Update on Inclusive Support Programme Pilot

Mr Foo Cexiang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) for an update on the Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) pilot; and (b) whether the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is considering the inclusion of environmental adjustments, such as providing frequency modulation (FM) systems, at preschools.

The Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) serves children requiring medium levels of early intervention (EI) support, and who are suited to receive EI in a preschool group setting. The InSP evaluation study found that children with developmental needs in InSP preschools made significant progress in all domains of their development, narrowing the gap with their typically developing peers. Typically developing children in InSP preschools also demonstrated significant cognitive gains. In the inclusive environment, more meaningful interactions between children and greater acceptance of peers with different abilities were observed.

Given these promising findings, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will progressively add about 600 more InSP places from 2026 onwards.

As part of the InSP, ECDA sets general guidelines on environmental modifications in preschools, such as therapy rooms and accessible toilets, to cater to children with developmental needs. Beyond these, InSP preschool operators can make specific modifications based on children's individual needs, such as providing frequency modulation systems to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. ECDA provides funding for InSP preschools to facilitate their provision of such modifications.

Beyond the funding provided to InSP preschools, families can also tap on the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Assistive Technology Fund, which provides a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of the cost to acquire, replace or repair assistive devices. Families can also tap on Child Development Account funds to purchase, maintain or repair assistive technology devices from approved providers.