In Singapore, selecting the appropriate preschool for your child is a significant decision. As you evaluate your options, ask yourself the following questions:
Preschools in Singapore are primarily categorised into three groups:
Each category offers unique features. Let’s explore the distinctions between childcare and kindergarten in Singapore.
As of 2025, there are five brands under the Anchor Operator Scheme (AOP):
Under the AOP scheme:
These centres generally operate from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays, with some offering services on Saturdays, ideal for parents working weekends.
Most private childcare centres in Singapore are licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). They cater to children aged 18 months and older, with some offering infant care for those as young as two months. These centres typically operate on weekdays from 7 am to 7 pm, accommodating working parents.
Fees and Subsidies:
An increasing number of private childcare operators also participate in ECDA’s Partner Operator Scheme (POP), aiming to enhance the quality and affordability of preschool programs. Under this scheme:
MOE Kindergartens accepts 5- and 6-year-old children who are Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents for their Kindergarten 1 (K1) and Kindergarten 2 (K2) programs. Registration opens the year before your child turns 5 years old for K1, while K2 admission depends on availability at your preferred MOE Kindergarten.
Fees:
Fees are also payable during the June and December holidays.
Operating Hours:
Kindergarten Care (KCare) is a care service available in all MOE Kindergartens (MK). Your child will be in KCare before and after the MK session within the same premises. This is for working parents who require full-day care for their child. KCare fees are capped at $415 per month and payable during school holidays.
Government subsidies are available to ease the financial burden:
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) website provides detailed information on childcare and infant care subsidies.
Subsidies information is valid till Dec 2024
When selecting the best preschool and childcare in Singapore, there are a lot of factors to consider. To get a better idea of this, we’ll compare a standard MOE Kindergarten to My First Skool, one of Singapore’s best private preschools with over 160 centres.
Singapore Citizens can utilise childcare and infant care subsidies to offset costs.
Enrolling your child in an MOE Kindergarten co-located with a primary school may offer priority in Phase 2A for Primary 1 (P1) registration. This can alleviate concerns about primary school admission.
All MOE Kindergartens follow the standard uniform curriculum based on the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework. Other childcare centres, like My First Skool, offer additional learning experiences through various approaches tailored to your child’s needs.
At My First Skool, the emphasis is on our pedagogical approach called PETAL – Playing, Exploring, Thinking, and Applying Learning. This approach provides facilitated play experiences that encourage active exploration, critical thinking and making meaningful discoveries.
MOE Kindergartens do not offer additional enrichment programs beyond their 4-hour curriculum. However, many private preschools in Singapore, including My First Skool, provide curated enrichment programs. Some centres charge extra for these, so inquire with your chosen preschool.
Attending open houses allows you to familiarise yourself with the school and staff:
As of February 2025, there are only 53 MOE Kindergartens in operation, with two new ones in Elias Park and Hougang planned to open soon. This limited number poses challenges for parents seeking quality early childhood education options. The scarcity of MOE Kindergartens leads to increased competition for enrollment, making it difficult for many families to secure placements for their children.
In contrast, My First Skool has over 160 preschool centres across Singapore, each providing a safe, conducive learning environment with dedicated teachers, including locations where MOE Kindergartens slots are limited and competitive.
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationships-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents. Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
Understanding the differences between childcare and kindergarten allows parents to make informed decisions based on their child’s learning needs, daily schedule, and family priorities.
Parents should assess their priorities—whether affordability, curriculum, school hours, or primary school admission advantages—before deciding on the best preschool option for their child.
At My First Skool, we believe every child deserves a strong start. As one of Singapore’s most trusted providers of infant care, childcare, preschool, and kindergarten, we offer a nurturing environment where little ones can grow, learn, and thrive. With experienced educators and a proven curriculum, we’re here to support your child’s journey—every step of the way. Registration only takes 5 minutes.
