Number of Children Enrolled in and Average Waiting Time for Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of the 32% increase in the number of children aged six and below with developmental needs from 5,300 in 2019 to 7,000 in 2023 (a) what is the current average waiting time for a child to be enrolled in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC); and (b) how many children have been enrolled in EIPIC annually in the last three years.

The total number of children aged six and below identified to have developmental needs has increased over the years, partly due to enhanced early screening and detection. Children are assessed by paediatricians and referred to suitable programmes according to the level of early intervention (EI) support required.

Children requiring medium to high levels of EI support can receive Government-funded services via the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC), EIPIC-P, or the Inclusive Support Programme. The total number of children enrolled in these programmes annually was 3,600, 4,400 and 5,700 in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively. This is a 58% increase in enrolment from 2021 to 2023.

In 2023, the average waiting time for a child to be enrolled in EIPIC or EIPIC-P was 7.5 months. Waiting time depends on factors, such as the volume of new referrals, sector capacity and the matching of children’s individual needs to available class types at their preferred EI centre. To improve the waiting time, the Early Childhood Development Agency is increasing EIPIC and EIPIC-P capacity by 1,500 places in 2024, or a 26% increase from 2023, by launching four new EI centres and maximising capacity at existing centres.