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Choosing the right preschool for your child in Singapore involves careful consideration of numerous factors, with cost being a significant concern for many families. My First Skool, one of Singapore’s largest early childhood education providers under the NTUC First Campus umbrella, offers quality education at relatively affordable rates compared to many private operators. However, understanding their complete fee structure, available subsidies, and additional costs can be challenging for parents.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about My First Skool’s fees for 2025, helping you make informed financial decisions for your child’s early education journey. We’ll explore the various program fees across different age groups, explain all available government subsidies, outline additional costs to expect, and provide practical advice on managing preschool expenses effectively.

Whether you’re a first-time parent considering My First Skool or looking to transfer your child from another centre, this guide will equip you with all the financial information you need to plan your preschool budget confidently.

My First Skool: Complete Fee Guide

Everything parents need to know about pricing and subsidies

Monthly Fees Before Subsidies

Singapore Citizens:$770-$820
Permanent Residents:$1,140-$1,280
International:$1,600-$1,800

Infant Care Costs Higher

Singapore Citizens:$1,400-$1,500
Permanent Residents:$1,900-$2,100
International:$2,500-$2,700

Available Government Subsidies

Basic Subsidy

  • Full-day: Up to $300/month
  • Half-day: Up to $150/month
  • Infant care: Up to $600/month

Additional Subsidy

Households earning $12,000 or less get extra support:

  • $3,000 or less: Up to $467
  • $3,001-$12,000: Tiered amounts

POP Scheme Subsidy

Additional $100-$150 monthly discount for Singapore Citizens through the Partner Operator scheme

What Parents Actually Pay

Low Income

$5-$300

HH income below $3,000

Mid Income

$300-$500

HH income $4,500-$7,500

Higher Income

$500-$700

HH income $7,500-$12,000

Full Fee

$770+

HH income above $12,000

Additional Costs to Consider

Registration

$50-$100 one-time fee

Deposit

One month’s fees (refundable)

Uniforms

$60-$80 for basic sets

Insurance

$10-$15 annual fee

Enrichment

$40-$80/month (optional)

Field Trips

$10-$50 per event

How My First Skool Compares

Preschool Type Monthly Fee Range Operator Type
My First Skool $770-$820 Partner Operator (POP)
PCF Sparkletots $720-$800 Anchor Operator (AOP)
MOE Kindergarten $160-$320 (half-day) Government
Private Preschools $1,200-$2,500 Private
International $1,800-$4,000+ Private International

Additional Financial Assistance

ComCare Child Care Subsidy

For low-income families facing financial hardship. Can cover up to 95% of remaining fees after basic subsidies.

NTUC First Campus Bright Horizons Fund

Provides additional support for families in need, covering fees, uniforms, and materials.

Payment Tips

Payment Methods

  • GIRO (recommended)
  • Credit card (may incur fees)
  • Child Development Account

Sibling Discounts

5-10% discount for families with multiple children enrolled at the same centre.

Withdrawal Policy

One month’s written notice required to avoid deposit forfeiture.

My First Skool Fee Structure 2025

My First Skool operates under the Early Childhood Development Agency’s (ECDA) partner operator scheme, which means their fees are regulated and kept affordable compared to fully private preschools. The fee structure is tiered based on the child’s age, program type (full-day vs. half-day), and Singapore citizenship status.

All My First Skool centres follow standardized fee guidelines, though slight variations may exist between locations due to operational differences. Fee revisions typically occur annually, with parents receiving advance notice of any changes.

Below is the breakdown of My First Skool’s monthly fees before subsidies for 2025:

Citizenship Status Full-Day Program Half-Day Program
Singapore Citizen $770 – $820 $160 – $200
Permanent Resident $1,140 – $1,280 $280 – $320
International Student $1,600 – $1,800 $500 – $600

It’s important to note that these are pre-subsidy fees. Most Singapore Citizen families will pay significantly less after applying applicable government subsidies, which we’ll explore in detail later in this guide.

