"How much is daycare per day in QLD?" is one of the most common questions families ask when planning for the year ahead. If you live in Burpengary, Redcliffe or anywhere across Moreton Bay and you're thinking about 2027, this guide is for you.
The good news? Thanks to the Child Care Subsidy, the new 3 Day Guarantee and Queensland's Free Kindy program, the childcare cost in Queensland is often lower than families expect. Here's how it all works.
What Affects the Daily Fee?
Each centre sets its own fees, so the childcare cost in Queensland varies from service to service. The daily fee usually depends on:
- your child's age (nursery, toddler or kindy room)
- the length of the session
- what's included, such as meals, nappies and wipes
- how many days your child attends each week.
Your out-of-pocket cost is the daily fee minus any government support. That's where the Child Care Subsidy comes in.
How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Helps
The Australian Government pays the Child Care Subsidy directly to your centre, so it comes off your fees straight away. Depending on your family income, CCS can cover up to 90% of your fee, up to the hourly rate cap. The percentage gradually reduces as income rises.
You can check how your income affects your subsidy on the Services Australia website.
The 3 Day Guarantee: More Subsidised Hours
Since January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee has replaced the old activity test. This means:
- every eligible family receives at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (about three days a week), regardless of work or study hours
- families who meet activity requirements, or who care for a First Nations child, can receive up to 100 hours per fortnight.
Find out more at childcaresubsidy.gov.au.
Free Kindy in Long Day Care
In your child's kindy year, Queensland's Free Kindy program covers 15 hours a week for 40 weeks of the year, led by a qualified early childhood teacher. Long day care centres often spread these hours across two or three days, and CCS can help with any extra hours of care. Learn more on the Queensland Government Free Kindy page.
Not sure if your child is eligible for kindy in 2027? Read our guide: What Age Does My Child Start Kindy in Queensland?
5 Tips for Budgeting Your Childcare Cost in Queensland
- Apply for CCS through myGov before your child starts care.
- Keep your income estimate up to date to avoid a surprise at tax time.
- Ask each centre exactly what's included in the daily fee.
- Check whether the centre offers a government-approved kindy program.
- Join waitlists early, especially for nursery places.
Plan Ahead With Apollo Villages
Apollo Villages Early Learning opens in Burpengary in January 2027, with our Redcliffe centre on the way. Our friendly team is happy to talk you through fees and help you estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Join our waitlist today and take the first step towards a great start for your child.