Rising waiting lists for infant care
There are substantial waiting lists for infant care despite supply exceeding demand.
According to a spokesperson from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), the supply for infant care places in Singapore exceeds the demand but only 3,900 of 6,300 infant care places have been taken up across Singapore. This is mainly due to the lack of qualified staff.
Stay-at-home mothers and seniors could lend a helping hand
The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) said regulatory agencies could consider on-the-job training for ideal candidates, such as stay-at-home mothers and seniors.
Genius Hive Pre-School on Cecil Street also faced hiring challenges. It has four staff for its infant care services. The current ratio is one teacher for every three infants, but it is hoping to get more staff on board.
The childcare stated that there is a need for greater industry recognition. It added that infant care operators could benefit from subsidies to help them provide more places.
It has operated for more than five years and can accommodate 93 students. Currently, it has 69 students under its childcare wing, as well as 11 infants.
Emphasis on infant care places being nearer to couples
Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling said it is important to ensure that infant care places are located close to young couples who require such services.
Apart from fees and subsidies for infant childcare places, the most important thing to note for young couples is to be nearer to your child.
ECDA said lower- and middle-income families can qualify for additional infant care subsidies – as much as S$540 per month – on top of the S$600 basic infant care subsidy for working mothers.
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