Infant and Toddler Care Fees

Infant and toddler care programs at My First Skool cater to children aged 2-18 months (infant care) and 18-30 months (toddler care). These programs have different fee structures due to the higher teacher-to-child ratios and specialized care requirements.

Infant Care Fees (2-18 months)

Infant care represents the highest fee tier at My First Skool due to the intensive nature of caring for babies. The monthly fees before subsidies are:

Citizenship Status Full-Day Program Half-Day Program
Singapore Citizen $1,400 – $1,500 $700 – $750
Permanent Resident $1,900 – $2,100 $950 – $1,050
International Student $2,500 – $2,700 $1,250 – $1,350

Toddler Care Fees (18-30 months)

As children transition from infant to toddler care, the fee structure adjusts slightly to reflect the changing care requirements:

Citizenship Status Full-Day Program Half-Day Program
Singapore Citizen $1,200 – $1,300 $600 – $650
Permanent Resident $1,700 – $1,900 $850 – $950
International Student $2,200 – $2,400 $1,100 – $1,200

Many My First Skool centres offer flexible care arrangements for infants and toddlers, including extended hours for working parents. These additional services may incur extra charges beyond the standard fees listed above.

Nursery and Kindergarten Fees

My First Skool’s nursery program caters to children aged 30 months to 4 years, while the kindergarten program serves children aged 4 to 6 years. These programs form the core educational offering and prepare children for primary school education.

Nursery Fees (N1 & N2)

The nursery program is divided into Nursery 1 (N1) for children aged 30-36 months and Nursery 2 (N2) for children aged 3-4 years. The fee structure is as follows:

Citizenship Status Full-Day Program Half-Day Program
Singapore Citizen $770 – $820 $160 – $200
Permanent Resident $1,140 – $1,280 $280 – $320
International Student $1,600 – $1,800 $500 – $600

Kindergarten Fees (K1 & K2)

The kindergarten program includes Kindergarten 1 (K1) for children aged 4-5 years and Kindergarten 2 (K2) for children aged 5-6 years. The fees remain consistent with the nursery program:

Citizenship Status Full-Day Program Half-Day Program
Singapore Citizen $770 – $820 $160 – $200
Permanent Resident $1,140 – $1,280 $280 – $320
International Student $1,600 – $1,800 $500 – $600

It’s worth noting that My First Skool offers a seamless educational journey from nursery through kindergarten, with curriculum continuity being a significant advantage for children who complete their full preschool education within the same system.

Available Government Subsidies

Singapore offers substantial financial support for early childhood education through various subsidy schemes. Understanding these subsidies is crucial for accurately calculating your actual out-of-pocket expenses for My First Skool.

Basic Subsidy

All Singapore Citizen children enrolled in ECDA-licensed childcare centres are eligible for a basic subsidy:

  • Full-day childcare: Up to $300 per month
  • Half-day childcare: Up to $150 per month
  • Full-day infant care: Up to $600 per month
  • Half-day infant care: Up to $300 per month

Additional Subsidy

Working mothers (or single fathers) with gross monthly household incomes of $12,000 or less may qualify for additional subsidies based on their income bracket:

Household Income Additional Subsidy (Full-Day Childcare) Additional Subsidy (Full-Day Infant Care)
$3,000 and below Up to $467 Up to $710
$3,001 – $4,500 Up to $400 Up to $600
$4,501 – $6,000 Up to $340 Up to $540
$6,001 – $7,500 Up to $260 Up to $440
$7,501 – $9,000 Up to $190 Up to $340
$9,001 – $12,000 Up to $130 Up to $260

For families with per capita income (PCI) calculations, additional subsidies are tiered according to the household’s PCI rather than gross income.

Partner Operator (POP) Scheme Subsidy

My First Skool participates in ECDA’s Partner Operator (POP) scheme, which provides additional fee caps and subsidies. Under this scheme, Singapore Citizen children receive an additional subsidy of $100-$150 per month, further reducing the net fees payable.

