If you’ve been exploring preschool education in Singapore, you may have come across terms like “Anchor Operator” and “Partner Operator”. These refer to different preschool options under the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), designed to make quality early childhood education more affordable and accessible for families.
Understanding these schemes is just the beginning. As a parent, you’ll also want to consider how your child will learn, who their educators will be, and the environment that will shape their first school experiences.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different preschool options, highlight what to look out for, and share tips to help you choose a nurturing place where your child can thrive.
Key Takeaways
- Both Anchor Operators (AOPs) and Partner Operators (POPs) are part of Singapore’s government preschool schemes, designed to make quality early childhood education more affordable and accessible.
- Families often choose AOPs for their lower fee caps, wider accessibility, and focus on quality.
- At E-Bridge Pre-School, one of Singapore’s five Anchor Operators, these benefits are reflected in affordable fees, nurturing environments, and a Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum.
- When comparing preschool options, consider practical factors, such as learning approach, teacher-to-child ratios, readiness for primary school, and location.
- If possible, visit the school to assess classroom dynamics, safety, learning spaces, and parental involvement.
Anchor vs Partner Operators: What Parents Need to Know
What Are Partner Operators?
Partner Operators (POPs) are preschools that participate in the ECDA Partner Operator Scheme, introduced in 2016. The scheme aims to make infant care and preschool services more accessible, affordable, and consistent in quality for families in Singapore.
In the current term (2021–2025), over 300 centres have been appointed as Partner Operators. These centres follow government fee caps and receive support to maintain high-quality learning environments and professional development for educators.
How POPs Work
POP centres receive government funding to support their operations. In return, they commit to keeping fees affordable and meeting ECDA’s quality benchmarks. For parents, this means stable fees, clear standards, and greater peace of mind when enrolling your child into this preschool option.
Fee Caps for Families
At POP centres, monthly fees for Singaporean children are capped as follows:
- $680 for full-day childcare
- $1,290 for infant care (both amounts exclude GST)
Any fee increases over time are closely managed to ensure they remain affordable for families.
Quality and Professional Standards
POPs are required to:
- Maintain accreditation under the Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework (SPARK).
- Strengthen their organisational capabilities.
- Provide ongoing professional development for centre leaders and educators.
This ensures that children benefit from nurturing environments, qualified teachers, and programmes that support their overall growth and development.
What Are Anchor Operators?
Anchor Operators (AOPs), on the other hand, are preschools appointed under the ECDA Anchor Operator Scheme to provide quality, affordable early childhood care and education, especially for children from lower-income or disadvantaged families.
How AOPs Work
Selected centres receive government funding to support operations. In return, they must:
- Keep fees affordable
- Maintain high-quality education and care standards
- Expand access to families across Singapore
Fee Caps for Families
By choosing this preschool option, Singaporean citizens can benefit from the following fee caps for children in full-day programmes (excluding GST):
- Full-day childcare: $640/month (reducing to $610/month from Jan 2026)
- Full-day infant care: $1,235/month
- Kindergarten: $150/month
Fee increases over time are carefully managed to remain affordable.
Commitment to Quality
Affordability is paired with a strong focus on quality. Anchor Operators are expected to:
- Continuously improve their curriculum and learning environments.
- Invest in educator training and professional development.
- Provide career progression opportunities for early childhood professionals.
Why Choose Anchor Operators?
For many families, Anchor Operators stand out among Singapore’s preschool options. Here are some key reasons why parents choose them:
Lower Fee Caps
Anchor Operators keep their fees lower than Partner Operators, making early education more accessible and affordable. At E-bridge Pre-school, infant care, preschool, and kindergarten fees are kept budget-friendly. Combined with ECDA subsidies, this makes quality early education reachable for more families.
Greater Accessibility
AOPs were created to ensure children from all walks of life, including those from lower-income families, can access quality early education. E-Bridge Pre-School continues to expand its centres across neighbourhoods, providing children with a more nurturing, inclusive environment closer to home.
Strong Commitment to Quality
Beyond affordability, Anchor Operators must continually enhance their curriculum, invest in professional development, and provide supportive, stimulating environments. At E-Bridge Pre-School, educators benefit from mentorship programmes, international partnerships, and ongoing training. This ensures that your child experiences inspired learning, global perspectives, and learning spaces that nurture curiosity and confidence.
Trusted Providers
With only five ECDA-appointed Anchor Operator preschools, parents can be confident that each centre delivers consistent quality and expanded access across communities. E-Bridge is proud to be one of these trusted preschool options, serving families with both affordability and a strong, child-centred philosophy.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Preschool in Singapore
Understanding the different preschool options is an important first step, but choosing the right centre goes beyond fees and operator types. What truly matters is finding an environment where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. Here are some key factors and practical tips to guide your decision.
