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Speech By Ms Sun Xueling, Minister Of State For Ministry Of Social And Family Development And Ministry Of Home Affairs, At Committee Of Supply 2023

Type: Official Speeches: Sun Xueling, Official Speeches (All)

Topic(s): Committee of Supply

Published on 03 March 2023

SUPPORTING FAMILIES BY GIVING EVERY CHILD A GOOD START

Chairman,

1. I thank Members for their views on preschool education. Just as families are the bedrock of our society, children are the future of families. I will share MSF’s approach to give every child a good start in life.

2. Our efforts are part of the whole‑of‑society plan, A Singapore Made for Families 2025, which was launched by DPM Heng last year.

  • If we want a society made for families to thrive, each and every one of us has a role – the Government, the community, businesses and families.
  • This is our social compact; to weave together a larger circle of care to support families to achieve stability, self‑reliance and social mobility.

SUPPORTING NEW PARENTS

3. A good start in life begins at birth. The Government is committed to supporting couples as they embark on their parenting journey.

  • While families may have different caregiving needs and preferences, parental care and support remain crucial in anchoring and shaping children’s development.
  • Findings from the GUSTO study suggest maternal sensitivity was linked to brain development in early childhood.
  • Today, most infants are cared for in a home‑based setting by caregivers such as parents and family members, while around one in five infants are in centre‑based infant care.

4. Mr Seah Kian Peng and Mr Fahmi Aliman asked how parents will be supported in their children’s earliest years.

  • To better support families who require infant and playgroup services, some 7,000 new full‑day preschool places will be created.
  • We have been ramping up the infant care workforce.
    • The number of qualified educators has tripled from 2,100 in 2017 to 6,400 in 2022.
  • Staff‑child ratios ensure safety and well‑being.
    • Any changes must balance manpower demand and service availability.

GIVING EVERY CHILD A GOOD START IN LIFE

Enhancing Access to Affordable, Quality Preschools

7. For children aged 3 and above, preschool can be the best option to meet parents’ caregiving needs while supporting children’s development.

  • About 85% of preschool‑enrolled Singaporean children come from dual‑income families.

8. Our preschools complement the important role that parents play, providing assurance that children are well taken care of while growing holistically.

  • International research shows that attending quality preschool can boost children’s confidence and social skills.
  • Local data shows children who attended preschool from age 3 are less likely to require additional learning support later.

9. Today, around 9 in 10 Singaporean children aged 3 to 6 years are enrolled in preschools.

10. To meet growing demand, preschool places have more than doubled over the past decade.

11. While there are sufficient preschool places nationally, capacity is tighter in some areas, which is why 22,000 more full‑day preschool places will be created over the next two years.

  • ECDA works closely with agencies such as HDB and URA to open preschools near families with young children.

Uplifting Children from Lower‑Income Families

15. Lower‑income families and those with children with developmental needs may face additional challenges.

  • The KidSTART programme supports families as early as possible, even before a child is born.
  • Since 2016, KidSTART has supported over 6,200 children.
  • Positive outcomes include improved parenting skills and better child socio‑emotional development.

19. KidSTART will be expanded nationwide to support about 80% of eligible lower‑income children.

  • Healthcare clusters will help identify and support eligible mothers earlier.
  • Families will receive coordinated support across home, community and preschool settings.

Supporting Families of Children with Developmental Needs

27. Children with developmental needs require early identification and timely intervention.

  • 1,400 new early intervention places will be added through EIPIC and PPIP programmes.
  • More EI centres will be launched over the next two years.
  • Out‑of‑pocket costs will be reduced through new fee caps.

30. Inclusion and support within preschools have been strengthened.

  • The Inclusive Support Programme integrates EI services within preschools.
  • There are currently around 1,000 trained inclusion coordinators.

CLOSING

33. Chairman, in Mandarin please.

34. Parents should have the assurance that their children will be well supported and have good access to opportunities, regardless of starting point.

  • This is a commitment that we want to make and a journey we want to walk alongside our families.

36. It takes many helping hands to give every child a good start in life.

  • The Government will continue to work with preschools, agencies and community partners.

38. Thank you.