacktown.
Rainbow Hut is a small, family-owned childcare service with three locations: Blacktown, Liverpool and Prestons. Our Blacktown centre is located at 33 Sutton St, Blacktown NSW 2148, and is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm.
Important: Fees and government subsidy settings can change. The examples below are for guidance only and are not a personalised quote. Please contact our Blacktown team for current fees and speak with Services Australia about your individual CCS entitlement.
What does childcare cost in Blacktown?
The total amount you pay depends on several factors, including:
- The centre’s daily fee
- Your approved CCS percentage
- The number of hours your child attends
- Your family’s recognised activity
- The government’s hourly rate cap
- Your child’s age and booking pattern
- Any additional charges listed in your enrolment agreement
Public listing information for Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre Blacktown has indicated an average daily fee of approximately $122. This should be treated as an approximate guide only, rather than a guaranteed 2027 fee. Your exact fee may vary, so we recommend confirming the current amount directly with our team.
Our educators will also explain the booking arrangements, attendance requirements and what is included before you enrol. We want every family to feel comfortable asking questions and making an informed choice.
Daily fee vs gap fee: what is the difference?
These two terms are often used together, but they mean different things.
Daily fee
The daily fee is the full amount charged by the early learning centre for your child’s booked day of care before CCS is applied.
For example, if the daily fee is $122, this is the starting cost for the booked day. The government may then pay part of this amount directly to the service through CCS, if your family is eligible.
Gap fee
The gap fee is the amount you pay after the Child Care Subsidy has been applied.
A simple way to understand it is:
Daily fee – CCS amount = your gap fee
The gap fee is not necessarily the same for every family. Two families attending the same early learning centre Blacktown may pay different amounts because their CCS percentages, income estimates and eligible hours may differ.
How the Child Care Subsidy can reduce your costs
The Child Care Subsidy is calculated using your family income, the type of care, your child’s age, your recognised activity and the relevant hourly rate cap.
For the 2026–27 financial year, which includes the first half of calendar year 2027:
- Eligible families may receive up to 90% CCS for their first or only child in care, depending on family income.
- A higher rate may apply for a second or younger child under five.
- From 6 July 2026, the Centre Based Day Care hourly cap for children below school age is listed as $15.19 per hour.
- CCS is generally calculated on the lower of the service’s hourly fee and the government hourly cap.
- From January 2026, CCS-eligible families may receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, subject to the relevant rules.
You can read more about the current arrangements through the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy information and Services Australia’s CCS guidance.
The settings that apply from July 2027 may be updated by the Australian Government. For this reason, families should check their entitlement through myGov and Services Australia before finalising their budget.
An example of what you might pay
To show how the calculation works, let’s use an illustrative example:
- Approximate daily fee: $122
- Attendance: 10 hours
- Approximate hourly fee: $12.20
- Family CCS rate: 90%
- The fee is below the 2026–27 hourly cap of $15.19
In this example:
- CCS may cover approximately $109.80
- The family’s estimated gap fee may be approximately $12.20 per day
If the family’s CCS rate was 80%, the estimated gap would be approximately $24.40 per day. At a 70% CCS rate, the estimated gap would be approximately $36.60 per day.
These figures are examples only. The actual calculation may differ because of your approved hours, family income estimate, absences, withholding arrangements, subsidy eligibility and the centre’s confirmed fee.
For a broader explanation, you can also read our guide: 5 Steps to Maximise Your Subsidy and Fee Relief for Child Care Blacktown Families.
What is included in the childcare fee?
When comparing childcare fees in Blacktown, it is important to look beyond the daily price. Ask what your fee supports and whether additional charges may apply.
At Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre Blacktown, our service is designed to provide a safe, nourishing environment where children can experience fun and learning throughout the day. Our programs include:
- Learning experiences guided by the Early Years Learning Framework
- A structured School Readiness Program
- Interactive learning through carefully selected technology, videos and apps
- Language experiences, including Hindi songs, games and stories
- Purpose-built facilities for children aged from 0 to 6 years
- Supportive relationships with experienced early childhood educators
- Open communication about your child’s progress, interests and development
- Respect for multiculturalism, diversity and individual beliefs
Specific inclusions can vary between services and enrolment arrangements. During your tour, ask whether meals, nappies, special events, excursions, late collection fees or other items are included in the quoted daily fee.
We believe clear communication is part of quality care. Families are welcome to ask for a written fee schedule and discuss any questions before accepting a place.
What should families budget for in 2027?
When planning your family budget, consider more than the advertised daily fee.
You may wish to calculate:
- Your estimated gap fee per day
- The number of booked days each week
- Your expected attendance across school holidays
- Possible public holiday and absence arrangements
- Any enrolment or additional service charges
- Changes to your family income during the year
- Whether your CCS estimate needs to be updated
It is also important to keep your income estimate accurate in myGov. If your circumstances change, updating your details may help reduce the risk of a significant adjustment after the financial year ends.
Our team can help explain the centre’s fee information, but only Services Australia can confirm your personal CCS entitlement.
Why families choose Rainbow Hut Blacktown
We understand that choosing child care Blacktown is about much more than finding a convenient place for your child to spend the day.
Rainbow Hut is a small, family-owned service that believes in:
- A children-first policy
- Long-term relationships with children and families
- A safe, nurturing and growth-oriented environment
- Fun learning that supports curiosity and confidence
- Respect for culture, family values and individual beliefs
- Strong communication and genuine partnership with parents
- Building capacity for future learning and school readiness
Our Blacktown centre is conveniently located at 33 Sutton St, Blacktown, and is open from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. We also welcome families at our Rainbow Hut locations in Liverpool and Prestons.
Questions to ask before enrolling
When you visit an early learning centre in Blacktown, consider asking:
- What is the current daily fee for my child’s age group?
- What does the fee include?
- How is the gap fee collected?
- What happens when my child is absent?
- Are there additional charges?
- How many subsidised hours may my family receive?
- How will educators communicate with us about our child’s progress?
- What learning programs are offered for my child’s age?
- How does the centre support cultural identity and family beliefs?
- What is the process for confirming my enrolment through myGov?
These questions can help you compare services fairly and understand the complete cost of care.
Ready to explore childcare in Blacktown?
We know that fees are an important part of your decision, and we are here to make the process as clear and reassuring as possible.
To learn more about our programs, visit the Rainbow Hut Blacktown centre page. You can also contact our team or join our waitlist.
Book a tour at Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre Blacktown today! Meet our educators, explore our nourishing environment and discuss your family’s childcare needs at 33 Sutton St, Blacktown.
We look forward to building a long-term relationship with your family and supporting your child’s precious early years through fun, learning and attentive care.