When all applicable subsidies are combined, many Singapore Citizen families with household incomes below $6,000 may pay as little as $5-$300 per month for full-day childcare at My First Skool, making it an affordable option for many working parents.

You can check your eligibility and estimate your subsidies using ECDA’s online subsidy calculator.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for My First Skool, it’s important to account for various additional costs beyond the basic monthly fees:

Registration Fee

A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $50-$100 is typically charged when enrolling your child at My First Skool.

Deposit

Most centres require a deposit equivalent to one month’s fees (before subsidies), which is refundable when your child graduates or withdraws with proper notice.

Uniform Costs

My First Skool requires students to wear uniforms. A basic set typically costs between $60-$80 and includes:

  • 2-3 sets of school uniforms
  • 1 school bag
  • 1-2 sets of PE attire (for older children)

Insurance

An annual insurance fee of $10-$15 covers personal accident insurance for your child during their time at the centre.

Supplementary Programs

My First Skool offers various enrichment programs that parents can opt for at additional costs:

  • Bilingual enrichment: $40-$80 per month
  • Music and movement: $40-$60 per month
  • Speech and drama: $60-$80 per month

These supplementary programs are optional, and parents can choose whether to enroll their children based on interest and budget considerations.

Field Trips and Special Events

Throughout the year, My First Skool organizes educational field trips and special celebrations that may require additional fees, typically ranging from $10-$50 per event depending on the nature and location.

It’s advisable to budget an additional $100-$200 per term for these miscellaneous expenses to ensure you’re fully prepared for all aspects of your child’s preschool experience.

Payment Methods and Policies

My First Skool offers several payment options to accommodate parents’ preferences and ensure timely fee collection:

GIRO Arrangements

The most common and recommended payment method is GIRO (General Interbank Recurring Order), which automatically deducts fees from your designated bank account monthly. This system ensures timely payments and eliminates the need to remember payment deadlines.

Credit Card Payments

Some centres accept credit card payments, though an administrative fee of 1-2% may apply. This option provides convenience and potential credit card rewards, though the processing fee should be factored into your cost calculations.

Child Development Account (CDA)

Parents can utilize their child’s CDA savings to pay for preschool fees. My First Skool is an approved institution for CDA withdrawals, allowing parents to optimize the government matching contributions to these accounts.

Payment Timeline

Fees are typically due by the 1st of each month. For GIRO arrangements, deductions are processed between the 5th and 10th of each month. Late payment may incur administrative charges of $30-$50, so it’s important to ensure sufficient funds are available in your designated payment account.

Withdrawal Policy

If you need to withdraw your child from My First Skool, a written notice period of one month is required. Failure to provide adequate notice typically results in forfeiture of the deposit. This policy helps centres manage enrollment and staffing effectively.

For families facing temporary financial challenges, My First Skool may offer flexible payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. It’s advisable to communicate with centre management proactively if you anticipate payment difficulties.

Financial Assistance Programs

Beyond the standard government subsidies, several additional financial assistance programs are available to help families who need extra support:

ComCare Child Care Subsidy

Low-income families facing financial hardship can apply for additional assistance through the ComCare Child Care Subsidy scheme administered by MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development). This means-tested program can cover up to 95% of the remaining fees after basic and additional subsidies.

NTUC First Campus Bright Horizons Fund

As part of the NTUC First Campus family, My First Skool has access to the Bright Horizons Fund, which provides additional financial support to families in need. This fund can help with:

  • Subsidizing school fees
  • Covering the costs of uniforms and materials
  • Supporting children with developmental needs
  • Providing emergency financial assistance

KidSTART Program

Eligible low-income families with children up to six years old may qualify for the KidSTART program, which provides comprehensive support including subsidized preschool education, home visitation programs, and child development screening.

To explore these financial assistance options, you can speak directly with the centre manager at your preferred My First Skool location or contact the ECDA at 6735 9213 for guidance on available support programs.

