How much does it actually cost to send your child to a quality infant care centre in Singapore? No need to wonder because we’re here to answer this question – and more!
The cost of early childhood education isn’t always as straightforward as parents would like it to be, which is why it’s important to do your own research.
To make things easier for you, here’s everything that every parent needs to know about the cost of infant care in Singapore.
Why do you need infant care?
For parents with full-time jobs or looking into re-entering the workforce, infant care is a great additional layer of support to help you balance your responsibilities.
There are two main types of infant care in Singapore available to parents: infant care centres and babysitters. Your choice will boil down to several factors, but for most parents, budget carries a huge weight.
Sending your child to an infant care centre does cost a lot of money, but it’s a lot cheaper than hiring full-time nannies or babysitters for the same amount of time.
Additionally, in terms of early development, attending an infant care centre is more beneficial in the sense that children get to interact with kids their age and other adults and explore the world outside their home.
For most parents, this is more than a valid reason to spend a bit more on infant care centres.
What’s the cost of infant care in Singapore?
Depending on the subsidies you’re eligible for, expect to pay around $750 to $3,000 per month to enrol your child in a good infant care centre. Curriculum, location, facilities, and teaching staff often influence the pricing of these centres.
Anchor Operators or Partner Operators?
What to do when the rates of private centres are out of your budget? You look for anchor or partner operators!
These are government-subsidised centres that receive funding to have capped monthly fees and make their services accessible to more families.
Anchor Operators have a monthly fee cap of $720 for half-day and $1,300 for full-day childcare, while Partner Operator fees are capped at $750 for full-day childcare and $1,400 for full-day infant care.
Star Learners is an appointed Partner Operator with a full-day infant care rate of $1,290 per month.
For comparison, private infant care centres usually charge around $2,000 to $2,500 per month.
Subsidies for infant care in Singapore
Yes, infant care indeed costs an arm and a leg in Singapore, but luckily, there are several government subsidies aimed at making quality early childhood education more affordable and accessible.
Singaporean families with children enrolled in accredited centres are automatically qualified for the basic subsidy of $300 for full-day childcare and up to $600 for full-day infant care, regardless of the household’s gross income.
The catch is, the mother’s employment status will be considered. Those who aren’t employed at the moment will receive only $150 for full-day childcare while working mums receive a higher subsidy of $300.
Here’s some more good news: lower-income families may apply for an additional subsidy of $467 for full-day childcare provided that their gross monthly household income is $12,000 or $3,000 per person.
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