Why you should send your child to ECDA-licensed infant care centres

Are you still looking for infant care centres in Singapore for your little one? If so, then you’ve probably come across centres licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Some centres may also be certified under ECDA’s SPARK framework, which recognises quality improvements in teaching and learning.

But what does it actually mean to be ECDA-accredited? Why do more parents prefer them over the non-accredited infant care centres?

We’ll help you know the answer to these questions and more in this article! Read on below to learn more about ECDA-accredited infant care centres in Singapore and why choosing one could be a great decision for your child.

What is the function of the ECDA?

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is Singapore’s regulatory and developmental body for early childhood education. It oversees all aspects of children’s early learning and development in infant care centres and preschools.

It’s an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and works closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to oversee the early childhood sector.

Some of its core functions and responsibilities include monitoring and strengthening the quality of early childhood education programmes, providing subsidies to qualified families and providing training for childcare professionals and preschool educators.

Other areas of focus include:

• government-funded services for children with developmental needs
• manpower planning and infrastructure development in the early childhood education sector
• initiatives to involve parents in their children’s infant care and preschool journey
• upholding the reputation of the early childhood education sector in Singapore.

So, why should you choose ECDA-accredited infant care centres?

Now that you understand its role in early childhood education, you probably have a better idea of what it means for a centre to be ECDA-accredited.

High-quality early education and subsidised monthly fees are among the key reasons you should consider sending your child to an ECDA-accredited infant care centre in Singapore.

These centres are required to meet ECDA’s stringent standards for curriculum, facilities, learning materials, and staff qualifications.

As a parent, you can feel confident knowing your child is receiving quality care and education from professionals who are the best ones for the job.

In simpler terms, you no longer have to second-guess whether a centre can truly support your child’s growth and development.

Additionally, ECDA-accredited centres have to renew their accreditation every few years, making sure that they continue to improve, stay current with best practices, and maintain high standards, or risk losing their accreditation.

Finally, the best thing about these centres is the lower monthly costs due to subsidies, making high-quality education more accessible to more families, especially lower-income ones.

How much do ECDA-accredited centres cost?

Infant care costs in Singapore can differ significantly depending on the centre, but parents typically spend at least $700 per month.

In private centres, half-day programmes generally start at $800 per month, while full-day programmes can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per month.

Meanwhile, ECDA-accredited centres offer more affordable infant care options due to government subsidies: half-day programmes usually cost around $160 to $200 per month, while full-day programmes typically range from $700 to $750 per month.

To be eligible for the subsidy, your child needs to be enrolled in an accredited infant care centre.

The basic subsidy grants every eligible family $600 per month for full-day infant care and $300 per month for half-day infant care. This is regardless of the household’s gross income.

Families who need further financial assistance can apply for the Additional Subsidy, which offers tiered support depending on household income and the mother’s working hours – up to $710 more per month for full-day infant care. To qualify, the family’s gross monthly household income must be $12,000 or less, or $3,000 or less per capita for larger households.

If you’re looking for an infant care centre in Singapore to support your child’s early childhood development and education, enquire today with the My Little Campus team to see how we can help kickstart their learning journey!