Fee Comparison with Other Preschools

To provide context for My First Skool’s fee structure, it’s helpful to compare them with other major preschool operators in Singapore:

Preschool Operator Monthly Fee Range (Before Subsidies) Operator Type
My First Skool $770 – $820 Partner Operator (POP)
PCF Sparkletots $720 – $800 Anchor Operator (AOP)
MOE Kindergarten $160 – $320 (half-day only) Government
PAP Community Foundation $750 – $850 Partner Operator (POP)
Private Preschools $1,200 – $2,500 Private
International Preschools $1,800 – $4,000+ Private International

As evident from the comparison, My First Skool positions itself as a mid-range option within Singapore’s preschool landscape. It offers more affordable fees than fully private or international preschools while maintaining high educational standards and nationwide accessibility with over 140 centres across Singapore.

The key advantage of My First Skool is its participation in the Partner Operator (POP) scheme, which ensures fee caps and additional subsidies while maintaining quality curriculum and teacher qualifications. This makes it an attractive option for families seeking balance between affordability and educational quality.

For families looking to compare preschool options by location, Skoolopedia’s preschool finder allows you to search for centres near specific MRT stations, making it easier to find convenient options within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for government subsidies for My First Skool?

When enrolling your child, the centre will provide subsidy application forms. You’ll need to complete these forms and provide supporting documents such as employment letters and income statements. Subsidies are automatically processed through the system once approved, with the subsidized amount reflected in your monthly bill.

Are there any sibling discounts available?

My First Skool offers a sibling discount of 5-10% for families with multiple children enrolled at the same centre. Additionally, the government provides higher subsidies for families with multiple children in childcare through the Enhanced Subsidies scheme.

What happens to fees during prolonged absences or holidays?

Full fees are generally payable even during absences or holidays to maintain your child’s placement. However, for medical absences exceeding two consecutive weeks, some centres may offer partial fee waivers with proper medical documentation.

Can I use Baby Bonus funds to pay for My First Skool fees?

Yes, you can use your child’s Child Development Account (CDA) funds, which include Baby Bonus contributions, to pay for preschool fees at My First Skool. This option allows you to leverage government co-matching contributions effectively.

How often do fee revisions occur?

My First Skool typically reviews their fee structure annually, with any adjustments taking effect in January. Parents receive at least two months’ advance notice of any fee changes, allowing time for financial planning.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?

While My First Skool strives for transparency in their fee structure, parents should budget for occasional additional expenses such as field trips, celebration activities, and replacement uniforms. These typically amount to $200-$300 annually beyond the regular fees.

For more questions about preschool choices and educational planning, consider joining Skoolopedia’s membership program for access to expert advice and parent community discussions.

Conclusion

Navigating preschool fees and subsidies can be complex, but understanding My First Skool’s fee structure is an essential step in making informed decisions about your child’s early education. By leveraging available government subsidies and financial assistance programs, many families find My First Skool to be an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on educational quality.

When calculating the actual cost, remember to consider the full picture—monthly fees after subsidies, one-time costs, additional program fees, and incidental expenses throughout the year. This comprehensive approach to budgeting helps prevent financial surprises and ensures a smooth preschool experience for both you and your child.

My First Skool’s widespread presence across Singapore neighborhoods, combined with its regulated fee structure under the Partner Operator scheme, makes it a popular choice for families seeking quality early childhood education. With proper financial planning and utilization of available subsidies, quality preschool education can be accessible to more Singaporean families.

For personalized assistance in finding the right preschool that meets your budget and location preferences, Skoolopedia’s center locator can help you explore options near your home or workplace. Our Parents’ Choice Awards also highlight top-rated centers based on parent reviews and ratings.

Find the Perfect Preschool for Your Child

Looking for more information on preschools in Singapore? Skoolopedia helps thousands of parents find the right educational fit for their children.

Visit Skoolopedia.com to start your search today!

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