Demand and Feedback for Non-Standard Hour Childminding Services and Extension of Subsidies Beyond Weekday Hours

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in respect of the Early Childhood Development Agency's Childminding Pilot for Infants (a) how many families have requested services outside the subsidised hours of 7.00 am to 7.00 pm on weekdays; (b) what common feedback has been received from parents working non-standard hours; and (c) whether subsidies will be considered for evening, overnight or weekend care.

The majority of parents we surveyed expressed satisfaction with the pilot and said that they would recommend it to others. A small number of families indicated interest in service outside the subsidised hours on weekdays, including one request for weekend services.

While we are mindful of these needs, the low demand means that it would not be practical to adjust the operating hours or introduce new subsidies for non-standard hours.

We will continue to monitor the needs of enrolled families as the pilot progresses. Families requiring specific caregiving arrangements are welcome to discuss these directly with operators.