How Much Does Infant Care Cost in Singapore?
Gross fees, government subsidies, and real out-of-pocket costs for Singapore citizen families across different income levels.
Gross Fees by Operator Type
Infant care is the most expensive category of early childhood care in Singapore because of the strict 1:5 staff-to-child ratio. Gross fees vary significantly depending on the type of operator.
| Operator Type | Gross Fee Range (Full-Day) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Operator (AO) | S$1,300 to S$1,900/mo | PCF Sparkletots, My First Skool (NTUC) |
| Partner Operator (PO) | S$1,500 to S$2,200/mo | Smaller subsidised operators |
| Private (Unsubsidised) | S$2,000 to S$3,500/mo | Private kindergartens and boutique centres |
Anchor Operators have fee caps set by ECDA to keep infant care accessible. Most families with Singapore Citizen (SC) children and working mothers qualify for significant subsidies on top of these gross fees.
How the Subsidy Calculation Works
The government provides two layers of subsidy for infant care at ECDA-licensed centres:
Basic Subsidy
Up to S$710 per month for SC children in full-day infant care, where the mother is working, studying, or on medical leave. This applies regardless of household income. For PR children, the basic subsidy is S$355 per month.
Additional Subsidy (Income-Tested)
On top of the basic subsidy, families with lower household income receive an additional monthly subsidy. This is assessed on gross monthly household income per capita (or total household income for some brackets).
| Gross Monthly Household Income | Additional Subsidy (Infant Care) |
|---|---|
| S$3,000 and below | Up to S$710/mo |
| S$3,001 to S$4,500 | Up to S$570/mo |
| S$4,501 to S$6,000 | Up to S$380/mo |
| S$6,001 to S$7,500 | Up to S$190/mo |
| Above S$7,500 | No additional subsidy |
Real Out-of-Pocket Costs by Income Level
Using a PCF Sparkletots gross fee of S$1,550/month as a reference, here is what families actually pay after subsidies (SC child, working mother):
| Household Income | Gross Fee | Total Subsidy | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| S$2,500/mo | S$1,550 | S$1,420 | ~S$130/mo |
| S$4,000/mo | S$1,550 | S$1,280 | ~S$270/mo |
| S$5,500/mo | S$1,550 | S$1,090 | ~S$460/mo |
| S$9,000/mo | S$1,550 | S$710 | ~S$840/mo |
| S$12,000/mo | S$1,550 | S$710 | ~S$840/mo |
Figures are indicative. Actual subsidy amounts depend on the specific centre's gross fee and ECDA's income assessment. Apply via your chosen childcare centre.
What Is (and Is Not) Included in Infant Care Fees
Usually Included
- All meals and snacks (formula or expressed breast milk handling)
- Nappies at some centres
- Daily routine care (bathing, feeding, nap)
- Age-appropriate sensory and play activities
- Basic learning materials
Usually Extra
- Registration fee (S$50 to S$200 one-off)
- Uniform and school bag
- Optional enrichment classes
- School excursion fees
- Nappies at centres that do not include them
Waitlist reality: Popular infant care centres near MRT stations or in mature estates can have waitlists of 6 to 24 months. Register as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. You can register at multiple centres simultaneously.
Medical disclaimer: content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Subsidy figures are based on publicly available ECDA guidelines and are subject to change.