The large expatriate population in Singapore has given rise to multiple childcare options for a wide range of ages. Childcare is made more affordable thanks to the relatively cheap cost of labor in the neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Finding the right childcare services shouldn't be an issue in Singapore.
Personalized childcare in Singapore
One of the most convenient options is to recruit a nanny or an au pair. There are many agencies in Singapore that offer recruitment services for nannies, but these agencies will charge a fee for their services. Another approach to finding a nanny involves joining a community group or forum where you can discuss with other parents and inquire about nannies. Being a hub, many families come and go in Singapore, and many would be very happy to provide you with a recommendation.
Childcare services in Singapore
Alternatively, there are several types of collective childcare services, such as nurseries, kindergartens, and pre-schools, depending on the age of your child. Some of these have an international focus and cater almost exclusively to expat populations. Generally, institutions offer full-time as well as part-time services.
The country enforces a strict licensing policy, and all institutions need to be licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). The agency ensures that sufficient standards are met and carries out regular checks. Daycare centers generally cater to children aged between 2 months and 7 years. The minimum age for pre-schooling is 56 days, but this varies from school to school.
In Singapore, children are enrolled in kindergarten at 3 years old [the 3 years are called Nursery, Kindergarten 1 (K1), and Kindergarten 2 (K2)], and then start primary school when they're seven. Schools also need to abide by registration requirements set out by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, which ensures that staff respect the regulations in place and provide an adequate environment for the children. Childcare centers generally operate from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, but it's often possible to negotiate flexible hours, sometimes until 8:00 pm. Working hours in Singapore tend to be quite long, and it's common practice for Singaporeans to leave work quite late. Such schools are, therefore, very practical.
Finding childcare in Singapore
There are many ways to find childcare in Singapore. In addition to word of mouth and the online forums discussed previously, the Yellow Pages hold many ads and numbers for childcare services. The ECDA website has a very practical tool that allows you to search for childcare options using specific criteria, including hours of operation, location, fees, and types of services. Once you've identified a list of potential providers, you can arrange a meeting to discuss the services and visit the center. There are strict requirements involved in the registration of your child in the childcare center. This includes vaccinations, and you should seek information on mandatory vaccinations from a pediatrician.
During the registration process, you'll be required to provide your child's health and immunization records, as well as your basic identification documents, including your identity card, passport, or residency permits. The prices charged by different schools (per month) vary from S$800 to S$2,500, but these numbers are rough indications since the quality of service varies from institution to institution, and the location of the childcare center is also a significant factor in the cost. Premium childcare centers can significantly cost more, from S$1,000 to S$3,300 per month.
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