Daily Fee
As a not-for-profit, community-based organisation, St Mary’s Children Centre sets very competetive fees. Our goal is not profit, but to offer the highest quality education and care to all children for an affordable fee.
We believe families should receive excellent value without compromising on the quality of their child’s care, learning or experiences. Our daily fee provides access to high-quality early learning and care, our educational program, play-based learning, incursions and excursions where applicable, nutritious meals and snacks, and a welcoming community where your child can learn, grow and belong.
Eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which reduces the amount you pay, while eligible Kindergarten families may also benefit from Victorian Kindergarten funding. We aim to keep our fee structure clear and straightforward, so you can understand what is included and what you can expect.
For your child, it’s a full day of care, learning, friendship and opportunity, all in one place.
For 2026, our daily fee is $165
What’s Included?
Our daily fee provides access to a complete early learning experience, including:
High-quality early learning and care throughout the day
Qualified educators
A play-based, intentional educational program guided by the relevent early years curricula, e.g. EYLF, VEYLDF, AC, NQS…
Funded Kindergarten program for eligible children
Daily indoor and outdoor learning and play experiences
Nutritious lunch, morning/afternoon tea, and snacks throughout the day
Incursions and special learning experiences, where applicable
Excursions and community experiences, where applicable
Creative arts, music, movement and imaginative play
Early literacy, language, numeracy and STEM experiences
Gardening, nature and sustainability experiences
Learning observations, goals and documentation through OWNA
School readiness and school transition reports for eligible children
Opportunities for children to develop friendships, confidence, independence and school readiness
A safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is known and valued
Ongoing communication and partnership with families.
One daily fee. A whole day of care, learning, discovery, friendship and fun.
Click below to try the calculator
Child Care Subsidy Calculator
What is the Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is financial assistance from the Australian Government that helps eligible families with the cost of approved childcare.
The subsidy is paid directly to St Mary’s Children Centre, reducing the amount you need to pay in child care fees.
Who can receive the Child Care Subsidy?
You may be eligible for CCS if you:
care for a child aged 13 or younger who is not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
use an approved childcare service, like St Mary’s Children Centre
are responsible for paying your childcare fees
meet the relevant residency requirements
meet the relevant immunisation requirements.
The 3-Day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government introduced the 3-Day Guarantee as part of changes to the Child Care Subsidy activity test.
Under the new arrangements, all eligible families are entitled to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of their level of recognised activity.
Some families may be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, including families who:
undertake more than 48 hours of recognised participation
care for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
meet specific exemption criteria.
What does this mean for your family?
The 3-Day Guarantee makes it easier for eligible families to access subsidised early childhood education and care, with at least three days of subsidised care available each fortnight.
Your individual CCS entitlement will depend on your circumstances. For more information or to check your eligibility, speak with our team.
How do fees, CCS and funded Kindergarten work?
Our daily fee is the standard fee charged for your child’s place at St Mary’s Children Centre. Eligible families may receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which is paid directly to St Mary’s and reduces the amount you pay.
What you end up paying, out of pocket, is what is generally known as “the gap fee”.
For children attending our funded Kindergarten program, the Victorian Kindergarten funding contributes towards the cost of the funded Kindergarten program. The amount families pay will depend on their enrolment, attendance, CCS eligibility and applicable Kindergarten funding arrangements.
In simple terms: Daily fee − CCS − applicable Kindergarten funding = amount payable by the family.
For an estimate of your individual fees and subsidies, please contact St Mary’s.
We’re here to support your family
Starting at an early childhood centre is a significant step for both children and parents. Our goal is to make the transition as welcoming and reassuring as possible.
Whether you have a question about your child's learning, want to share something your child has been interested in at home, or simply want to understand more about their experience at St Mary’s, we encourage you to talk with us.
We value your knowledge, your voice and your partnership.
Together, we can create a strong connection between home and St Mary’s, helping your child to belong, learn, grow and flourish.