As part of the country's efforts to meet the demands of childcare centres, the Singapore government announced that there will be mega childcare centres emerging in five locations this year — Yishun, Jurong West, Punggol, Woodlands and Sengkang.
These areas have been chosen due to the large number of young families located there.
The mega centres will be run by Anchor Operators (AOPs) appointed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). There are currently five AOPs: NTUC My First Skool, PAP Community Foundation, Metropolitan YMCA MY World Preschool, Skool4Kidz and EtonHouse International’s E-bridge Pre-school. Each centre will take in 300 to 500 children each.
All five centres will get government grants and priority in securing sites in HDB estates, but they must keep their fees below $720 a month, among other conditions.
Yishun
What: Skool4Kidz, run by a consortium led by Kinderland
When: By the middle of 2016
Where: Next to Block 415 along Yishun Avenue 11 Singapore
The centre will accommodate up to 300 students.
The childcare fees per month at Skool4Kidz is estimated to be at $770 for toddlers, playgroup and nursery (age 18 months to 6 years old), excluding other fees and expenses. The infant care fees per month is (age 2 to 17 months) is about $1360.
Parents can now register at here
Woodlands
What: The PAP Community Foundation (PCF)
When: Second half of 2016
Where: Along Woodlands Street 12, near Woodlands Swimming Complex and Woodlands Stadium
The centre will cater to 300 children, aged 18 months to 7 years. The school will also tap on nearby amenities such as the Woodlands Park and Sports Stadium to offer a holistic learning experience.
Fees are currently being reviewed, but will be within a monthly cap of $770, after GST. Priority will be given to parents whose children are not yet enrolled in any of its centres.
Parents can now register here
Sengkang
What: NTUC First Campus My First Skool
When: By the middle of 2016
Where: Sengkang Junction of Fernvale Link and Sengkang West Way, near Blocks 430 and 430A-D
The centre will carry a capacity of 500, well above the average of 100 for a typical centre in a HDB void deck.
Parents can now register here
Punggol
What: E-Bridge Pre-School, managed by EtonHouse International Education Group
When: Second quarter of 2016
Where: 78 Edgedale Plains, near Horizon Primary School
What to expect: The centre will encompass several features and an innovative ecological design, which are a first for Singapore’s early childhood scene.
Childcare fees per month are $720 and infant care is $1,275 per month before subsidies for Singapore citizens.
Parents can now register here
Jurong East
What: AOP not announced
When: By the middle of 2016
Where: Jurong West Along Jurong West Street 65, near Boon Lay Secondary School
Lead and Featured Image Credits: Skool4Kidz
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