Early Childhood Development Agency to review preschool subsidy framework

Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee stated on Sunday (1 July) that the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will be reviewing its preschool subsidy framework.

Under the current framework, eligible households can receive up to S$740 in childcare subsidies per month. The amount a family receives depends on their household income.

The framework saw an increase of at least S$100 in childcare subsidies when last reviewed in 2013.

Mr Lee told reporters on the sidelines of a visit to a community health and developmental screening event at Boon Lay that the review will help to ensure that quality preschools remain accessible and affordable to families with young children.

He also interacted with families and volunteers during his visit which was jointly organised by ECDA and the Neighbourhood Health Service Kids (NHS Kids), the event offered a free, one-stop health screening to about 300 children in the area, including those under the KidSTART pilot.

The framework is part of a two-year programme by NHS Kids, funded by Temasek Foundation Cares, to support children and families who require assistance in the areas of child development, health and social care.

There were about 400 medical, nursing and social work students from local tertiary institutions have volunteered to provide the screening services, supported by staff from healthcare and social service agencies.