Choosing the right early childhood education setting is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent in Singapore. With terms like “preschool,” “childcare,” “kindergarten,” and “infant care” often used interchangeably, it’s easy to feel confused about what each option actually offers and which one best suits your family’s needs.

The reality is that these aren’t just different names for the same thing. Each type of early childhood setting serves distinct purposes, caters to different age groups, and operates on different schedules. Understanding these differences is crucial whether you’re a working parent needing full-day care, looking for an academically focused programme to prepare your child for Primary 1, or seeking nurturing care for your infant.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences between infant care, childcare centres, and kindergarten programmes in Singapore. You’ll learn about age requirements, operating hours, curriculum approaches, teacher-child ratios, costs, and the factors that matter most when making your decision. By the end, you’ll have the clarity you need to choose the option that aligns with your child’s developmental needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Understanding Preschool Terminology in Singapore

Before diving into the specifics of each option, it’s helpful to understand how these terms fit together within Singapore’s early childhood education landscape. The term “preschool” serves as an umbrella category that encompasses all early childhood education and care settings for children below Primary 1 age.

In Singapore, preschools are regulated by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), which sets standards for programmes, educator qualifications, and quality benchmarks. The ECDA oversees both childcare centres and kindergartens, ensuring that all registered institutions meet minimum requirements for safety, curriculum quality, and educator training.

Within this broader preschool category, you’ll find three main types of services: infant care for babies aged 2 to 18 months, childcare centres that provide full-day programmes for children aged 18 months to 6 years, and kindergarten programmes that offer half-day academic preparation for children aged 3 to 6 years. Some centres operate exclusively as kindergartens, while many childcare centres offer both childcare and kindergarten programmes under one roof.

Understanding this structure helps you navigate conversations with educators, compare facilities more effectively, and search for options that truly match what you’re looking for. When you’re exploring preschools near MRT stations, knowing exactly which type of programme you need saves time and ensures you’re considering appropriate options from the start.

Infant Care Programmes: Caring for Your Youngest Learners

Infant care programmes cater to Singapore’s youngest children, providing specialized care and early developmental support for babies aged 2 to 18 months. These programmes are designed for parents who need to return to work during their child’s first year and require a safe, nurturing environment with caregivers trained in infant development.

What Makes Infant Care Different

Infant care differs significantly from programmes for older children because of the intensive, individualized attention babies require. The focus is primarily on meeting each infant’s basic needs, establishing routines, and supporting early developmental milestones rather than structured academic learning. Caregivers attend to feeding schedules, diaper changes, nap times, and provide plenty of sensory stimulation through play, music, and gentle interaction.

The teacher-infant ratio is strictly regulated to ensure adequate supervision and individual attention. According to ECDA guidelines, infant care centres must maintain a ratio of one educator to every five infants, which is considerably lower than ratios for older children. This ensures that each baby receives responsive care and that caregivers can attend to individual feeding schedules, developmental needs, and comfort requirements.

Daily Routine and Activities

A typical day in infant care is structured around the natural rhythms of babies rather than a rigid academic schedule. The day includes multiple feeding times (with centres accommodating both bottle-feeding and arrangements for breastfeeding mothers), several nap periods, diaper changes, and age-appropriate activities that stimulate sensory development. Activities might include tummy time, singing and reading sessions, sensory play with safe materials, and gentle movement exercises.

Most infant care centres operate from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays to accommodate working parents’ schedules. Unlike kindergartens, infant care centres generally remain open year-round with only a few days of closure for public holidays and staff training, providing consistent care for families who can’t take extended time off work.

What to Consider for Infant Care

When evaluating infant care options, parents should prioritize factors specific to this age group:

• Caregiver qualifications and experience: Look for centres where educators have specialized training in infant development and first aid
• Health and safety protocols: Check cleanliness standards, illness policies, and safety measures for sleeping arrangements
• Communication practices: Ask how caregivers keep parents informed about their baby’s day, feeding times, and developmental progress
• Feeding arrangements: Confirm whether the centre can accommodate your feeding preferences, including breast milk storage and warming
• Transition support: Understand how the centre helps babies and parents adjust during the initial separation period

Infant care is typically the most expensive early childhood option due to the low teacher-child ratio and specialized care requirements. However, government subsidies are available for Singaporean families, which can significantly reduce monthly fees depending on household income.

Childcare Centres Explained: Full-Day Care and Learning

Childcare centres provide comprehensive full-day programmes that combine care, meals, and educational experiences for children aged 18 months to 6 years. These centres are designed primarily for working parents who need a safe, enriching environment for their children throughout the workday.

