Free Kindy and the 3 Day Guarantee: What Sunshine Coast Families Need to Know
If you have a child approaching kindy age - or you're already thinking ahead about childcare - there are two significant government support programs available right now that could make a real difference to your family's budget.
At Evolution Early Learning, we're the Sunshine Coast's all-inclusive childcare centres in Mooloolaba and Kuluin. Our goal is simple: provide parents with a stress-free childcare experience, and an environment your little ones will love. Part of making that happen is making sure every family knows what financial support is available to them.
Here's a straightforward guide to both programs and how they apply at our centres.
What Is the Queensland Free Kindy Program?
Free Kindy is a Queensland Government initiative that provides 15 hours of kindergarten per week across 40 weeks of the year - that's 600 hours of funded kindy education at no cost to eligible families.
To be eligible, your child needs to turn four years old by 30 June in the year they attend kindergarten. For 2026, that means children born between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 are eligible.
There's no separate application. If your child is enrolled in our approved kindergarten program, Free Kindy is applied automatically.
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How Does Free Kindy Work at Evolution Early Learning?
Both our Mooloolaba and Kuluin centres offer a Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program, which means eligible children can access Free Kindy here.
The 15 funded hours per week cover kindy sessions within your child's regular attendance. For families who need care beyond those hours, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can apply to the additional hours - meaning Free Kindy and CCS can work together to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
And here's what makes Evolution different: our fees are all-inclusive. Your child's place comes with:
- Chef-prepared meals daily - breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack
- Nappies, wipes, and sunscreen
- Music programs
- Yoga and mindfulness sessions
- Health and physical exercise programs
- Creative arts
- Little Zookeepers incursions
- Eco Warriors environmental program
- Extra curricular learning activities
No surprise charges. No optional add-ons. Everything your child needs to thrive is included from day one.
What Is the 3 Day Guarantee?
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government introduced the 3 Day Guarantee - a significant change to how the Child Care Subsidy works.
Previously, the number of subsidised hours a family could access was tied directly to how many hours parents were working, studying, or in other recognised activities. The 3 Day Guarantee removes that barrier for many families.
All CCS-eligible families are now guaranteed a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight - the equivalent of three days per week - regardless of their activity levels. Families who participate in 48 or more hours of recognised activity per fortnight can access up to 100 hours of subsidised care.
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Who Is Eligible?
To access the 3 Day Guarantee, families need to meet the general CCS eligibility criteria:
- Your child attends an approved childcare service (like Evolution Early Learning)
- Your child meets immunisation requirements
- Your combined household income is below $535,279
If you're already receiving CCS, your entitlement was automatically updated from 5 January 2026. New applicants can apply through Services Australia.
Why This Matters
Together, these two programs mean more Sunshine Coast families can access quality early learning - more often, and at a lower cost.
For kindy-aged children at Evolution, the combination of Free Kindy and CCS can significantly reduce what you pay each week. Pair that with our all-inclusive model and there are no hidden costs to budget around - what you see is what you pay.
Early learning isn't just childcare. It's where children build confidence, develop friendships, and grow the skills that carry them into school and beyond. These programs exist to make sure more children can access that experience.
Who Is Eligible?
To access the 3 Day Guarantee, families need to meet the general CCS eligibility criteria:
- Your child attends an approved childcare service (like Evolution Early Learning)
- Your child meets immunisation requirements
- Your combined household income is below $535,279
If you're already receiving CCS, your entitlement was automatically updated from 5 January 2026. New applicants can apply through Services Australia.
Why This Matters
Together, these two programs mean more Sunshine Coast families can access quality early learning - more often, and at a lower cost.
For kindy-aged children at Evolution, the combination of Free Kindy and CCS can significantly reduce what you pay each week. Pair that with our all-inclusive model and there are no hidden costs to budget around - what you see is what you pay.
Early learning isn't just childcare. It's where children build confidence, develop friendships, and grow the skills that carry them into school and beyond. These programs exist to make sure more children can access that experience.
Find Out What You're Entitled To
Every family's situation is different. The best place to start is our CCS estimator - or reach out to us directly. We're happy to walk you through what applies to your family.
Book a Tour Today
Come and see our Mooloolaba or Kuluin centres for yourself. Meet our educators, explore the space, and ask us anything about enrolments, fees, and the subsidies available to your family.
Book A Tour
Book a tour at either of our Mooloolaba or Kuluin childcare centres to fully experience our philosophy.
Ready to get started? Complete our enrolment form today.
Looking for a rewarding career at Evolution Early Learning?
We are always looking for professionals who are as passionate and dedicated as we are in creating and delivering high-quality outcomes for children.
Whether you have been in the industry for years, or just starting. Apply today and be part of a leading childcare provider on the Sunshine Coast!