It is extremely difficult for working parents to source for the best childcare in Singapore. Being so busy with work, you would want to ensure that your child's caregiver is trustworthy without breaking the bank. In this article, you will find a guide that will help you to make an informed choice about your childcare options, and the costs of these options.
The True Cost of Childcare in Singapore
Depending on which childcare centre you opt for, childcare costs can vary significantly.
Childcare Option | Monthly Fees |
Trusted family member | None |
Flexible working arrangements | None |
Partner Operator | Up to $760 (full-day childcare), $1.330 (full-day infant care) |
Anchor Operator | Up to $720 (full-day childcare, $1,275 (full-day infant-care) |
Premium childcare centre | $1,000 - $2,500 + |
Full-time babysitter | $600 - $1,400 |
Part-time babysitter | $300 - $500 |
Domestic helper | $779.90 - $899.90 |
Now, here is a clearer rundown of the options mentioned above.
Option 1: A Trusted Family Member
Cost: none
Under the care of a family member, your child is likely to feel more comfortable. Though this may seem like a logical answer to your childcare woes, the reality is that the level of childcare provided is highly dependent on your relative's schedule and abilities. For instance, your older parents may find it difficult to tend to the needs of a hyper toddler. Whereas younger family members may not be able to commit to caregiving full-time due to their busy schedules.
Therefore, this option may work best when it serves as a complement to other forms of childcare, like babysitters and childcare centres.
Option 2: Flexible Working Arrangements
Cost: none
This option is for parents who not only prefer a more hands-on approach to parenting, but also a more affordable childcare option.
Flexible working arrangements can manifest itself in working from home either full-time or part-time. Ask your employer for these arrangements, or find an employer that provides for this option.
Another way to achieve these flexible working arrangements is to look for freelance work, if your family is able to handle a more variable income.
Option 3: Childcare Centres
Partner operators
Monthly cost: up to $760 (full-day childcare) - $1,330 (full-day infant care)
Partner operators are childcare centres that receive funding from the government which keeps childcare costs low in Singapore.
If you are unsure about which childcare would be the right one for you and your child, you can visit the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)'s website. where they offer you a comprehensive rundown of the different childcare centres in Singapore to assist you in choosing the most ideal one. You can use ECDA's Preschool Search Portal to locate a preschool near you.
Anchor operators
Monthly cost: $720 (full-day childcare) - $1,275 (full-day infant care)
Anchor operators are privately-run childcare centres that receive funding through the Anchor Operators Scheme. Similar to premium childcare centres, these anchor operators boast a special curriculum that centers around early childhood education. These Anchor operators include My First Skool and MY World Preschool.
Premium childcare centres
Monthly cost: $1,000 - $2,500++
Premium childcare centres are special in that they adopt a special curriculum that is in line with a specific teaching philosophy. Some of these centres teach art, speech and drama lessons, while others specialize in bilingual classes. A number of these centres also have primary school readiness programs, and they have a higher student-to-teacher ratio, so your child can have more attention from the teacher.
Option 4: Full-time or Part-time Babysitter
Monthly cost, full-time: $600 - $1,400
Monthly cost, part-time: $300 - $500
For parents that are not as comfortable with caregivers living under the same roof as them, or only need caregivers during their working hours, hiring a babysitter is a great option.
The typical pay for babysitters ranges from $15 - $40 per hour. These wages are highly influenced by the following factors:
Working hours given to the babysitter: for instance, hiring a babysitter in the evenings, weekends and public holidays may be cheaper than hiring a babysitter overnight.
The babysitting location: Generally speaking, dropping off your child at a babysitter's place would be more affordable compared to having the babysitter come to your house.
The platform from which you hire your babysitter from: hiring a babysitter directly allows room for negotiation of rates. In contrast, if you were to hire a babysitter through agencies like Nanny Pro, Baby Carers and Find a Nanny, you will have to accept their listed prices.
Ad-hoc services versus regular services: Ad-hoc services could be more expensive compared to booking a babysitter for a few months.
Option 5: A domestic helper
Monthly cost: $779.90-$899,90
For parents who require live-in help, hiring a domestic helper will be helpful especially if you work a lot and are often busy with other obligations. However, hiring a domestic helper may bring about more responsibilities for you.
Technically speaking, domestic helpers are your employees, which means that you have to cover her medical needs and other daily necessities.
These responsibilities may seem daunting, but fear not. You can minimize the potential financial burdens of hiring a domestic helper through domestic helper insurance. One example of domestic helper insurance is NTUC Income's Maid Insurance, which provides wage compensation of up to $35 for every day that your maid is hospitalized, for a span of up to 30 days (enhanced plan).
Another responsibility that employers of domestic helpers have to accept is up-front fees for hiring a maid through a reputable agency. To reduce this cost in particular, a 'maid transfer' can be done. A maid transfer is the act of hiring a maid who is already employed by another household in Singapore and is looking to transfer to a new household.
Moreover, you would have to factor in your domestic helper's monthly salary and other monthly costs. A helper's monthly salary can fall anywhere from $450 to $570, depending on where their home country is. Do note that the monthly wage can also be pushed up by prior working experience in Singapore.
Additionally, other miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, utilities and food also need to be considered.
Lastly, a monthly maid levy for looking after a child under the age of 16 has to be paid. This levy is priced at a $60 concessionary rate.
Subsidies for Parents
These high costs may seem daunting at first glance, but not to worry, because there are subsidies available to help you. So long as your child is Singaporean and attends a childcare centre licensed by the ECDA, your child would be eligible for the following subsidies.
Preschool subsidy | Monthly benefits per child | Income celing |
Basic Subsidy | Up to $300 for full-day childcare or $600 for full-day infant care | None |
Additional Childcare Subsidy (mainly for working mothers) | Up to $467 for full-day childcare or $710 for full-day infant care | Per capita income of $3,000 and below or gross monthly household income of $12,000 and below (for larger families with a minimum of 3 dependents not earning an income) |
If you are considering half-day childcare services instead, your child may be applicable for the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS). Your child's eligibility will not be affected by the mother's working status.
Preschool subsidy | Monthly benefits per child | Income ceiling |
Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) | Up to $170 | Per capita income of $3,000 or gross monthly household income of $12,000 and below for larger families with at least 3 dependents not earning an income |
Which arrangement should you choose?
As a parent, it is natural that you want to find the most ideal arrangement that suits both you and your child's needs.
Though cost is an important factor of consideration, you should also think about the other qualitative factors that affect your child's caretaking experience. For instance, the cheapest option would allow you to save the most money, However, the more affordable option may come at the cost of your own career advancement or your relationships with your family. Childcare may be worth those extra dollars.
Nonetheless, as a Singaporean, you are able to enjoy subsidies that will allow you to maximize your child's childcare experience without costing you an arm and a leg. In Singapore, you can be certain that through careful budgeting, your child will be well taken care of while you are at work.
Whichever choice you make, do ensure that both you and your child are stay protected from unforseen dangers. With a personal accident plan, childcare fees can be reimbursed if your child falls sick, lifting additional financial burdens off your shoulders.
Find out more about other insurance plans that are available for you and your child by contacting me at 97901583.
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