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Singapore

Singapore relaxes pre-school grant criteria to help smaller operators join POP network

Easier access to a grant for smaller pre-school operators aims to lower fees for families and address concerns over the low fertility rate.

Photo: Head Topics

What happened

Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming said smaller pre-school operators may find it easier to tap a new grant to join a network of centres offering lower fees to families. The Straits Times+1 The criteria for the grant are being relaxed, and the policy relaxes the size thresholds previously required for the government-supported partner operator scheme. The Straits Times+1 Goh said the aim is to help more families get lower fees by 2030. The Straits Times

Around it

Goh said Singapore must make pre-schools near homes, affordable and of good quality, and build a family-friendly culture, as the low 0.87 fertility rate raises long-term economic concerns. The Straits Times Full-day childcare fees are targeted to drop to $150 a month and infant care fees to $300 a month by 2030. Head Topics Goh also called the Megan Khung abuse case heart-wrenching and said new child protection steps, including SAFER, aim to spot risks earlier and prevent future tragedy. The Straits Times

Sources

  1. The Straits TimesEasing pre-school worries, giving parents assurance: Goh Pei Ming on supporting families
  2. Head TopicsSingapore Relaxes Preschool Grant Rules to Lower Fees by 2030

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