Best Infant Care Singapore 2026: Fees, Subsidies & Top Centres

What Is Infant Care in Singapore?

Infant care in Singapore is a licensed childcare programme for babies aged 2 to 18 months. After 18 months, your child transitions to a childcare programme (up to age 6). All infant care centres in Singapore must be licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

Infant care differs from childcare in several important ways:

Because infant care requires a lower teacher-to-child ratio (1:5 vs 1:8), fees are significantly higher than childcare. Demand also far outstrips supply — waiting lists of 3 to 12 months are common, especially at government-supported Anchor Operator centres.

Infant Care Fee Caps 2026

The Singapore government regulates fees at Anchor Operators (AOP) and Partner Operators (POP) to keep infant care affordable. Private centres are free to set their own fees. Here are the 2026 fee caps for full-day infant care (excluding GST):

All fees above are for full-day programmes. Registration fees, deposits, and uniform costs are separate and vary by centre. GST (9%) applies on top of the base fee at most centres.

Government Subsidies for Infant Care

The Singapore government provides two layers of subsidies for infant care, both available at any ECDA-licensed centre (including private centres):

Basic Subsidy

Additional Subsidy (Means-Tested)

On top of the Basic Subsidy, families with a gross monthly household income (HHI) of $12,000 or below (or per capita income of $3,000 or below) qualify for the Additional Subsidy. The amount depends on your income tier:

Source: ECDA subsidy tables, effective 1 January 2026. Amounts shown are for working mothers with Singapore Citizen children at full-day infant care.

For a full breakdown of all childcare and infant care subsidies, see our Childcare Subsidy Singapore 2026 guide.

Worked Examples: What You Actually Pay

Here is what different families would pay per month at an Anchor Operator infant care centre ($1,235/month excl. GST), assuming a working mother and Singapore Citizen child:

*Non-working mothers may qualify for Additional Subsidy under Special Approval in certain circumstances (e.g. job-seeking, studying, pregnant, or caring for a special needs child). Amounts are approximate and exclude GST.

For more on subsidies and Baby Bonus benefits, see our dedicated guides.

Anchor Operators (AOP) — From $1,235/month

Anchor Operators are the five largest government-funded preschool operators in Singapore. They offer the lowest regulated fees and are available in nearly every HDB estate. All five charge the same infant care fee cap of $1,235/month (excl. GST).

1. PCF Sparkletots

• Fee: $1,235/month (excl. GST) | ~$1,346 (incl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $87.20
• Centres: 360+ centres — the largest preschool operator in Singapore
• Operating Hours: 7am – 7pm
• Highlights: Run by the PAP Community Foundation. Ubiquitous across Singapore, with centres in virtually every constituency. PCF’s scale means shorter waiting times at some locations compared to other AOPs.

2. My First Skool (NTUC First Campus)

• Fee: $1,235/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $87.20
• Centres: 150+ centres — Singapore’s second largest operator
• Curriculum: PETAL framework (Play, Exploration, Thinking, Application, Learning)
• Highlights: You can register 3 months before your estimated delivery date (EDD) — among the earliest in Singapore. My First Skool also runs the Bright Horizons Fund, which provides additional financial assistance for low-income families.

3. E-Bridge Pre-School (EtonHouse)

• Fee: $1,235/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $87.20
• Centres: 31 centres (expanding in 2026)
• Curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired, developed in partnership with EtonHouse
• Highlights: Combines EtonHouse’s premium educational philosophy with AOP pricing. The EtonHouse Community Fund provides additional financial support for families with a household income under $6,000/month.

4. Skool4Kidz (by Kinderland)

• Fee: $1,235/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $80
• Centres: Multiple centres across Singapore
• Highlights: Backed by Kinderland’s nearly 50 years of early childhood education experience. Skool4Kidz operates purpose-built centres, several of which feature rooftop playgrounds and urban farming areas.

5. M.Y World (Metropolitan YMCA)

• Fee: $1,235/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $80
• Centres: Multiple centres
• Highlights: Run by the Metropolitan YMCA Singapore. M.Y World focuses on character development and values-based education alongside standard ECDA curriculum requirements.

