Preschool fees are one of the biggest concerns parents share with us at Supermom. As little ones grow and household expenses add up, many families find themselves juggling practical considerations with something deeply personal: choosing a first school that feels warm, safe, and reassuring. Parents hope for a place where children walk in with curiosity, where teachers know them well, and where classrooms feel like small communities rather than just a place to pass the day.
Through conversations with parents across Singapore, from those exploring government-subsidised preschools to families comparing a wide range of private options with different teaching approaches, one question comes up frequently: Are we paying more than we need to?
Many parents aren’t fully aware of how preschool fees work, especially when subsidies, income tiers, and programme types come into play. As a result, some families assume private preschools are out of reach, while others may be paying more simply because they’re unaware of the support available to them.
This guide is here to help parents make sense of Singapore’s early childhood landscape. It breaks down:
- How preschool fees are structured
- What subsidies are available in 2026
- How families can maximise savings without compromising on quality
Whether you’re considering a government-subsidised centre or exploring private options, understanding the system can help you make a more confident, informed choice, without feeling overwhelmed or paying more than necessary. The information in this guide is based on current ECDA frameworks and publicly available government resources.
Understanding ECDA and Anchor Operator preschools
Before comparing centres or fees, it helps to understand the role of Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), which oversees preschool standards and supports families through various government subsidies. While parents may have heard of these subsidies, they may not be fully clear on what they cover or who qualifies.
In simple terms, ECDA provides three main forms of support:
- Basic Subsidy: Available to all Singaporean children, regardless of household income. The subsidy amount differs depending on whether the mother is working.
- Additional Subsidy: Designed to support lower- to middle-income families, this subsidy is means-tested and can significantly reduce monthly preschool fees on top of the Basic Subsidy.
- Kindergarten Subsidy: Applicable to half-day kindergarten programmes, mainly within MOE Kindergartens and some operator fee structures.
| Programme | Max Monthly Cap Fee Before Subsidy | Basic Subsidy (Working Mother) | Net Amount after Basic Subsidy |
| Infant Care | $1,235 + 9% GST = $1,346.15 | $600 | $746.15 |
| Childcare | $640 + 9% GST = $697.60 | $300 | $397.60 |
| Kindergarten | $150 + 9% GST = $163.50 | $0 | $163.50 |
In addition, ECDA has enhanced the Additional Subsidy across multiple income tiers since 1 January 2026, meaning many families can expect even lower monthly out-of-pocket fees than those figures shown above. This can ease cost concerns and allow families to consider more preschool options than they initially expected.
Preschool Fees in Singapore, a Clear Breakdown for Parents
Once the subsidy landscape is clearer, the next practical question most parents ask is: what do preschool fees actually look like in Singapore across different types of centres?
ECDA categorises preschools based on funding and fee regulation. These include Anchor Operators (AOP), Partner Operators (POP), and private preschools.
| Preschool type | Who they are | Typical monthly fees (Full-day childcare, before subsidies) | Fee Regulation |
| Anchor Operator (AOP) | Large operators appointed by the government to provide affordable, quality preschool options. There are five organisations under the AOP scheme. | Up to ~$610 | Government-supported, with strictly regulated fees caps and quality assurance by ECDA |
| Partner Operator (POP) | Community-based operators partnered with ECDA to expand access to affordable preschools | ~$680 – $720 | Receive some government support, slightly lesser than AOPs but still regulated and subsidized |
| Private Preschools | Independent operators (including boutique and premium schools) | ~$1,000 -$2,500+ | Fees vary significantly by curriculum, location and branding with no fees cap. |
For many families, especially those with more than one child, these differences can add up significantly over the early years. Understanding how preschools are structured and regulated helps parents assess affordability more clearly, before factoring in ECDA subsidies, curriculum preferences, and school culture.
Where Quality Meets Accessibility in Anchor Operator Preschools
A common assumption among parents is that affordability and quality in early childhood education cannot coexist. Anchor Operator preschools are structured to bridge this gap by operating within ECDA’s regulated fee framework while meeting established standards in curriculum, teacher qualifications, and learning environments.
While all Anchor Operator preschools operate under the same fee caps and quality requirements, their teaching approaches may differ. Some families may prefer centres with a clearly articulated teaching philosophy, especially those that emphasise guided inquiry and intentional curriculum design such as E-Bridge Pre-School, for example. Here’s why.
1. Learning through Exploration, not Rote Instruction
E-Bridge is part of EtonHouse International Education Group, an established international early childhood organisation. This reflects a philosophy that emphasises curiosity, thinking, and exploration at the heart of how children learn.