Operating Hours and Schedule Flexibility

One of the defining characteristics of childcare centres is their extended operating hours. Most centres open at 7:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, giving working parents flexibility to drop off and pick up their children around their work schedules. Many centres offer both full-day and half-day options, with half-day programmes typically running from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Unlike kindergartens, childcare centres don’t follow the Ministry of Education school holiday calendar. They operate year-round with only limited closures for public holidays and a handful of staff development days (typically around six days per year). This continuous operation is particularly valuable for working parents who don’t have the flexibility to arrange care during school holiday periods.

What a Day at Childcare Looks Like

A typical day at a childcare centre balances structured learning activities with play, meals, and rest. The schedule generally includes morning learning sessions covering literacy, numeracy, and thematic topics, followed by outdoor play or physical activities. Children receive breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks as part of the programme, with menus designed to meet nutritional guidelines and expose children to a variety of healthy foods.

After lunch, younger children have designated nap time, while older preschoolers might have quiet time or age-appropriate activities. Afternoon sessions often include enrichment activities such as music, art, or language classes, followed by more free play and structured learning. This balanced approach supports both academic development and social-emotional growth through peer interaction and play-based learning.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

Childcare centres in Singapore follow the ECDA’s Early Years Development Framework, which emphasizes holistic development across six key learning areas: aesthetics and creative expression, discovery of the world, language and literacy, motor skills development, numeracy, and social and emotional development. The learning approach is typically play-based and experiential, allowing children to learn through hands-on exploration, creative activities, and social interaction.

While childcare centres do prepare children academically for Primary 1, the pace is generally less intense than standalone kindergarten programmes. The focus remains on nurturing a love for learning, developing foundational skills, and supporting age-appropriate development rather than accelerated academic achievement. This approach aligns well with the longer timeframe available in full-day programmes, where learning can be integrated throughout the day rather than compressed into a few intensive hours.

Kindergarten Programmes: Academic Focus for School Readiness

Kindergarten programmes in Singapore are structured specifically to prepare children aged 3 to 6 years for the transition to Primary 1. These programmes are more academically focused than typical childcare settings, with an emphasis on building literacy, numeracy, and school-readiness skills within a condensed timeframe.

Session Structure and Duration

Kindergarten sessions typically run for 3 to 4 hours daily, either in the morning or afternoon. This shorter duration means that the learning is more concentrated and structured compared to full-day childcare programmes. Teachers work through comprehensive curriculum content within these limited hours, which results in more teacher-directed activities and less unstructured free play time.

Because of the abbreviated schedule, kindergartens generally don’t provide meals, though some may offer light snacks. Parents should plan to provide breakfast before morning sessions or lunch before afternoon sessions, and many choose to pack a small snack box for their child to have during the programme.

Academic Emphasis and School Readiness

The primary goal of kindergarten programmes is preparing children for the academic and social demands of Primary 1. The curriculum places considerable emphasis on early literacy skills (letter recognition, phonics, beginning reading), numeracy concepts (number sense, basic operations, patterns), and developing the ability to follow instructions, work independently, and participate in structured classroom activities.

Kindergarten programmes typically introduce children to more formal learning structures, including seated lessons, worksheet activities, and teacher-led instruction. While play remains part of the experience, it occupies a smaller proportion of the day compared to childcare centres. This structured environment helps children develop the attention span, sitting stamina, and classroom behaviors they’ll need for primary school success.

Holiday Schedule Considerations

Kindergarten programmes follow the Ministry of Education’s holiday calendar, which includes breaks in March, June, September, and a longer break in November and December. While this schedule aligns with Singapore’s primary and secondary schools, it can present challenges for working parents who don’t have matching time off and need to arrange alternative care during these holiday periods.

For families where both parents work full-time without flexible leave arrangements, this holiday schedule is often the deciding factor that makes full-day childcare a more practical choice than kindergarten. Some parents address this by enrolling children in holiday enrichment programmes during kindergarten break periods.

Comparing Operating Hours and Schedules

The difference in operating hours between childcare centres and kindergarten programmes is one of the most significant practical considerations for families. Understanding how these schedules align with your work commitments and family routine is essential when deciding which option will work best.

Programme Type	Operating Hours	Annual Schedule	Meals Provided
Infant Care	7:00 AM – 7:00 PM	Year-round (closes for public holidays and ~6 staff training days)	Milk/formula and age-appropriate meals
Childcare (Full-Day)	7:00 AM – 7:00 PM	Year-round (closes for public holidays and ~6 staff training days)	Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Childcare (Half-Day)	7:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Year-round (closes for public holidays and ~6 staff training days)	Breakfast and lunch
Kindergarten	3-4 hours (morning or afternoon sessions)	Follows MOE school holidays (March, June, September, November/December breaks)	Typically none (some provide snacks)

For dual-income families with standard 9-to-6 work schedules, childcare centres offer the most practical solution with their extended hours and year-round operation. The inclusion of meals also simplifies morning routines, as parents don’t need to prepare multiple packed meals or worry about their child having adequate nutrition throughout the day.

