Enrolment Rate at Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children Centres

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the current utilisation rate of Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centres with a breakdown by region; (b) how EIPIC capacity is planned as new centres open; and (c) in each of the past three years, how many children left EIPIC without enrolling in a mainstream or special education (SPED) school, and how they are followed up.

Answer:

            As of June 2026, the utilisation rate of Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) and EIPIC-P centres is 65% nationally, with lower utilisation rates in Central and Northeast regions, and higher in North, East, and West regions. Available capacity may not always match with children waiting for placement, as matching takes into account families’ preferences such as centre locations and session timings.

2.          Today, we plan new capacity for early intervention services based on projected demand across regions, taking into account existing capacity. Where there are persistent capacity constraints in specific regions, we may add capacity through new centres or the expansion of existing services. In addition, ECDA works with operators to optimise existing capacity.

3.          Children are enrolled in EI programmes based on their developmental needs, and may exit at different points depending on their developmental progress and circumstances. Children may graduate when they no longer require EI support, or when they are ready to transition to formal schooling, whether in mainstream or SPED schools. In some cases, parents may choose to discontinue services for various reasons, such as preference for other EI services or logistical and caregiving constraints. Where appropriate, government-funded EI providers work with families to support children’s transition to the next setting.