Key Takeaways
- Comparing childcare centres vs. preschools in Singapore can help parents make more informed choices about structure, routine, and daily schedules.
- Childcare centres provide full-day care and education for children aged 2 months to 6 years, while preschools focus more on structured learning for children aged 18 months and above.
- Children under 18 months are often enrolled in infant care programmes, which offer tailored routines that support feeding, rest, and early development.
- Parents can benefit from subsidy schemes offered through ECDA-licensed centres, which help reduce costs.
Exploring the Differences Between Childcare vs. Preschool in Singapore
In Singapore, the terms “childcare” and “preschool” are often used interchangeably. But while both play an important role in early childhood education, they offer different experiences in terms of structure, operating hours, and daily routines.
When choosing between childcare and preschool, it’s about finding what suits your child’s stage of development—and what fits smoothly into your family’s routine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what each offers and how E-Bridge Pre-School brings together the best of both worlds to support your child.
1. Focus and Scope of Services
The key difference between childcare and preschool often lies in the focus of the programmes and services offered.
In Singapore, preschools are typically associated with more structured, school-readiness programmes for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Childcare centres, meanwhile, offer a broader scope of care, catering to infants from 2 months old and including routines like meals, rest, and hygiene alongside learning.
At E-Bridge Pre-School, we bridge the two by offering a holistic early years experience that integrates both care and education. Guided by a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, our educators see children as curious, capable learners. Through guided inquiry, we support each child’s natural desire to explore and make sense of the world, providing age-appropriate learning experiences that evolve from their interests and questions.
We support children in developing the confidence, curiosity, and thinking skills to thrive in primary school and beyond, while giving families the flexible support they need to grow together.
2. Differences in Hours and Structure
When weighing your options for childcare vs. preschool, don’t forget to factor in their operating hours.
- Preschools often offer half-day or extended-hour options, with structured learning sessions typically taking place in the morning.
- Childcare centres are usually open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., making them a practical choice for working parents who need full-day care.
At E-Bridge Pre-School, we understand that many families require consistent, all-day support. That’s why we offer full-day programmes that provide both quality care and meaningful learning—giving your child a well-rounded experience while supporting your daily routine.
What About Infant Care?
If your child is under 18 months, infant care might be a more suitable option. At selected E-Bridge centres, we offer dedicated infant care programmes for children between 2 to 17 months old. With trained educators and a warm, secure environment, we ensure that each child is supported in line with their natural rhythms, laying the foundation for confident, happy learners.
Here’s what you can expect as a parent:
- Peace of mind while at work: You can focus on work or other responsibilities knowing your baby is in caring hands with qualified educators.
- Seamless transition to preschool: Children in infant care tend to adapt more easily to preschool, having already grown familiar with the environment, daily routines, and educators.
- Personalised attention: With low educator-to-child ratios, your baby’s individual needs—such as feeding times, nap schedules, and soothing preferences—are consistently met.
- Developmental milestone support: Our educators gently encourage growth in areas like motor skills, speech, and social interaction, helping your child develop confidently and at a healthy pace.
- Professional guidance for parents: Regular updates, observations, and tips from our educators help you stay connected to your child’s progress and evolving needs.
Fees, Subsidies, and Affordability
When exploring options for early childhood education, cost and subsidies often play a major role in decision-making. Fortunately, ECDA-licensed centres like E-Bridge Pre-School offer both childcare and infant care subsidy schemes, making quality care and learning more affordable from a child’s earliest years.
The ECDA subsidies include the following:
- Basic Subsidy: Available to all families with Singaporean children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed centre.
- Additional Subsidy: For working mothers. This varies based on household income.
As an Anchor Operator (AOP) under the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), E-Bridge Pre-School also receives support to offer high-quality, affordable infant and childcare, with capped monthly fees for Singaporean families. Additionally, through the MK-EYC model, E-Bridge partners with the Ministry of Education’s Kindergarten (MK) programme to offer a seamless learning journey—from infancy through K1/K2—for a smoother transition into primary education.
Childcare or Pre-School? Why Not Both
At E-Bridge Pre-School, we don’t have to choose between warm, nurturing care and a strong educational foundation. We’re here to give your child both—every single day.
Whether your child is 2 months or 6 years old, they can grow with us through every stage of their early years. Staying in one familiar, trusted environment means smoother transitions, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of security.
Why families choose E-Bridge:
- Continuity of Care: Having one centre and one community means fewer transitions and more stability for your child.
- Proven Curriculum: Our Reggio-inspired approach fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence, giving your child a head start for primary school.
- Educators Who Know Your Child: We maintain low educator-to-child ratios, allowing your child to be seen, heard, and supported as an individual.
- Affordable Quality: As an ECDA-appointed Anchor Operator, we keep fees affordable without compromising on quality.
Whether you’re starting with infant care or looking for a preschool that grows with your child, we’re here to walk this journey with you. Visit one of our centres near you to experience our approach in action.