Looking at childcare options so you and/or your partner can return to work? Infant care centres in Singapore are a reliable additional layer of support to help you balance your responsibilities at home and the workplace!
Finding the right centre for your little one isn’t going to be a walk in the park, though, with the overwhelming number of choices and factors to keep in mind.
To help you out, we’ve put together a quick guide to everything parents need to know about infant care centres in Singapore!
Why do families need infant care?
Infant care centres in Singapore provide child care for little ones aged 2 to 17 months, and provide parents with the assurance that their children will receive quality care and guidance for healthy development while they’re at work.
Going to an infant care centre brings numerous benefits to children that set them up for future success, including building independence and self-confidence as well as developing cognitive, emotional and social skills.
More importantly, through infant care, your child gets to grow in a stimulating, supportive environment under the care of professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help them learn.
What to consider when looking for an infant care centre in Singapore?
There are top three factors to consider when choosing an infant care centre namely, environment, curriculum, and teaching staff.
As a parent, you want an environment that’s safe, comforting and supportive for your child’s growth and learning.
Take a look at your shortlisted centres’ classrooms and play areas. Are they safe and conducive for infants? Are there enough toys and educational materials to aid their learning?
When it comes to curriculum, it’s important to pick a centre with a learning philosophy that’s aligned with your own values and perspective on early childhood education.
Ask about how their curriculum embraces the early childhood education framework and promotes cognitive, emotional and social development in young learners.
For example, to foster an early love for reading and develop their critical thinking and language skills, Star Learners follow a literature-based curriculum that exposes children to a wide range of picture books.
Finally, when you send your child to an infant care centre, you expect them to get the best care possible, so make sure to look into the qualifications and training of the teaching staff. All infant care teachers in Singapore are required to have an advanced certificate in infant care!
How much do infant care services cost in Singapore?
The cost of infant care differs from one centre to another, but the ballpark figure for private centres usually ranges from $750 to $2,900 per month.
Don’t worry if these rates are too high for you because there are several government-initiated subsidies that you may apply for.
If your child is enrolled in an accredited infant care centre, you’re automatically qualified for the basic subsidy of $300 for full-day childcare and up to $600 for full-day infant care, regardless of your household’s gross monthly income.
Take note here that the mother’s employment status will be considered in determining the subsidy you’re eligible for. Families with mothers who are not working will receive only a $150 subsidy for full-day childcare, while families with working mums receive a higher subsidy of $300.
Another option to lower the cost of infant care is to look for Anchor Operators (AOP) and Partner Operators (POP). These are government-subsidised centres with capped monthly rates to make their services accessible to more families in Singapore.
AOOs have a monthly fee cap of $720 for half-day and $1,300 for full-day childcare, while POPs have capped fees at $750 for full-day childcare and $1,400 for full-day infant care per month.