How Much Does Childcare Cost in Singapore? Infant vs Toddler Rates (2026)

The Real Cost of Childcare in Singapore

Childcare is one of the biggest monthly expenses for young families in Singapore. The sticker prices at premium centres can induce sticker shock — but the actual cost after subsidies is often far more manageable than parents expect.

This guide breaks down exactly what you will pay in 2026, from infant care through kindergarten, across different centre types, with real subsidy calculations at various income levels.

Understanding Childcare Centre Types

Not all childcare centres are created equal — and the type of centre you choose has a massive impact on fees.

Anchor Operators (Government-Supported)

These are large operators that receive government funding to keep fees affordable:

• PCF Sparkletots — operated by the People's Action Party Community Foundation
• My First Skool — operated by NTUC First Campus
• E-Bridge — operated by Eurasian Association

Anchor operators have fee caps set by the government, making them the most affordable licensed option.

Partner Operators

These are private operators that partner with ECDA to provide affordable childcare. They receive some government support but have slightly higher fee caps than anchor operators.

Private/Commercial Centres

Fully private centres set their own fees with no government fee caps. These include well-known brands and international childcare centres. Fees vary enormously — from $1,200 to over $3,000 per month before subsidies.

Infant Care Costs (2 to 18 Months)

Infant care is the most expensive childcare tier because regulations require lower caregiver-to-child ratios (1:5 for infants vs 1:8 for playgroup age).

Full-Day Infant Care Monthly Fees (Before Subsidies)

Anchor operators:
• Fee cap: approximately $1,300/month
• Typical actual fee: $1,100-$1,300/month

Partner operators:
• Fee cap: approximately $1,700/month
• Typical actual fee: $1,400-$1,700/month

Private centres:
• No fee cap
• Typical range: $1,800-$3,500/month
• Premium/international centres: $3,000-$4,500/month

After Subsidies: What You Actually Pay for Infant Care

The government provides a basic subsidy of $600/month for Singapore Citizen children in full-day infant care, plus an additional subsidy for working mothers.

Example: Family earning $6,000/month at an anchor operator
• Gross fee: $1,300
• Basic subsidy: -$600
• Additional subsidy (at $6,000 income): -$340
• Your cost: approximately $360/month

Example: Family earning $12,000/month at an anchor operator
• Gross fee: $1,300
• Basic subsidy: -$600
• Additional subsidy (at $12,000 income): -$80
• Your cost: approximately $620/month

Example: Family earning $6,000/month at a private centre
• Gross fee: $2,200
• Basic subsidy: -$600
• Additional subsidy: -$340
• Your cost: approximately $1,260/month

Toddler and Childcare Costs (18 Months to 6 Years)

Once your child turns 18 months, they move from the infant care programme to the regular childcare programme. Fees drop noticeably.

Full-Day Childcare Monthly Fees (Before Subsidies)

Anchor operators:
• Fee cap: approximately $760/month
• Typical actual fee: $680-$760/month

Partner operators:
• Fee cap: approximately $1,100/month
• Typical actual fee: $880-$1,100/month

Private centres:
• No fee cap
• Typical range: $1,000-$2,500/month
• Premium/international centres: $2,000-$3,500/month

After Subsidies: What You Actually Pay for Childcare

The basic subsidy for full-day childcare is $300/month (lower than infant care because the base fees are lower).

Example: Family earning $6,000/month at an anchor operator
• Gross fee: $760
• Basic subsidy: -$300
• Additional subsidy (at $6,000 income): -$340
• Your cost: approximately $120/month

Example: Family earning $12,000/month at an anchor operator
• Gross fee: $760
• Basic subsidy: -$300
• Additional subsidy (at $12,000 income): -$80
• Your cost: approximately $380/month

Example: Family earning $6,000/month at a private centre
• Gross fee: $1,500
• Basic subsidy: -$300
• Additional subsidy: -$340
• Your cost: approximately $860/month

Kindergarten Costs (K1 and K2)

For children aged 5-6, some parents choose kindergarten-only programmes (typically 3-4 hours per day) instead of full-day childcare.

MOE Kindergarten

• Fee: $160/month (Singapore Citizens)
• After KiFAS for low-income families: as low as $3/month
• Operates within selected primary schools
• Half-day programme only (morning or afternoon)

Anchor Operator Kindergarten

• Fee: $340-$680/month depending on half-day or full-day
• Subsidies apply as per childcare rates

Private Kindergarten

• Fee: $800-$2,500/month
• No government fee caps
• May offer extended hours and enrichment programmes

For help choosing between MOE Kindergarten and private options, read our comparison guide on MOE Kindergarten vs Private Preschool.

The Hidden Costs Parents Forget

The monthly fee is not the only cost. Budget for these additional expenses:

Registration and Deposit Fees

• Most centres charge a registration fee of $50-$300
• A refundable deposit of one to two months' fees is common
• Uniform costs: $30-$80 per set (you will need at least 3 sets)

Meal Plans

• Anchor operators usually include meals in the fee
• Private centres may charge $100-$200/month extra for meals
• Some centres offer halal, vegetarian, or allergy-friendly meals at additional cost

Enrichment Add-Ons

• Many centres offer optional enrichment classes (phonics, Mandarin, art, music) for $50-$150/month per subject
• These are not covered by government subsidies

Transport

• Some centres provide school bus services: $100-$200/month
• If you drive, factor in petrol and time for drop-off/pickup

Ad-Hoc Fees

• Holiday programmes: $50-$150/week
• Concert costumes and materials: $30-$80/year
• Field trip fees: $20-$50 per trip

A realistic estimate for "hidden costs" is $150-$400/month on top of the base fee.

Infant Care vs Hiring a Helper: Cost Comparison

Many families debate whether infant care or a domestic helper makes more financial sense. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Domestic Helper Costs (Monthly)

• Salary: $550-$800
• Monthly levy: $300 (reduced to $60 if you have a young child or elderly dependent)
• Food/lodging costs: $200-$350
• Insurance: $30-$50
• Total: $800-$1,200/month (with reduced levy)

Infant Care Centre Costs (After Subsidies)

• Anchor operator: $300-$700/month depending on income
• Private centre: $900-$2,500/month depending on income

Key Differences Beyond Cost

• Helper: Available 24/7 including weekends, can do housework, provides one-on-one attention. But no structured curriculum, limited socialisation, and you need to manage the employment relationship.
• Infant care centre: Structured learning environment, social interaction with other babies, professionally trained caregivers. But rigid hours, frequent illness during adjustment period, and waitlists can be long.

Many families choose a combined approach: infant care centre during the day with a helper for backup, sick days, and household tasks.

Tips for Reducing Your Childcare Bill

1. Apply for all subsidies early — do not wait. Subsidies are backdated only to the application date, not the enrolment date. Read our government grants guide for the full list.

2. Use CDA funds — your Child Development Account can be used to pay childcare fees at approved centres.

3. Consider anchor operators first — the quality at PCF Sparkletots and My First Skool is generally good, and fees are 30-50% lower than private centres.

4. Negotiate with private centres — some offer sibling discounts (5-10%), early bird discounts, or corporate tie-ups. Always ask.

5. Check employer benefits — some companies offer childcare subsidies or partnerships with childcare centres.

The Bottom Line

Childcare in Singapore is expensive in absolute terms, but the subsidy system is generous. For most middle-income families using anchor operators, the net cost is:

• Infant care: $300-$700/month
• Toddler childcare: $100-$400/month
• MOE Kindergarten: $3-$160/month

For a full picture of how childcare fits into the total cost of raising a child in Singapore, see our comprehensive cost of raising a child guide.

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