We thank Mr Lu Qin Yuan for his letter to have more preschool subsidy to encourage more Singaporean couples to have children (交流站：鼓励生育须解决多个痛点) on 11 November 2025.
We recognise that parents’ decision to have children involves many considerations, from financial costs to work-life balance and caregiving support. The Government has introduced a range of measures such as the enhanced Baby Bonus support and parental leave, and we will continue to strengthen support at every stage of the parenting journey.
Currently, all Singapore Citizen children enrolled in a licensed preschool are eligible for Basic Subsidy of up to $300 for childcare and up to $600 for infant care. Parents can also tap on the Child Development Account to defray preschool expenses. To further lower costs, eligible families receive additional means-tested subsidies, with more for lower-income families.
To increase access to good quality and affordable early childhood care and education, Anchor Operator (AOP) and Partner Operator (POP) preschools receive government funding to keep monthly preschool fees affordable for parents, while continuing to invest in quality improvements.
From Jan 2026, full-day childcare fees at AOPs and POPs will be reduced to $610 and $650 respectively. This will make full-day childcare expenses before means-tested subsidies comparable to primary school and after school care fees combined.
Beyond affordability, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) also works with the Housing Development Board (HDB) to develop new preschool places in tandem with new housing developments, ensuring that young families have convenient access to a preschool near their homes. By the end of this year, 80% of preschoolers can have a place in Government-supported preschools.
These measures reflect our ongoing commitment to support Singaporeans who wish to marry and raise families.
Ms Agnes Lim
Director, Family and Early Childhood Division
Ministry of Social and Family Development