Community First Discount Rate: Making quality child care more accessible for local families

Community First Discount Rate: Making Quality Child Care More Accessible for Local Families

Access to quality early childhood education can make a lasting difference in a child’s development while giving parents the flexibility to work, study, or manage family commitments.

For families who aren’t eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), however, the cost of child care can be a significant challenge. That’s why Children First is introducing the Community First Discount Rate – a new initiative designed to make quality early learning more accessible.

Introducing the Community First Discount Rate

Supporting local children, families and communities has been at the heart of Children First since 1948. As part of this commitment, we’re proud to launch the Community First Discount Rate, a first-of-its-kind trial for families who are not eligible for CCS due to residency or visa requirements.

Eligible families can access child care for $85 per day (usually $150 per day), helping to reduce financial pressure while ensuring more children can benefit from a safe and nurturing early learning environment.

Who Is Eligible?

The Community First Discount Rate is available to families who:

• Are not eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
• Are seeking affordable, high-quality early childhood education.
• Value flexible care with no minimum two-day attendance requirement.

Families should confirm their CCS eligibility with Services Australia before applying.

What’s Included?

The discounted daily rate includes:

• Care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• Care from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• No minimum two-day attendance requirement

By making child care more affordable, this initiative helps more families access the benefits of early learning while providing greater flexibility for parents and carers.

Find Out More

The Community First Discount Rate is currently available as a trial at Blacktown Road Children’s Centre.

Families interested in learning more are encouraged to book a tour or speak with the team about eligibility and availability.

Blacktown Road Children’s Centre
217–221 Blacktown Road
Blacktown NSW 2148

Phone: (02) 9831 5333
Email: blacktownrd@childrenfirst.asn.au
Website 

Terms and Conditions: The Community First Discount Rate is subject to eligibility, availability and Children First approval. The offer is currently available only at Blacktown Road Children’s Centre. Standard enrolment terms apply and the offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Families must not be receiving the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to qualify.