Preschool fees in Singapore can be hefty—but thankfully, if you’re a parent of a Singaporean child, the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy can help ease the financial load. Still, many families aren’t sure how it works, how much they’re eligible for, or how to apply.
Here’s a simple guide that walks you through the 7 most important things every parent should know about the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy in 2025.
1. Understanding the ECDA Subsidy at a Glance
The Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy includes two types of financial support:
- Basic Subsidy: For working mothers
- Up to $300/month for childcare
- Up to $600/month for infant care
- Additional Subsidy: For households earning $12,000/month or less (or $3,000 per capita)
To qualify:
- Your child must be a Singapore Citizen
- Enrolled in an ECDA-licensed preschool
- At least one parent works 56 hours/month
You can check full eligibility at the ECDA Preschool Subsidy Portal.
2. How to Apply for the ECDA Subsidy (Step-by-Step)
While most preschools assist with the process, here’s how it usually works:
- Confirm your preschool is ECDA-licensed
- Complete the Childcare Management System (CMS) form via the preschool
- Submit your NRICs, birth certificate, and income documents
- Wait 2–4 weeks for approval
The Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy is credited directly to your preschool, and you only pay the reduced amount. Remember: reassessment is required annually.
3. Real-World Examples: How Much Can Families Save?
Let’s see how the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy impacts monthly preschool costs:
Example 1:
Dual-income family earning $4,500/month
- Basic: $300
- Additional: ~$260
- Pays: ~$640 instead of $1,200
Example 2:
Single working parent earning $2,000/month
- Basic: $300
- Additional: $467
- Pays: ~$233/month
Example 3:
Three kids in preschool
- Subsidy applies to each child
- Total savings: Can exceed $1,000/month
Clearly, the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy can make a huge difference for working families.
4. What Happens If Your Income Changes Mid-Year?
Changes in household income or job status? Here’s what to do:
- Notify your preschool promptly
- Submit updated income documents
- Your Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy will be reassessed accordingly
Keeping your information current helps ensure you receive the right amount.
5. ECDA Subsidy for Private vs Anchor Operator Preschools
The Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy is available at both private and Anchor Operator preschools, but fee structures differ.
| Type | Anchor Operator | Private Preschool |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fees | Lower | Generally higher |
| Subsidy Access | Full | Only if ECDA-licensed |
| Curriculum Style | More standardised | May offer Montessori etc. |
Always confirm your centre is ECDA-licensed and CMS-registered.
6. Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even eligible parents can lose out on the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy due to:
- Submitting incomplete/outdated documents
- Miscalculating gross income or per capita income
- Not updating the preschool after job changes
- Forgetting the annual reassessment
- Assuming all preschools qualify
A few minutes of double-checking can prevent weeks of delayed support.
7. Looking for a Preschool That Supports ECDA Subsidy?
Not all preschools provide hands-on support with the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy. At Little Unicorn Preschool, we guide families through every step:
- Application help with CMS
- Assistance with income documentation
- Transparent communication throughout the year
- A nurturing, bilingual programme focused on holistic development
Want a smoother preschool experience?
👉 Visit Little Unicorn Preschool
👉 Book a tour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for ECDA subsidy for multiple children?
Yes. Each eligible child in an ECDA-licensed preschool can receive the Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy, calculated individually.
Are PR or foreign children eligible?
No. The child must be a Singapore Citizen. PRs or foreigners aren’t eligible for ECDA subsidies, but preschools may offer internal discounts.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Yes. Submit updated income documents annually and confirm your info with the preschool to keep receiving the subsidy.
Are infant care subsidies different from childcare?
Yes. Infant care subsidies are generally higher. For example, working mothers can receive up to $600/month vs. $300/month for childcare.
What if I switch preschools mid-year?
The Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy can transfer to your child’s new ECDA-licensed centre. Just inform them early and provide updated documentation.
Final Thought
The Early Childhood Development Agency subsidy isn’t just a government benefit—it’s a support system for families. By understanding the process and keeping your info up to date, you can save significantly on preschool fees while giving your child a strong start.
