Early childhood sector aims to recruit 1,800 more infant care educators by 2030

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in Singapore is aiming to recruit 1,800 more infant care educators by 2030 to meet increasing demand for infant care places. This initiative follows Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement during the National Day Rally that monthly fees for full-day childcare and infant care will decrease to S$150 and S$300, respectively, by 2030.

The lower fees, applicable to all Singaporean children regardless of household income, are expected to make preschool more affordable and accessible. To support this goal, ECDA will expand its Manpower Hiring Grant to assist preschool operators in recruiting and training both local and foreign educators for infant care roles. The grant will cover up to 70% of training stipends and 50% of course fees for eligible trainees, with extra support specifically for infant care certification programs.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.