Partner Operators (POP) — From $1,290/month

Partner Operators are smaller government-supported operators with a slightly higher fee cap of $1,290/month (excl. GST). They typically offer more specialised curricula or niche programmes.

6. Kinderland

• Fee (POP centres): $1,290/month (excl. GST)
• Fee (Non-POP centres): $1,600 – $1,885/month
• Registration Fee: $327.10
• Centres: 12 infant care locations, of which 4 are POP centres
• Curriculum: Music-infused curriculum — Kinderland integrates music across all learning areas
• Awards: HPB Healthy Pre-school Platinum Award recipient
• Highlights: Nearly 50 years of experience in early childhood education. Parents receive daily updates through the HavParent app. Note that only 4 of Kinderland’s 12 infant care centres qualify for POP pricing — the rest charge private rates.

7. Star Learners

• Fee: $1,290/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $120
• Centres: 44 centres total, 5 with infant care programmes
• Curriculum: Literature-based Starbeam Framework
• Awards: Voted Best Preschool 2026 by Mummy’s Market
• Highlights: Star Learners stands out for its emphasis on early literacy through storytelling and books. Their Starbeam Framework uses picture books as the foundation for integrated learning.

8. Little Footprints (Babilou Family)

• Fee: $1,290/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $120
• Centres: 14 infant care centres
• Curriculum: Blooming Minds curriculum
• Highlights: Part of the international Babilou Family group, which operates over 1,000 early childhood centres worldwide. Their Blooming Minds curriculum combines local early childhood best practices with international research.

9. NurtureStars (Kinderland x SAFRA)

• Fee: $1,290/month (excl. GST)
• Registration Fee: $186.92
• Centres: Multiple locations, primarily within or near SAFRA clubs
• Highlights: A collaboration between Kinderland and SAFRA (Singapore Armed Forces Reservists’ Association). NurtureStars centres benefit from the facilities and community environment of SAFRA clubs. SAFRA members may enjoy additional benefits.

Premium & Private Centres

Private and premium centres do not have fee caps but are still ECDA-licensed and eligible for government subsidies. They typically offer lower teacher-to-child ratios, specialised curricula, and additional services.

10. MindChamps PreSchool

• Fee (Half-day): $2,795/month (excl. GST)
• Fee (Full-day): $2,995/month (excl. GST)
• Centres: Multiple locations across Singapore
• Curriculum: Neuroscience-based “3-Mind” approach (Champion, Learning, Creative minds)
• Highlights: Founded by Prof Allan Snyder (Centre for the Mind, University of Sydney). MindChamps’ curriculum is grounded in neuroscience research and aims to develop children’s cognitive and emotional capabilities from infancy. One of the most recognised premium brands in Singapore.

11. EtonHouse International Pre-School

• Fee: From $2,481/month (incl. GST)
• Age: From 9 months (not 2 months)
• Centres: Multiple international campuses
• Curriculum: Reggio Emilia approach — formal partnership with Reggio Children in Italy
• Highlights: EtonHouse is the only preschool group in Asia with a direct partnership with Reggio Children (the official organisation from Reggio Emilia, Italy). Offers a through-train pathway from pre-school all the way to IB high school. Note that EtonHouse International starts at 9 months, not 2 months — if you need care from 2 months, consider their Anchor Operator brand, E-Bridge.

12. Mulberry Learning

• Fee: From $2,400/month (full-day, excl. GST)
• Centres: Multiple locations
• Curriculum: Habits of Mind framework
• Highlights: Known for its unique infant spa and massage sessions, which are designed to stimulate sensory development and promote bonding. The Habits of Mind curriculum encourages thinking dispositions from the earliest age.

13. Little Skool-House (NTUC Premium Brand)

• Fee: $1,230 – $1,630/month (varies by centre)
• Centres: Multiple locations
• Highlights: The premium sister brand to My First Skool (both under NTUC First Campus). Little Skool-House offers smaller class sizes and a more enriched curriculum. Some centres are priced close to AOP rates, making it an attractive mid-range option.

