More infant and childcare spots to open up in Singapore
On Saturday (2 Nov), Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli announced that Singapore will see nearly 40,000 new infant and childcare spots become available between 2025 and 2029.
This expansion, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and five anchor operators, aims to support increasing demand for early childhood education, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
Source: Getty Images
Expanding access to affordable & quality preschools
The figure includes approximately 6,000 new infant care places to meet rising demand among local families, as part of broader efforts to improve access to affordable, quality preschools in Singapore.
Speaking at the Early Childhood Celebrations event that day, Mr Masagos said that the move would enable government-supported preschools to serve 80% of preschoolers in the medium term, up from over 65% at present.
Reduced childcare fees & subsidies for lower-income families
Starting 1 Jan 2025, full-day childcare fee caps will be lowered by S$40, with anchor and partner operators charging S$640 and S$680 per month, respectively, as previously outlined in the national Budget.
In further support of families, lower-income households with a gross monthly income of S$6,000 and below will qualify for the highest childcare subsidy for their income tier beginning 9 Dec.
“This means that parents can expect to pay S$3 to S$115 or up to 2% of their income, for childcare at (anchor operators), with further reductions in 2025,” shared Mr Masagos.
“I am happy to announce that this move will take effect from December this year. More than 17,000 additional children can benefit from this move.”
Also read: Childcare teacher uses body to shield toddlers during 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan
Childcare teacher uses body to shield toddlers during 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan
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Featured image adapted from Getty Images.
