Eligible Children whose Parents Have Not Enrolled Them in KidSTART Programme

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether he can provide an update on KidSTART since its rollout; (b) what proportion of eligible children whose parents have been reached out to have enrolled in the programme; and (c) what are the reasons given by those who have not enrolled.

KidSTART has supported about 4,300 children across 13 Social Service Office (SSO) regions since it was piloted in 2016. Preliminary outcomes are encouraging. Generally, KidSTART children had better preschool attendance than their peers of similar socioeconomic backgrounds and they gained greater confidence in interacting and socialising with their peers. Their parents or caregivers also felt more competent and better supported along their parenting journeys. KidSTART will be progressively expanded from 2023 to benefit more families across all 24 SSO regions in Singapore.

KidSTART reaches out to pregnant mothers and lower-income families with young children through the hospitals, community and preschools. KidSTART also receives referrals from social service agencies.

Since 2016, KidSTART has reached out to about 7,000 eligible families and their children. On average, 60% of these families joined the KidSTART programme. Families who declined to join the programme either did not see the need for additional support or had difficulties committing to the programme. For these families, they would nonetheless be offered assistance with preschool enrolment for the children.