Kindergarten programmes work best for families where at least one parent has flexible work arrangements, works part-time, or where grandparents or domestic helpers can provide care outside kindergarten hours. These families can manage the abbreviated daily schedule and have arrangements in place for the four school holiday periods throughout the year.

Curriculum and Learning Approaches Across Different Settings

While all ECDA-registered preschools follow the Early Years Development Framework, the way this framework is implemented varies considerably between infant care, childcare centres, and kindergarten programmes. Understanding these pedagogical differences helps you choose an environment that matches your child’s learning style and your educational priorities.

Play-Based vs. Structured Learning

Childcare centres generally emphasize play-based, experiential learning where children learn through exploration, sensory activities, and hands-on experiences. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to child-directed play, both indoors and outdoors, which supports social development, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Academic concepts are woven into these playful contexts rather than delivered through formal instruction.

Kindergarten programmes, while still incorporating play, lean more heavily toward structured, teacher-directed instruction. Children spend more time in seated activities, completing worksheets, and participating in formal lessons on literacy and numeracy. The play that does occur is often purposeful and guided, designed to reinforce specific learning objectives rather than being purely child-directed exploration.

Common Curriculum Approaches in Singapore

Beyond the general childcare versus kindergarten distinction, individual centres may adopt specific pedagogical approaches that influence how learning happens:

• Montessori: Emphasizes self-directed learning with specially designed materials, mixed-age classrooms, and minimal teacher intervention
• Reggio Emilia: Views children as capable learners who construct knowledge through long-term projects, artistic expression, and documentation of learning
• Waldorf: Focuses on imaginative play, natural materials, rhythm and routine, and delaying formal academics until later childhood
• High Scope: Uses a plan-do-review cycle where children make choices about their activities, carry them out, and reflect on their learning
• Inquiry-based learning: Encourages children to ask questions, investigate topics of interest, and develop critical thinking through guided exploration

Many centres use a blended approach, combining elements from multiple philosophies rather than adhering strictly to one method. When researching options, ask centres to describe their curriculum approach and observe how it plays out in actual classroom practice during your visit.

Language Learning and Mother Tongue

Language development is a priority across all preschool settings, but the approach varies. Childcare centres typically offer a language-rich environment with stories, songs, and conversations throughout the day in both English and the child’s mother tongue (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil). The emphasis is on oral language development and vocabulary building through natural interaction.

Kindergarten programmes place greater emphasis on pre-literacy and early literacy skills, including letter recognition, phonics, and beginning writing in both English and mother tongue. K2 programmes (for 5- to 6-year-olds) often introduce simple character or word reading to prepare children for Primary 1 expectations.

Teacher-Child Ratios and Class Sizes

The number of children assigned to each educator significantly impacts the quality of interactions, individual attention, and supervision your child receives. ECDA sets minimum standards for teacher-child ratios, though many quality centres exceed these requirements. Understanding these ratios helps you evaluate whether a centre can provide the level of individualized support your child needs.

ECDA-Mandated Ratios

According to ECDA regulations, the required teacher-child ratios vary by age group:

• Infant Care (2-18 months): 1 educator to 5 infants
• Toddler (18-30 months): 1 educator to 8 children
• Nursery/Playgroup (30 months-3 years): 1 educator to 12 children
• Kindergarten 1 (4-5 years): 1 educator to 20-25 children
• Kindergarten 2 (5-6 years): 1 educator to 20-25 children

These ratios represent the maximum allowed, meaning centres cannot have more children per teacher than specified. However, higher-quality centres often maintain lower ratios than required, providing more individualized attention and better supervision. When visiting centres, ask about both their teacher-child ratio and their typical class sizes.

Impact on Learning and Care Quality

Lower teacher-child ratios offer several important benefits. Educators can observe and respond to individual children’s needs more effectively, provide more personalized guidance during learning activities, manage behavior challenges proactively, and build stronger relationships with each child. For younger children especially, lower ratios mean more opportunities for one-on-one interaction during crucial moments like meal times, diaper changes, and comfort needs.

