First Five Early Learning Reservoir

Families will see increases to Child Care Subsidy (CCS) hourly rate caps and family income thresholds from 6 July 2026, following the Australian Government's annual indexation process.

For families using centre-based care the maximum hourly rates that will apply from 6 July 2026 is $15.19.
The hourly rate cap is the maximum hourly fee the Government uses to calculate a family's CCS entitlement. Where a service's fees exceed the relevant cap, families are required to pay the difference.

Family income thresholds are also increasing.
Family income thresholds used to determine CCS eligibility and subsidy rates will also increase from 6 July 2026.
Under the revised arrangements:
• families earning up to $88,520 will be eligible for a 90 per cent subsidy
• families earning more than $88,520 and below $538,520 will receive a subsidy that gradually reduces from 90 per cent to zero
• the subsidy rate decreases by 1 percentage point for every $5,000 of additional family income
• families earning $538,520 or more will not be eligible for CCS.

A family's subsidy rate is applied to the hourly rate cap or the service's actual hourly fee, whichever is lower.

For more information visit the Services Australia Website:
https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/child-care-subsidy?utm_source=ecec2026-06-10&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rate_caps

First Five Early Learning Reservoir offers families all day and all weather play for children in our indoor and outdoor playgrounds. No matter the weather or time of day children are afforded the choice of all day, outdoor play.

The design of playgrounds matters for children’s development and learning. Key components in the design of playgrounds for young children include fixed equipment, open space, portable equipment, natural or native elements and elements of risk.

Sandpits, slides, forts and swings are examples of fixed equipment which cater to the developmental and play needs of children using the playground. For children, fixed equipment signals that children play here due to familiarity and prior experience with common playground features. Fixed equipment provides repeated opportunity to master skills and becomes the anchor from which children explore the larger playground space and more open-ended play opportunities over time.

To learn more please visit out website or contact our centre team.
[email protected] or call 9088 6216

Wearing blue, standing together with our community, and helping shine a light on Neurofibromatosis this May 💙💚

Our team proudly wore blue today, to support NF Awareness Month. We are proud to support and recognise the families and children in our service and community who experience, or care for someone who experiences, Neurofibromatosis. We hope to be able to raise funds to support the work of NFA and their advocacy in reducing the complexities of accessing care, treatment, support for children, parents and families.

Together, we’re helping bring conversations, understanding, and support for the thousands of children and families impacted by NF.

Did you know? Neurofibromatosis (NF) affects 1 in 2,500 people worldwide — yet many people have never heard of it. Raising awareness helps drive understanding, support, and research.

If you’d like to support our fundraiser or learn more, visit:
https://www.nfawarenessmonth.com.au/fundraise/first-five-reservoir

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