Guide To Childcare & Infant Care Centres In Singapore

Looking for childcare or infant care in Singapore? Here’s everything you need to know, including childcare centre fees, locations and more.

On the hunt for a childcare centre or infant care in Singapore to enrol your little one in? It can be hard to think about being away from your child for most of the day, but enrolling your child in a childcare centre or infant care in Singapore has many benefits! Your little one will be well taken care of thanks to set meal times and nap times, all while they learn and play with kids their age. Plus thanks to technology, many childcare centres now have portals where parents can stay updated on all the happenings in school. From daily activities to learning outcomes and more, you’ll be kept in the loop of all your child’s day-to-day accomplishments. We list some popular childcare centres and infant care centres in Singapore, including infant care programmes, fees and subsidies—keep reading for all the deets!

Click to jump to…
– Childcare, infant care, preschool or kindergarten: What’s the difference?
– Infant Care Centre Singapore Fees & Subsidies
– List of Childcare Centres & Infant Care in Singapore

Childcare, infant care and kindergarten: What’s the difference?

Childcare centre in Singapore
Childcare centres in Singapore are open to children aged 18 months to 6 years old and offer both half-day and full-day programmes to suit working parents. Childcare centres in Singapore run from 7am to 7pm. Some childcare centres offer Saturday half-day classes as well, but this will be phased out from 2025. Childcare centres suit the schedules of parents who work full time, as the centres are only closed on Sundays and an additional 7 days in a year – so they stay open even during MOE school term holidays. Meals are taken care of at childcare centres, with schools usually providing breakfast, lunch and a snack for a tea break. Some childcare centres in Singapore also allocate shower time.

Infant care in Singapore
Some childcare centres provide infant care programmes for babies as young as two months old. Infant care centres in Singapore also offer full-day care arrangements and may offer half-day programmes. As more care is required for babies in infant care programmes, the fees are usually higher than in childcare programmes. The school schedule for infant care in Singapore is usually the same as those at childcare centres.

Preschool/kindergartens in Singapore
Preschools and kindergartens often cater to children aged 18 months to below 7 years old with half-day programmes. Preschool and kindergarten services are available Mondays to Fridays and are closed on gazetted public holidays and school holidays based on the dates released by MOE. An exception is kindergartens that follow an international curriculum and academic year. Read our guide to kindergartens and preschools in Singapore for more information.

Childcare & Infant Care in Singapore: Fees & Subsidies

If your child is a Singapore Citizen, you can receive a Basic Subsidy of up to $300 per month for full-day childcare (and up to $600 per month for full-day infant care in Singapore) when you enrol your child in an ECDA-licensed childcare centre. Eligible working mothers can receive an Additional Subsidy. Lower-income families will receive higher subsidies. Read more about the available ECDA subsidies here. All school fees listed below are before subsidies.

Childcare Centres & Infant Care in Singapore:

Josiah Montessori: Montessori childcare in Singapore

Josiah Montessori boasts 25 years of experience in the local infant and childcare industry and prides itself on its unique curriculum, ‘The Josiah Way.’ This curriculum integrates Montessori methodology with proprietary music education, ensuring that your little one develops essential skills in both academic and creative aspects. The Musical Arts Programme exposes kids to vocal training, dance, and classical music, fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Classes are led by qualified educators who prioritise each child’s developmental growth, providing individual attention to help them progress at their own pace. Josiah Montessori has several childcare centres throughout Singapore, each offering hygienic, safe, and nurturing learning environments.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old

Josiah Montessori, multiple locations in Singapore, including Suntec City Mall, Changi Business Park and Pasir Ris, Tel: (+65) 9852 5705, [email protected], josiah.com.sg

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Mulberry Learning: Award-winning childcare centre

Established in 2006, Mulberry Learning is an award-winning childcare centre and the category winner of the Established Brands award under the Singapore Prestige Brand Awards (SPBA). They’re also the world’s first preschool network certified by the USA for the Habits of Mind framework, with 12 curated habits integrated into its curriculum. Mulberry Learning offers Reggio Emilia-inspired learning spaces that promote creativity and curiosity through different learning corners, including the Imaginary Playscape and Discovery Cove. They believe that this approach can help the children master an impressive vocabulary of words, both in English and Mandarin. This includes Chinese idioms and even poems! Children also get the chance to go on field trips, learning journeys and excursions, giving them the chance to be exposed to the world around them. Mulberry Learning also offers infant care services based on experiential learning with signature programmes such as Little Explorer and Muscle Master. Infants will also enjoy unique offerings such as infant spa and massage sessions.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: from $2,000 (full day); Infant care: from $2,400 (full day)