In kindergarten settings with higher ratios, the learning environment becomes more teacher-directed by necessity, with less time for individualized instruction. This isn’t inherently negative, as it also helps children develop independence and learn to function in a classroom environment similar to what they’ll experience in Primary 1. However, children who need more individual support or are slower to adapt to group settings may benefit from environments with lower ratios.

Cost Considerations and Government Subsidies

Early childhood education represents a significant investment for Singaporean families, but understanding the fee structure and available subsidies can make quality programmes more accessible. Costs vary considerably depending on the type of programme, operator, and whether you qualify for government support.

Typical Fee Ranges

Monthly fees vary widely based on several factors including the programme type, operator (government-supported, anchor operator, or private), centre location, and facilities. As a general guide, infant care tends to be the most expensive due to the intensive staff-to-child ratio requirements, followed by full-day childcare, half-day childcare, and kindergarten programmes.

Private preschools and those offering specialized curricula (such as Montessori or international programmes) typically charge higher fees than government-supported or anchor operator centres. Location also plays a role, with centres in central or premium residential areas generally commanding higher fees than those in heartland estates.

Government Subsidies and Financial Support

The Singapore government provides substantial subsidies for early childhood education to make it more affordable for working families. Key subsidy schemes include:

• Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singaporean children attending licensed childcare centres, with the amount varying based on household income
• Additional Subsidy: Provides extra support for lower- and middle-income families, with higher subsidies for families earning less
• Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS): Helps families with kindergarten fees at MOE kindergartens and selected partner kindergartens

Families earning below certain income thresholds may also qualify for additional support through schemes like the ComCare Student Care Subsidies or assistance from Social Service Offices. The total subsidy amount can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, sometimes covering the majority of fees for lower-income families.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond monthly fees, budget for additional expenses such as registration fees (typically one-time), deposits (usually equivalent to one month’s fee), uniforms, textbooks and learning materials, and enrichment programme fees if not included in the base package. Some centres also charge for field trips, special events, or extended hours beyond standard operating times.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Family

Selecting between infant care, childcare, and kindergarten isn’t about finding the objectively “best” option. It’s about identifying which setting aligns with your child’s developmental needs, your family’s practical constraints, and your educational values. Making this decision requires balancing multiple factors simultaneously.

Key Factors to Evaluate

Start by assessing these critical considerations:

Your work schedule and flexibility: If both parents work full-time with limited flexibility, full-day childcare or infant care provides the practical support you need. If one parent works part-time or you have reliable help from grandparents, kindergarten becomes more viable.

Your child’s age and developmental stage: For children under 18 months, infant care is your primary option if you need out-of-home care. For children aged 18 months to 3 years, childcare offers age-appropriate programmes. For children aged 3 and up, you can choose between childcare and kindergarten based on other factors.

Your child’s learning style and temperament: Some children thrive in structured, academically-oriented environments, while others need more play-based exploration and movement. Consider whether your child adapts quickly to new situations or needs more time and individual attention to feel comfortable.

Academic priorities: If primary school readiness and academic preparation are top priorities, kindergarten programmes offer focused instruction. If you value a balanced approach emphasizing social-emotional development alongside academics, childcare may be preferable.

Questions to Ask During Centre Visits

Once you’ve narrowed your options, visit your shortlisted centres and ask:

1. What does a typical daily schedule look like? This reveals how time is allocated between structured learning, free play, outdoor activities, and meals.
2. What is your curriculum approach and learning philosophy? Understanding the pedagogical framework helps you assess alignment with your educational values.
3. What are your actual teacher-child ratios and class sizes? Confirm they meet or exceed ECDA minimums.
4. How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress and daily activities? Regular communication helps you stay connected to your child’s experience.
5. What is your approach to managing behavior and supporting emotional regulation? Understanding discipline methods ensures they align with your parenting approach.
6. What qualifications and experience do your teachers have? Well-trained, experienced educators make a significant difference in programme quality.
7. Are there opportunities for parent involvement or observation? Centres that welcome parent participation tend to have more transparent practices.
8. How do you handle the transition period for new children? A thoughtful settling-in process helps children adjust more smoothly.

Trust Your Observations and Instincts

Beyond the practical details, pay attention to the overall environment during your visit. Are children engaged and happy? Do teachers interact warmly with children and speak to them respectfully? Is the space clean, safe, and well-organized? Does the atmosphere feel nurturing and positive? Your gut reaction to the environment provides valuable information that supplements your more analytical evaluation.

Don’t hesitate to visit multiple centres even after you think you’ve found “the one.” Comparing different environments helps clarify what matters most to you and often reveals aspects you hadn’t considered. Some parents find it helpful to bring their child along for a second visit to observe how they respond to the space and educators.