In guided inquiry-based learning settings like this, the emphasis is on how children think, not just what they memorise. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, lead their own thinking through hands-on experiences, rather than relying primarily on verbal instruction, repetition, and written outcomes. Educators play an active role in guiding learning and building on each child’s interests and developmental needs. Other Anchor Operator preschools may express these principles differently, depending on their curriculum focus and centre context, particularly in how learning experiences are designed, facilitated and assessed.
2. Learning through Many “Languages” of Expression
Reflecting principles commonly associated with the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, learning at E-Bridge encourages children to make sense of the world through multiple forms of expression. These may include sound, movement, visual media, sensory exploration, music, art, light, and physical activity.
This approach recognises that children learn and communicate in diverse ways, particularly in their early years, and places value on multiple forms of expression as part of the learning process.
3. Support beyond Fees
Beyond national subsidies administered through ECDA, some preschool operators also offer additional forms of support for families who qualify.
At E-Bridge, eligible families may receive assistance through the EtonHouse Community Fund, which can include uniform packs, enrichment opportunities, excursions, and bursaries. These initiatives aim to ease financial pressure while allowing children to participate fully in the preschool experience.
As one parent shared:
“The welcome support from the school is a huge help to our family. It was heartwarming to know that the school genuinely cares about its students and families.”
4. Neighbourhood-Based Centres Make a Difference for Working Families
For many families, a preschool’s location can shape daily routines as much as its curriculum. Neighbourhood-based centres allow children to learn within familiar surroundings, while convenient access to public transport helps parents manage busy mornings and evenings.
E-Bridge operates centres within residential communities, including recent openings at Bartley Beacon and Tampines GreenEmerald. Ultimately, proximity to transport connections and green spaces helps support daily routines, outdoor play, and family time. Visit a preschool to see how its learning environment works day to day.
Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Family
Choosing a preschool goes beyond fees, it is about finding an option that fits your family’s values, daily routines, and long-term plans. Having clear, reliable information makes that decision a little easier.
For families narrowing down their preschool options, especially within the Anchor Operator scheme, it can be helpful to move beyond fee structures and observe how a centre functions day to day.
A visit lets you experience the learning environment firsthand, observe educator–child interactions, and make an informed decision for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do some families choose Anchor Operator preschools?
Anchor Operator centres operate within ECDA-regulated fee caps while meeting quality standards in curriculum, teacher training, and learning environments. This makes them more affordable for many families, while still offering consistent educational support.
2. How much ECDA subsidy can families receive in 2026?
In 2026, families may receive a Basic Subsidy ranging from $150 to $600, depending on the child’s programme type and the mother’s employment status. Eligible families may also receive Additional Subsidies based on household or per-capita income, further reducing monthly preschool fees.
3. Do working and non-working mothers receive different ECDA subsidies?
Yes. Working mothers receive a higher Basic Subsidy, while non-working mothers receive a lower amount. Both working and non-working mothers may still qualify for Additional Subsidies if they meet the income criteria.
| Programme type | Basic subsidy amount | Additional subsidy amount | |
| Working mother | Infant Care Childcare | Up to $600 Up to $300 | Infant care: ranging from $40 – $710 Childcare: ranging from $80 – $467 |
| Non-working mother | Infant Care Childcare | Up to $150 Up to $150 |
4. How are ECDA subsidies applied?
Subsidy applications are typically facilitated through the preschool. Parents submit the required employment and income documentation, and once approved, the subsidy is automatically deducted from the monthly fees. Families only need to pay the subsidised out-of-pocket amount.
Anchor Operator centres are familiar with ECDA processes and can guide families through the application steps upon confirming enrolment.
5. How do Anchor Operator fees compare with private preschools?
Anchor Operator fees are generally significantly lower than private preschool fees, even before subsidies are applied.
6. What additional support is available for families who need it?
Beyond ECDA subsidies, some preschools offer supplementary support programmes for eligible families, which may include assistance with uniforms, enrichment activities, or other learning-related needs, depending on the provider.
7. What is the difference between Anchor Operator, Partner Operator, and private preschools?
- Anchor Operator preschools receive the highest level of government support and operate within regulated fee caps to ensure affordability and quality.
- Partner Operator preschools also receive government support, but at a lower level, which can result in more variation in fees.
- Private preschools are independently operated, with fees determined by the provider and often higher, depending on location, facilities, and curriculum.
