How can we help?
ECDA Childcare Subsidy Calculator (2025) | How To Use
April 25, 2025
Education
Navigating the landscape of childcare subsidies in Singapore can be complex for many parents.
To simplify this process, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) offers a Preschool Subsidy Calculator, designed to help families estimate the amount of financial assistance they may receive for infant and childcare services.
Before diving into the ECDA Childcare Subsidy Calculator, it’s important to understand how the subsidy works, what information you’ll need, and what factors can affect the final amount you receive.
This guide breaks down everything in simple terms—so by the time you use the calculator, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of the subsidy for your child’s preschool journey.
Overview of Childcare Subsidies in Singapore
Singapore provides two primary types of subsidised childcare for families with Singapore Citizen (SC) children enrolled in licensed infant or childcare centres:
- Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singapore Citizen (SC) children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed childcare centre. Families with children in these childcare centres licensed by ECDA can directly benefit from the government subsidy, which is crucial for managing preschool expenses.
- Additional Subsidy: Available to families who meet specific income criteria and where the main applicant is working at the time of the subsidy application.
Understanding the Childcare Subsidy
This subsidy is designed to make early childhood education more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income families. The amount of subsidy a family can receive is calculated based on several factors, including the family’s income, the number of children in care, and the type of childcare service used. By easing the financial burden, the ECDA supports families in providing quality early childhood education for their children.
Applying for Childcare Subsidies: Eligibility Criteria
Applications for both Basic and Additional Subsidies should be made through your chosen childcare centre. The centre will guide you through the application process and inform you about the necessary documentation. Once approved, the subsidies are disbursed directly to the centre, and you will only need to pay the net fees after the subsidy.
Utilising the Childcare Subsidy Calculator
To assist parents in estimating their eligible subsidy amount, ECDA provides an online Preschool Subsidy Calculator. Here’s how you can use it:
- Access the Calculator: Visit the ECDA website and locate the Preschool Subsidy Calculator.
- Input the Following Details:
- Programme Type (Infant Care or Childcare)
- Service Type (Full Day, Half Day, etc.)
- Gross Monthly Household Income (before CPF deduction)
- Number of family members in household (optional)
- Monthly Childcare fee
- Review the Estimate: The calculator will provide an estimated subsidy amount based on the data provided.
Please remember that the figures generated are estimates. The actual subsidy amount will be determined upon verification of your details during the application process.
Childcare Subsidy Amounts
The subsidy amounts vary based on the program type and the family’s income level. For instance:
- Childcare (Full-Day Programme):
- Basic Subsidy: $300 per month.
- Additional Subsidy: Up to $467 per month, depending on income.
- Childcare (Half-Day Programme):
- Basic Subsidy: $150 per month.
- Additional Subsidy: Up to $235 per month, depending on income.
It’s important to note that these subsidies are subject to a minimum co-payment by parents, which increases progressively with higher income brackets.
Full-Day Childcare Subsidy Table
| Applicant’s
working status |
Gross Monthly
Household Income |
Gross Monthly Per Capita Income | Basic Subsidy (BS) | Additional Subsidy (AS) – Max AS | Additional Subsidy (AS) – Min Co-Pay |
| Working Applicant | $3,000 and below | $750 and below | $300 | $467 | $3 |
| $3,001 to $4,500 | $751 to $1,125 | $440 | $25 | ||
| $4,501 to $6,000 | $1,126 to $1,500 | $340 | $115 | ||
| $6,001 to $7,500 | $1,501 to $1,875 | $260 | $185 | ||
| $7,501 to $9,000 | $1,876 to $2,250 | $190 | $255 | ||
| $9,001 to $10,500 | $2,251 to $2,625 | $130 | $315 | ||
| $10,501 to $12,000 | $2,626 to $3,000 | $80 | $365 | ||
| Above $12,000 | Above $3,000 | N/A | N/A | ||
| Non-working applicant | N/A | $150 | N/A | N/A | |
Full-Day Childcare Subsidy Table 2025 (valid till Dec 2024)
Half-Day Childcare Subsidy Table
| Applicant’s
working status |
Gross Monthly
Household Income |
Gross Monthly Per Capita Income | Basic Subsidy (BS) | Additional Subsidy (AS) – Max AS | Additional Subsidy (AS) – Min Co-Pay |
| Working Applicant | $3,000 and below | $750 and below | $150 | $235 | $2 |
| $3,001 to $4,500 | $751 to $1,125 | $220 | $15 | ||
| $4,501 to $6,000 | $1,126 to $1,500 | $170 | $60 | ||
| $6,001 to $7,500 | $1,501 to $1,875 | $130 | $95 | ||
| $7,501 to $9,000 | $1,876 to $2,250 | $95 | $130 | ||
| $9,001 to $10,500 | $2,251 to $2,625 | $65 | $160 | ||
| $10,501 to $12,000 | $2,626 to $3,000 | $40 | $185 | ||
| Above $12,000 | Above $3,000 | N/A | N/A | ||
| Non-working applicant | N/A | $150 | N/A | N/A | |
Half-Day Childcare Subsidy Table 2025 (valid till Dec 2024)
My First Skool: Partnering in Your Child’s Early Education
At My First Skool, we understand the importance of quality and affordable early childhood education.
We are committed to assisting families in navigating our childcare subsidy application process. Our staff are well-versed in the various subsidy schemes and can guide you to ensure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to.
By choosing My First Skool, you’re selecting not only a premier educational institution but also a partner dedicated to making quality childcare accessible and affordable for your family.
Over 160 Centres Islandwide – Quality Childcare, Minutes from Home
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationship-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.