Factors to Consider Beyond Operator Type
1. Curriculum and Approach
Different preschool options follow different learning philosophies, from play-based and Montessori methods to inquiry-led frameworks. At E-Bridge Pre-School, our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore their environment, and learn through discovery. This child-centred philosophy nurtures curiosity and helps children become confident, active learners
2. Teacher–Child Ratio
Smaller class sizes allow children to receive personalised attention, form stronger relationships with their educators, and get timely support when they need it. At E-Bridge, class sizes are carefully designed to meet ECDA’s teacher-student ratio requirements, giving educators the time and space to observe each child closely and tailor learning to their interests and needs.
3. Primary School Readiness
When evaluating preschool options, it’s important to choose a centre that prepares children for a confident and seamless transition into primary school. At E-Bridge, our bilingual Early Years Literacy programme builds strong language foundations in phonetics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
We also emphasise independence through daily routines and age-appropriate self-help skills. From managing their belongings to making simple choices, children gain the confidence and responsibility needed to adapt to primary school expectations.
4. Location and Daily Routine
Consistency and convenience matter. A preschool close to home or work reduces stress during drop-offs and pick-ups, making daily routines smoother for the whole family. With multiple E-Bridge centres across Singapore, you can find a preschool near you that fits your lifestyle while ensuring continuity and stability in your child’s learning journey.
How to Evaluate and Compare Preschool Options During Visits
Visiting a preschool in person is one of the best ways to determine if it’s the right fit for your child. Seeing the environment firsthand allows you to compare preschool options and make a confident decision. Here’s what to look for:
1. Observe Classroom Dynamics
Notice how children interact with one another and with educators. A positive atmosphere is one where children are engaged, curious, and comfortable expressing themselves. At E-Bridge, our educators foster warm, respectful relationships, helping every child feel safe to explore, ask questions, and learn at their own pace.
2. Check Safety and Cleanliness
A secure and hygienic environment is essential for young children to thrive. Look for clean toilets, well-maintained classrooms, sanitised toys, and safe food-handling practices. These details reflect the preschool’s commitment to your child’s well-being.
3. Explore Learning Spaces
Beyond the main classroom, check if the preschool provides varied learning spaces. At E-Bridge, children enjoy six distinct learning areas, including creativity corners, quiet nooks, open movement areas, and outdoor play zones that support sensory learning and exploration. Each area is intentionally designed to spark imagination, encourage collaboration, and nurture a love of learning.
4. Ask Questions
Use your visit to ask about daily routines, how children are supported and engaged, curriculum philosophy, and available subsidies. You may also want to learn about how parents are involved in the preschool community through events, communication channels, or home-school partnerships. These insights will give a clearer picture of how each preschool option supports children and families on a day-to-day basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preschool Options in Singapore
1. Are all E-Bridge centres the same in terms of curriculum and facilities?
Yes, all E-Bridge centres follow the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, ensuring a consistent learning philosophy and quality of education across locations. While layouts may vary from site to site, each is created to foster exploration and collaboration, guided by our belief in the environment as the “third teacher”. This makes E-Bridge a reliable preschool option for families seeking consistency in their child’s learning experience.
2. What subsidies are available for Anchor Operator preschools like E-Bridge?
As an Anchor Operator, E-Bridge keeps preschool and childcare fees affordable under government fee caps. Singaporean citizens may qualify for the ECDA Basic Subsidy, and lower- to middle-income families may also be eligible for the Additional Subsidy. Combined, these subsidies can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, making quality early education even more accessible.
3. How early should I register my child to secure a place at E-Bridge Pre-School?
Anchor Operator centres are often in high demand. We recommend registering as early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before your preferred start date. Early registration increases your chances of securing a spot at your chosen E-Bridge centre and session.
4. Can I tour an E-Bridge centre before deciding to enrol?
Yes! You can schedule a ‘Get-to-Know’ session at your preferred E-Bridge centre to see how quality early childhood education comes to life. During the session, you can:
- Explore classrooms and learning spaces to see how each is created to foster curiosity and creativity.
- Observe engaging interactions between children and our dedicated educators.
- Discover our curriculum and learning approach for children, from infants to kindergarten (2 months to 6 years).
- Meet one-on-one with the Centre Leader to discuss your child’s needs and learn how the school supports their growth.
5. What age groups does E-Bridge Pre-School cater to?
E-Bridge provides a continuous and nurturing learning journey for children from 2 months old in our infant care programme up to 6 years old in kindergarten. This includes:
- Infant Care: 2–17 months
- Nursery: 18 months–4 years
- Kindergarten: 5–6 years
E-Bridge: An Affordable, Nurturing Preschool Option for Families
Choosing the right preschool among the many options in Singapore often starts with practical questions about fees, locations, and learning approaches. But what really matters is finding a place where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn every day.
At E-Bridge Pre-School, we strive to be that second home for your child. We combine affordability with meaningful, high-quality early childhood education, focusing on nurturing independence, creativity, and confidence. This empowers children to step into the next stage of their education with ease and excitement.
Take the first step with us today. Contact us.