Waiting Times for ECDA-approved Infantcare Places Since Launch of Preschool Search Portal

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in each year since the launch of the Pre-school Search Portal in 2019, what have been the average and median waiting times for Early Childhood Development Agency-approved infant care places for parents who have indicated their interest in the portal; and (b) what are the districts in Singapore with the longest waiting times for infant care places.

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) launched the Preschool Search Portal (PSP) in 2019 to allow parents to register their interest in a preschool for their child. Based on interest registered on the portal, waiting time for infant care places typically ranged between a few weeks and a few months.

ECDA actively monitors the utilisation of places at the national and Planning Area levels to ensure that we can support demand for preschool services. We have increased full-day infant care places by nearly threefold over the last decade to cater to the growing demand. As of end-2024, there were around 16,000 infant care places, out of which around 70% were taken up.

In places with newer housing developments, where supply may be tighter, ECDA will work with Anchor Operators (AOPs) to maximise enrolment of infants. For example, AOPs may need to divert manpower to centres in these areas, or additional preschool capacity may need to be injected.