Finding Quality Centres Near You

Location convenience significantly impacts your daily routine, making it easier to maintain consistent drop-off and pick-up times without adding excessive travel stress. Many parents prioritize centres near their home, workplace, or along their commute route. Fortunately, Singapore’s well-developed preschool infrastructure means quality options exist across virtually every neighborhood.

Skoolopedia simplifies your search by offering a comprehensive, searchable directory of preschools, childcare centres, and kindergartens across Singapore. You can filter options by MRT station or neighborhood, making it easy to identify centres that fit your commute. The platform provides up-to-date information on programme fees, curricula, vacancies, and open house dates, saving you hours of research time.

Beyond the directory, Skoolopedia offers crowdsourced reviews from other parents, giving you first-hand insights into what it’s really like to have your child enrolled at specific centres. These authentic perspectives help you understand aspects that might not be apparent from a centre’s website or a single visit. You can also explore the Parents’ Choices Award to see which centres have been recognized for excellence by the parent community.

For families considering enrichment programmes to complement their preschool education or fill kindergarten holiday gaps, Skoolopedia’s enrichment centre directory helps you find nearby options for music, sports, arts, language learning, and more. The platform also lists student care centres near MRT stations for when your child transitions to primary school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from childcare to kindergarten (or vice versa) if my initial choice doesn’t work out?

Yes, you can switch between programme types if your circumstances change or if the initial programme doesn’t meet your expectations. However, availability at your preferred alternative centre may be limited, so it’s worth joining waitlists early. Some families start with full-day childcare when their child is younger and transition to kindergarten programmes for K1 and K2 years.

Do children in childcare centres perform worse academically than kindergarten children when they reach Primary 1?

Research doesn’t support the notion that kindergarten children have a significant academic advantage over childcare children by the time they reach primary school. What matters more is the quality of the preschool programme, the child’s home learning environment, and individual readiness. Quality childcare centres provide adequate academic preparation while also supporting broader developmental domains like social skills and emotional regulation, which are equally important for school success.

What happens if my child enrolled in kindergarten gets sick frequently or needs more individual attention?

If your child requires more individualized support than a kindergarten setting can provide, discuss your concerns with the centre’s educators first. They may be able to make accommodations or suggest strategies. If challenges persist, you might consider transitioning to a childcare setting with lower teacher-child ratios or seeking programmes specifically designed for children with additional needs. The ECDA can provide guidance on inclusive preschool options if your child has diagnosed developmental or learning differences.

When should I start looking for a preschool place?

Start your search early, especially for infant care or popular centres in your area. Some parents begin researching and joining waitlists even before their child is born, particularly for infant care places which are limited. For childcare and kindergarten, beginning your search 6-12 months before you need the placement gives you adequate time to visit centres, compare options, and secure a spot at your preferred choice.

Are MOE kindergartens different from other kindergartens?

MOE kindergartens are operated by the Ministry of Education and located within or near primary schools. They follow a standardized curriculum focused on preparing children for Primary 1 and generally have lower fees compared to private kindergartens. However, they operate on the same abbreviated schedule as other kindergartens (3-4 hours daily with school holidays), so the same practical considerations apply regarding working parent schedules. MOE kindergartens have become increasingly popular and often have waiting lists.

Can my child attend both a kindergarten and a childcare centre?

Some families enroll their child in a kindergarten programme for the academic component and arrange separate childcare or supervision for before and after kindergarten hours. This arrangement requires significant coordination and typically costs more than choosing a single full-day programme, but it allows families to access a specific kindergarten’s curriculum while still meeting their full-day care needs.

Choosing between infant care, childcare, and kindergarten in Singapore ultimately comes down to finding the right fit for your unique family situation. Each option offers distinct benefits: infant care provides specialized nurturing for your youngest children, childcare centres offer comprehensive full-day programmes that balance care and learning for working families, and kindergartens deliver focused academic preparation for school readiness.

The decision isn’t about finding the perfect option that checks every box, because that option rarely exists. Instead, it’s about identifying your non-negotiables, whether that’s operating hours, academic approach, location convenience, or cost, and then finding the programme that best meets those priorities while providing a safe, nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

Take time to visit centres, ask thoughtful questions, observe the environment and interactions, and trust your instincts about which setting feels right for your child. The effort you invest in making an informed decision pays dividends in your child’s development, your family’s daily routine, and your peace of mind knowing your child is in capable, caring hands.

Remember that Singapore’s early childhood education landscape offers high-quality options across all programme types, and the ECDA’s regulatory framework ensures minimum standards are maintained. With the right information and resources, you can confidently navigate this important decision and select a programme that supports your child’s learning journey from the very beginning.