The Government’s announcements yesterday to expand childcare places in “high demand” areas and workplaces came after the first set of support schemes aimed at helping pre-school operators who receive little or no government funding were announced last month.

Over the next five years, S$25 million would be set aside to implement two schemes. First, the Early Childhood Development Agency increased the development grant for new childcare centres operated by voluntary welfare organisations from the current 20 per cent of development cost to 50 per cent. The agency also introduced a Pre-School Opportunity Fund to support kindergartens and childcare centres to implement projects that assist children from less advantaged backgrounds.

Last month, the Government also announced that it will invest S$30 million to fund scholarships and training awards for the pre-school sector over the next three years, to support new students in their diploma courses while allowing existing teachers to upgrade themselves professionally.

The Anchor Operator Scheme is also being expanded so low- and middle-income families can enjoy affordable and quality pre-school options.