Childcare & Infant Care Subsidy
Estimate your monthly subsidy — basic, additional, KiFAS, and START-UP grant — for anchor, partner, or private centres. 2026 ECDA rates.
Anchor: PCF Sparkletots, NTUC, My First Skool, YMCA, PAP CF
Gross household income ÷ number of household members
Based on ECDA subsidy tables 2026. Last verified 2026-04-24.
Estimated net monthly fee
S$370
After S$1,240/month in subsidies · centre cap S$1,610
- • S$3,000 START-UP grant available for first enrolment at anchor/partner operator (one-time, credited over 18 months).
Subsidy layers explained
- • Basic subsidy: ECDA, for working mothers at anchor/partner centres. Infant ~S$600/month, toddler/preschool ~S$300/month. Non-working mothers receive ~S$150–S$290/month.
- • Additional subsidy: Means-tested by per-capita income. Maximum S$710/month (infant, PCI ≤ S$1,500). Tapers to zero above PCI S$6,000.
- • KiFAS: MSF kindergarten subsidy for household income ≤ S$6,000. Up to S$150/month at K1/K2.
- • START-UP grant: S$3,000 one-time for first enrolment at anchor/partner centre. Credited over 18 months.
- • Baby Bonus CDA: Separate from ECDA subsidies — government matching of CDA contributions can also be used to pay childcare fees.
Frequently asked
How much childcare subsidy will I get in Singapore?expand_more
It depends on your per-capita household income, whether the mother works, the child's age, and the centre type. For a working mother at an anchor centre with per-capita income of S$2,000/month: infant care subsidy = S$600 basic + S$640 additional = S$1,240/month. The regulated fee cap for anchor infant care is S$1,610, so net fee = ~S$370/month.
What is the difference between anchor, partner, and private childcare?expand_more
Anchor operators (PCF Sparkletots, NTUC First Campus, My First Skool, YMCA, PAP Community Foundation) have the lowest ECDA-regulated fee caps and receive the highest government subsidies. Partner operators have higher fee caps but still attract full basic and additional subsidies. Private centres have no fee caps and no ECDA basic/additional subsidy, though MSF KiFAS may still apply at kindergarten level.
What is the KiFAS subsidy?expand_more
KiFAS (Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme) is an MSF programme for households with gross monthly income ≤ S$6,000. It provides up to S$150/month for K1/K2 kindergarten fees. It replaced the older ComCare Kindergarten Subsidy Scheme. Apply via the MSF ComCare portal.
What is the START-UP grant?expand_more
The START-UP (Scheme To Assist & Recognise Toddlers Under Preschool) grant provides S$3,000 for first enrolment at an anchor or partner ECDA-licensed centre. It is credited in monthly installments of about S$167 over 18 months, reducing your fees. Private centres are not eligible.
Does the childcare subsidy change if I have more children?expand_more
The basic and additional childcare subsidies from ECDA are the same regardless of birth order. However, KiFAS tiers are slightly higher for 2nd and subsequent children. Baby Bonus CDA top-ups from the government also increase by birth order, which can be used to pay childcare fees.
Sources
- ECDA — Subsidies and financial assistance
- MSF — KiFAS
- MSF — START-UP grant