Childcare, preschools and infant care subsidies — Step-by-step walkthrough
Childcare, preschools and infant care subsidies in Singapore are generous for citizens and tiered for permanent residents, but most are unavailable to non-resident foreigners. A child with at least one Singapore-citizen parent can receive a basic subsidy plus means-tested additional support, sharply reducing monthly fees.
What the subsidy system covers — childcare, preschools and infant care subsidies
Singapore’s early-childhood system spans infant care (2–18 months) and childcare or preschool (18 months to below 7 years), regulated by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Government subsidies make licensed centres affordable, but eligibility depends heavily on the child’s citizenship and the mother’s working status.
For more on this on our site, see Childcare, preschools and infant care subsidies — Complete 2026 guide.
Who qualifies and for how much
The Basic Subsidy is available to families with a Singapore-citizen child enrolled in an ECDA-licensed centre, with a higher amount for working mothers. On top of that, the Additional Subsidy is means-tested on gross monthly household income and can substantially cut fees for lower- and middle-income families. Permanent-resident children generally do not receive these subsidies, and non-resident foreign children are not eligible, so expat families typically pay full private fees.
Always confirm the current rules with the authoritative source: the Ministry of Education, ECDA, the Ministry of Health.
Costs, fees and the numbers
Before subsidy, full-day childcare commonly costs S$800–S$2,500 per month depending on the centre, and infant care is higher, often S$1,300–S$3,000. The Basic Subsidy for a working mother of a citizen child can offset several hundred dollars per month, and Additional Subsidy can reduce out-of-pocket fees to a low double-digit or low-hundreds figure for eligible lower-income families. Anchor and Partner Operator schemes also cap fees at participating centres.
Step-by-step walkthrough
The process is: (1) confirm the child’s eligibility based on citizenship and the mother’s employment; (2) secure a place at an ECDA-licensed centre, joining a waitlist if needed; (3) apply for the Basic and, where relevant, Additional Subsidy through the centre, which submits to ECDA; (4) provide income documents for means-testing; and (5) pay the subsidised balance. Apply early, as infant-care places are scarce.
Common mistakes and gotchas
The biggest misunderstanding is assuming subsidies apply to foreign or PR children; they largely do not. Families also join waitlists too late, especially for infant care, and overlook the working-mother condition that unlocks the higher Basic Subsidy. Choosing a non-licensed arrangement forfeits all subsidy.
Anchor and Partner Operators and capped fees
Singapore caps fees at preschools run by Anchor Operators and Partner Operators, which receive government funding in return for keeping fees affordable and meeting quality standards. For eligible citizen families these capped-fee centres, combined with the Basic and Additional Subsidies, can bring out-of-pocket childcare costs down sharply. Places at these centres are in high demand, so early registration is essential.
Planning early childhood as an expat family
Expat families who do not qualify for subsidies should budget for full private fees and compare centres on curriculum, hours, location and waiting times rather than on subsidy. Infant-care places are the scarcest, so families planning to return to work soon after a birth should register well ahead. Where both parents work, factor in operating hours and proximity to home or office, since a centre that closes early can undo the convenience it was meant to provide.
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FAQs
Who qualifies for childcare subsidies?
Families with a Singapore-citizen child at an ECDA-licensed centre. The higher Basic Subsidy requires a working mother, and the Additional Subsidy is means-tested.
Do foreigners get childcare subsidies?
Generally no. Non-resident foreign children are not eligible and most PR children do not qualify, so expat families usually pay full fees.
How much is childcare before subsidy?
Full-day childcare is typically S$800–S$2,500 per month; infant care is higher, often S$1,300–S$3,000.
When should we apply for a place?
As early as possible, particularly for infant care, where licensed places are limited.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.