Mulberry Learning, multiple locations in Singapore, including Alexandra, Jurong East and East Coast, Tel: (+65) 6653 8082, [email protected], mulberrylearning.com

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LeClare Preschool: Reggio Emilia childcare & infantcare

LeClare Preschool provides a holistic, bilingual programme for tots aged from 2 months to 6 years, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Through inquiry and play-based experiences, preschoolers tackle subject areas such as language, numeracy, discovery of the world and more. All this equips them with essential skills necessary for lifelong learning. Literacy and phonetic awareness in both languages are weaved together and presented using songs and games to cater to the children’s interests and establish solid fundamentals for reading and writing. Kiddos will also get to learn about creativity through the Art and Music Specialists. Plus, with Culinary Arts, Messy Play and Outdoor Experiential Learning, they will be kept engaged as they explore different skills outside of the classroom. LeClare Babies Infant Care values the importance of relationships and builds on respectful interactions between infants/ toddlers and educators. In-house Mandarin- and English-speaking educators are available in each class, ensuring kids are constantly exposed to both languages. Plus, each class features a variety of nationalities, serving as a bonus to this dynamic preschool.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: $2,150 (full day); Infant care: $2,450 (full day)

LeClare Preschool, Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way #01-02, Singapore 068810, Tel: (+65) 66106606/ 8669 6606, [email protected], www.leclare.edu.sg

Read more: Guide To Preschools & Kindergartens In Singapore

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Children’s Cove Preschool: Award-winning childcare curriculum

Children’s Cove Preschool was established in 2010 and offers childcare and infant care programmes with an award-winning curriculum. Designed to nurture curiosity, encourage active learning, and develop thinking and reasoning skills, the curriculum includes innovative programmes such as ‘Farm to Table’ and ‘Wordless Wonders.’ These programmes also aim to keep children engaged, foster lifelong learning, and prepare them for future educational and life challenges. Children’s Cove Preschool adopts the C.O.V.E Approach methodology, which focuses on each child’s individualised goals and needs. This outcome-aware approach ensures measurable progress and development. The values-based component instils strong moral principles, while the environmentally conscious aspect teaches children to respect and care for their surroundings. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on parent involvement, with various opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s learning journey, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience.

Sassy Mama readers enjoy two complimentary sets of uniforms!

Age range: 2 months – 6 years old

Children’s Cove Preschool, multiple locations in Singapore including Novena, Orange Grove and Pasir Ris, [email protected],www.childrenscove.sg

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House On The Hill: Montessori infantcare & childcare

House on the Hill provides childcare and infant care in Singapore, specialising in the Montessori method. Their Balmoral location offers a nurturing environment for infants and children aged two months to six years, with spacious facilities and expansive outdoor play spaces. The school’s Nido (infant care) programme caters to infants aged two to 17 months, embracing the Montessori approach to create a safe environment where trained teachers encourage independence and exploration with natural materials, fostering curiosity and growth. The school provides a Montessori curriculum for older children aged 1.5 to 6 years, tailored to each child’s unique developmental needs. This hands-on approach builds a strong foundation for academic success and nurtures lifelong learning. Additionally, optional afternoon classes, including an immersive Mandarin program, further enrich language proficiency and cultural awareness.

Enjoy $763 off the registration fees when you sign up before 30 September 2024! For eligible enrolments only, terms and conditions apply.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old

House on The Hill Montessori Preschool, multiple locations in Singapore, including Mount Sophia, Balmoral, Pasir Panjang and Hollandse Club, Tel: (+65) 6258 6061, [email protected], houseonthehill.com.sg/centre-balmoral/

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Raffles Kidz International: Bilingual childcare centre

Raffles Kidz International is an award-winning preschool established in Singapore in 2013. Recognised for accolades such as ‘Best Bilingual Preschool’ and ‘Best Preschool for Building Strong Academic Foundation,’ this childcare centre consistently receives favourable reviews for its comprehensive and nurturing approach, making it a trusted choice for parents. The preschool adopts a holistic methodology that nurtures children’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Lessons are conducted by highly-trained professionals in nurturing and stimulating environments, ensuring children are actively engaged and confident in learning and play. The thoughtfully designed classrooms, with well-equipped indoor and outdoor spaces, provide ample opportunities for exploration and interaction. These purpose-built environments foster curiosity and encourage children to connect with each other and the world around them. Book a tour to explore the facilities and experience this unique learning environment firsthand!

