Childcare is one of the most complex and expensive decisions Singapore parents face. The system includes infant care, full-day childcare, student care, kindergartens, and home-based childminders. This guide covers every option with honest costs, available subsidies, and practical tips on applications and waiting lists.
Types of Childcare in Singapore
| Type | Age Range | Hours | Monthly Cost (before subsidies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Care Centre | 2 – 18 months | Full day | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| Childcare Centre | 18 months – 6 years | Full or half day | $700 – $1,800 |
| MOE Kindergarten | 5 – 6 years (K1/K2) | Half day | $150 – $190 |
| Private Kindergarten | 3 – 6 years | Half or full day | $700 – $2,500 |
| Home-based Childminder | 2 months – 6 years | Flexible | $700 – $1,400 |
| Student Care Centre | 7 – 14 years (after school) | After school hours | $300 – $600 |
Government Childcare Subsidies
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) administers two main subsidies for licensed childcare centres:
Basic Subsidy
Available to working mothers (employed or self-employed). The subsidy amount depends on whether you are using infant care or childcare:
| Childcare Type | Working Mother | Non-working Mother |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare (full day) | $600/month | $150/month |
| Infant care (full day) | $1,200/month | $600/month |
| Childcare (half day) | $300/month | $75/month |
Additional Subsidy (Income-based)
For families with household income below $12,000/month, an additional subsidy further reduces the monthly fee. The lower your income, the higher the additional subsidy. For families earning less than $3,000/month, the combined subsidy can reduce fees to as low as $3 per month.
How to Apply for Childcare Subsidies
- Enrol your child at a licensed ECDA childcare centre
- The centre applies for the Basic Subsidy on your behalf at enrolment
- For the Additional Subsidy, submit income documents through the LifeSG portal or at the centre
- Subsidies are applied monthly, directly to your invoice
- Renew your subsidy application annually as income is reassessed
The Waiting List Reality
- Apply to multiple centres simultaneously
- Join waitlists for centres near both your home and workplace
- Check the ECDA Child Care Link portal (ccl.ecda.gov.sg) for vacancies
- Consider less popular time slots (7am or 7pm pickup) which may have shorter waits
- Ask the centre about their cancellation policy — spots open up regularly
MOE Kindergartens: The Affordable Option
MOE Kindergartens (MKs) offer government-quality education for children aged 5 to 6 at around $150/month. All MKs use the same MOE curriculum, focusing on bilingualism and holistic development. Since they are half-day only, most working parents pair MK with a student care programme for the afternoon. Registration for MKs opens each year in August for the following year. Priority is given to Singapore Citizens in the immediate neighbourhood.
Home-Based Childminders
Home-based childminders (ECDA licensed) can care for up to 5 children in their home. They offer more flexibility than centres and a homelier environment. Look for a licensed childminder through ECDA's licensed childminder search. Subsidies are also available for licensed home-based childminders.
Using Your CDA for Childcare
The Child Development Account (CDA) from the Baby Bonus scheme can be used to pay for approved childcare centre fees. This effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost further. The CDA card is accepted at most licensed centres — check with your centre at enrolment.
Planning Your Childcare Budget
Use the Baby Expense Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare cost after subsidies. For the full picture of financial support available to Singapore parents, see our guide on Baby Bonus & Government Support. The Finance Hub also has tools for childcare savings and budgeting.