Full Fee Comparison: All 13 Infant Care Centres

Here is a side-by-side comparison of all infant care centres covered in this guide. Fees are monthly and exclude GST unless stated otherwise.

Fees are monthly and exclude GST (9%) unless noted. Registration fees, deposits, and uniform costs vary. Always verify current fees directly with the centre.

What to Look For When Choosing an Infant Care Centre

Choosing infant care is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new parent. Here are the key quality markers and practical considerations to evaluate:

Licensing & Certification

• ECDA licence: Every infant care centre in Singapore must be licensed by ECDA. This is non-negotiable — do not consider any unlicensed facility.
• SPARK certification: The Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK) is a quality benchmark. SPARK-certified centres have been assessed for quality across curriculum, pedagogy, and management.

Teacher Quality

• Teacher-to-child ratio: ECDA mandates a minimum of 1:5 for infant care. Some premium centres offer 1:3 or 1:4 ratios.
• Teacher qualifications: Infant care teachers should hold at minimum a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) with specialisation in Infant and Toddler Care.
• Staff stability: High teacher turnover can disrupt your baby’s sense of security. Ask about staff retention.

Health & Hygiene

• Sanitisation protocols: Daily sanitisation of toys, surfaces, and play areas
• Temperature monitoring: Regular temperature checks for all children
• Milk and formula handling: Clear policies on breast milk storage, formula preparation, and feeding schedules
• Nap arrangements: Individual cots, monitored nap times, and adherence to safe sleep practices
• Diaper change protocols: Hygienic, frequent changes with parent communication

Nutrition

• HPB-accredited menu: Centres accredited by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) follow nutritional guidelines for infant and toddler meals
• Allergy management: Ask about policies for food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions
• Breast milk support: Facilities for storing and warming breast milk

Communication & Transparency

• Parent portal or app: Daily updates on feeding, naps, diaper changes, and activities (e.g. HavParent app at Kinderland)
• Open-door policy: Ability to visit during operating hours
• Parent-teacher communication: Regular conferences and responsive communication channels

Practical Checklist

How to Register for Infant Care

Due to high demand and limited places, registering early is critical. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Research & Shortlist

Start by identifying centres near your home or workplace. Use the ECDA Preschool Search to find licensed centres in your area. Shortlist 3 – 5 options based on operator type (AOP, POP, private), curriculum, and budget.

Step 2: Register Early

Wait times range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the centre and location. Key timelines:

• My First Skool: Accepts registrations 3 months before your EDD
• Most other centres: Accept registrations once your baby is born
• You can register at multiple centres simultaneously to improve your chances

Step 3: Visit & Evaluate

Once shortlisted, arrange visits. Ask to see the infant care room, meet the teachers, and observe how babies are cared for during feeding and nap times.

Step 4: Secure Your Place

When offered a place, you will typically need to pay a registration fee and deposit. The centre will assist you with the government subsidy application at this stage.

Step 5: Apply for Subsidies

The centre handles the subsidy application. You will need:

• Child’s birth certificate (must be Singapore Citizen)
• Both parents’ NRICs
• Proof of income (for Additional Subsidy)
• Proof of employment for the mother (for full Basic Subsidy)

Step 6: Settling-In Period

Most centres have a settling-in period of 1 – 2 weeks, where you gradually increase the number of hours your baby spends at the centre. This helps your baby adjust to the new environment and caregivers.

Registration Tips

• AOP and POP centres fill fastest — register as soon as you can
• Proximity matters for infants — a centre close to home reduces travel stress for both you and your baby
• Ask about the wait list — some centres will give you an estimated wait time
• Apply to multiple centres — there is no penalty for withdrawing from a wait list
• Consider through-train options — some centres automatically transition your child from infant care to childcare, saving you the hassle of re-registering

For a broader view of the financial support available when raising a child in Singapore, see our guide on the cost of raising a child in Singapore.