Singapore Enhances Financial Aid for Preschool and Student Care in 2027
Singapore is increasing financial support for families with children in preschool and student care, effective January 2027. The enhancements to the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) and the Infant and Childcare Additional Subsidy, along with updates to the Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) scheme, aim to develop these services more affordable for lower- to middle-income families.
Increased Income Ceilings for KiFAS and Childcare Subsidies
The gross monthly household income ceiling for the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) and the Infant and Childcare Additional Subsidy will be raised from $12,000 to $15,000 [1]. This change is expected to benefit over 60,000 families with children enrolled in pre-schools.
As an example, a household earning a median income of $12,500 with two children in anchor-operator childcare will spot their combined out-of-pocket fees reduced from $730 in 2026 to $470 in 2027.
Expanded Support Through the Student Care Fee Assistance Scheme
The Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) scheme will too be updated to ensure continued support for lower- and lower-middle-income families whose earnings have increased in recent years. The monthly income threshold to qualify for SCFA subsidies will be raised from $4,500 to $6,500, with higher subsidy caps across all tiers [1]. Around 13,000 students and their families are expected to benefit from these changes.
the maximum SCFA period will be extended from 24 months to 36 months.
Current Subsidy Usage
In 2025, approximately 80,000 children benefited from additional subsidies for infant care and childcare, whereas around 8,900 children were supported by KiFAS. Approximately 7,500 children received SCFA in the same year [1].
Progress in Preschool Access and Workforce Development
Singapore has achieved its goal of ensuring that 80% of pre-schoolers have access to a government-supported pre-school. The country is on track to add over 40,000 full-day pre-school places in anchor operator pre-schools (AOPs) by 2029.
Full-day childcare fees at AOPs and partner operator pre-schools have been reduced to $610 and $650 respectively, as of January 1st. The government provides funding to these pre-schools to maintain affordable fees.
The early childhood education workforce is expected to grow by another 3,500 educators by 2030, with a continued focus on attracting and retaining qualified professionals.
Improving Educator Well-being and Workload
Recognizing the challenges faced by pre-school educators, including heavy workloads and limited time for lesson planning and professional development, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is reviewing their working conditions. A sector-wide job redesign project will be undertaken to improve work experiences.
The government is also working to formalize measures to protect educators’ work-life balance, starting with the co-creation of a parent-pre-school charter. Details will be provided at a later date.
Leveraging Technology in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will support pre-schools in adopting AI-enabled tools to assist educators with tasks such as curriculum planning, portfolio management, and CCTV footage review. The refreshed Early Childhood Industry Digital Plan (IDP 2.0), to be rolled out in the second half of 2026, will encourage digital transformation and enhance productivity.
Larger operators will be required to meet baseline technology requirements starting in June 2027, with the requirements being phased in for the rest of the sector. A new innovation seed funding initiative will support pilot projects and the testing of new digital solutions.