Data on Median Waiting Times and Shortage of Vacancies at Anchor and Partner Operator Infant Care Centres Due to Educator Shortages in Bidadari Estate

Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the current median waiting time for infant care places at Anchor and Partner Operator centres in Bidadari Estate within the Toa Payoh Planning Area; and (b) how many licensed infant care places are currently unavailable due to educator shortages in the Estate.

Answer:

            Currently, parents may register their interest for infant care with a preschool, which can either confirm a place or place them on a waitlist. From the point of registration of interest, waiting time typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months as it is influenced by various factors. In particular, some parents prefer to send their children to a specific centre. If the centre is full, they may have to wait longer.

2.          Within the Bidadari estate, there are no significant manpower shortages in the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator centres offering infant care services. About half of these centres have vacancies and are ready to take in new infant enrolments.