NDR 2026: Significantly lower childcare, infant care fees at government-supported preschools by 2030
Absorbing more of the costs of childcare and preschool is “one of the best investments we can make”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Parents in Singapore will face significantly lower childcare and infant care fees by 2030, as the government seeks to make pre-school education more affordable and accessible. The current monthly cost for a full day of childcare at government-supported pre-schools is $365 or $746, while infant care costs $746 or $1,310. By 2030, these fees are expected to plummet to $150 for a full day of childcare and $300 for infant care, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement during the National Day Rally on August 23.
This reduction is part of a broader initiative to ensure that quality pre-school education remains within every family's budget and readily available in every neighborhood.
The government plans to cut childcare and infant care fees gradually from 2028, aiming to achieve the target levels by 2030. All families will eventually have access to full childcare and infant care subsidies, regardless of the applicant's working status. Currently, full subsidies are only available to families with working parents, covering a basic and an additional means-tested subsidy for childcare and infant care, respectively.
The new fee reductions will benefit every Singaporean child, irrespective of their household income. Prime Minister Wong emphasized that the government will significantly expand the network of government-supported pre-school operators and provide additional support to eligible non-government-supported operators.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development stated that this phased approach allows the sector ample time to adjust sustainably, ensuring that the quality of care and education remains intact throughout the transition. The number of infant care spaces will also be increased, and the infant educator workforce expanded. The government remains committed to supporting children's education beyond pre-school, acknowledging rising demand for student care.
PM Wong highlighted that while the government will continue to support students throughout their education, expanding capacity, improving care quality, and keeping fees affordable will be a priority.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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