Age range: 18 months- 6 years old (Infant care available at Yuan Ching Centre for two months onwards)
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: from $1,600 (full day); Infant care: $2,200 (full day)

Raffles Kidz International, multiple locations in Singapore including Yio Chu Kang, Punggol and Yishun, Enrolment inquiry: (+65) 9235 0893 (WhatsApp), www.raffleskidz.com

Read more: Guide To Bilingual Schools In Singapore

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Alphabet Playhouse: Childcare with bilingual curriculum

Alphabet Playhouse’s award-winning curriculum aims to uncover every child’s potential by developing confident young explorers with a ‘Growth Mindset’. Aided by its unique World Adventurer bilingual integrated programme, Alphabet Playhouse ensures top-notch education that cultivates a curious thinker, a resilient champion and a caring citizen.

Age range: 18 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Enquire with centre.

Alphabet Playhouse, multiple locations in Singapore including Dublin Road and East Coast Road, Tel: (+65) 6653 5618, [email protected], www.alphabetplayhouse.com.sg

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Carpe Diem Preschool: Childcare centre in Singapore

Carpe Diem Preschool is a leading childcare provider with 32 centres all over the island catering to children from 18 months to 6 years old. Their inclusive, bilingual learning environment helps children master bilingualism confidently.

Age range: 18 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Enquire with centre.

Carpe Diem Preschool, multiple locations in Singapore, including Toa Payoh, Bukit Panjang and Hougang, carpediem.com.sg

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EtonHouse International School & Pre-School: Infantcare to high school pathway

EtonHouse is the only education group in Singapore to have a formal relationship with Reggio Children as part of its international network. This childcare centre also provides a seamless through-train progression pathway from Infant Care to High School for children from 9 months to 18 years, offering the internationally recognised IBPYP, IGCSE, and International A-Levels programmes.

Age range: 9 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Enquire with centre.

EtonHouse International School and Pre-School, multiple locations in Singapore, including Claymore Road, Sentosa and Newton, www.etonhouse.edu.sg

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Little Green House: Infantcare & childcare with enrichment

Little Green House has been offering childcare and infant care in Singapore since 2005 and has won numerous awards for its robust academic Literacy SMART™ curriculum. Moreover, creative enrichment programmes and practical hands-on activities supplement the curriculum, providing children with the proper knowledge, skills and attitudes to prepare for the future in primary school.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Enquire with centre.

Little Green House, multiple locations in Singapore, including Aljunied, Serangoon and Woodlands, Tel: (+65) 6653 7146, [email protected], littlegreenhouse.com.sg

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My First Skool: 150 childcare centres in Singapore

My First Skool is one of the anchor operators for childcare and infant care in Singapore with over 150 locations islandwide – so it won’t be hard finding a centre near you. Beyond building strong fundamentals in core math and literacy, My First Skool prioritises the development of relationships in everything they do.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: $741.20 (full day); Infant care: $1,346.15 (full day)

My First Skool, multiple locations in Singapore, including Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang and Boon Lay, Tel: (+65) 6509 7887, [email protected], www.myfirstskool.com

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PCF Sparkletots: Largest childcare centre operator in Singapore

PCF Sparkletots is the largest operator of infant care in Singapore with over 360 preschools, childcare centres and infant care in Singapore. Sparkletots has been established since 1986, offering childcare services to the Singapore community.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: from $$741.20 (full day); Infant Care: $1,346.15 (full day)

PCF Sparkletots, multiple locations in Singapore, including Simei, Yishun and Clementi, www.pcf.org.sg/sparkletots

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Star Learners: Infantcare & childcare in Singapore

Star Learners has 43 centres for preschool and infant care in Singapore, offering a literature-based curriculum to bubs all the way up to kids aged 6. Coupled with a strong activity-based approach, children learn a variety of essential skills. Under the ECDA partner operator (POP) scheme, Star Learners is the largest appointed partner and is committed to accessibility, affordability and quality.

Age range: 2 months to 6 years old
Childcare centre/infant care Singapore fees: Childcare: from $720 (full day); Infant Care: $1,290 (full day)

Star Learners, multiple locations in Singapore, including Bishan, Choa Chu Kang and One-North, Tel: (+65) 6250 0173, [email protected], starlearners.com.sg