In 2021, Mr Chee Shi Jing and his wife began searching for a preschool near their home. After months of research, enquiries and centre visits, they finally found a good fit at Artemis Preskool @ Tampines for their firstborn, Kaius, now four years old. Recently, in September 2025, they enrolled their younger son Kaleb, aged one, for infant care at the same centre.
With both boys in preschool, the family’s childcare expenses have doubled to about S$2,000 a month. But come January 2026, this cost will fall, as the Artemis centre is newly appointed to the Partner Operator (POP) scheme.
AN EXPANDED PARTNER OPERATOR SCHEME
On 31 October 2025, ECDA announced the renewal of the POP scheme for a third term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. This scheme provides funding support to appointed centres to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare and infant care services.
A total of 380 centres, operated by 33 commercial and not-for-profit preschool operators, have been appointed for the new POP term. Under POP 3.0, monthly fees for full-day childcare and infant care for Singaporean children will be capped at S$650 and S$1,290 (before GST), respectively. Lower-income families will pay even less after basic and means-tested subsidies.
Besides offering lower preschool fees, POP centres can use the funds to invest in quality-building and operational excellence, such as continuing professional development (CPD) for educators to attract and retain talent in the early childhood (EC) sector. The expanded scheme thus enables parents to choose from a greater diversity of affordable and quality preschool options across Singapore.
QUALITY EC EDUCATION AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE
“We were happy when we heard the news about our children’s preschool becoming a POP centre,” says Mr Chee, who estimates it will lead to substantial savings of more than S$800 a month for his family. “The savings will go into swimming classes and other fun activities to help our children learn essential life skills and discover their hobbies.”
Artemis’ POP appointment also gives the family added assurance of its quality. The learning environment, educators, location and fees were key considerations in the Chees’ decision to enrol their children in Artemis. The centre has met, and even exceeded, their expectations.
Based on Kaius Chee’s (pictured) positive experience at Artemis Preskool @ Tampines, his parents had no qualms about enrolling their younger child, Kaleb, at the same centre.
Beyond its Montessori-style approach and strong focus on Mother Tongue Language teaching, the Chees have been most impressed by the centre’s open communication with parents. Mr Chee observes Kaius becoming more confident, outspoken and inquisitive under the care of his teachers.
“We feel safe entrusting our children to Artemis,” he says. “Once, when Kaius was being playful and fell, hurting his teeth, the teachers not only provided first aid and contacted us immediately, but they also used the incident as a teachable moment for him to reflect and learn. I appreciated that.”
SUPPORTING EDUCATORS, THRIVING CHILDREN
Ms Jessica Chan, centre leader of Artemis Preskool @ Tampines, highlights that the centre has always prioritised the professional growth of its educators. Through targeted training such as external courses and bi-monthly in-house workshops, her staff continually gain new knowledge and teaching strategies. Children thrive when teachers feel supported and inspired.
After attending a workshop on loose parts play, educators at the Artemis centre set up a loose parts play area within the preschool and drew on the insights learned to engage children in child-led activities involving open-ended materials.
With POP funding, Ms Chan is excited for her team to participate in more professional development opportunities. “The POP appointment will allow us to enhance our educators’ professional growth, upgrade our learning environment and further strengthen our partnerships with parents,” she says.
“We can send our teachers for specialised workshops and advanced CPD programmes to deepen their expertise, explore new pedagogical approaches, and bring in more innovative and engaging experiences. Our goal is to introduce more child-led inquiry, hands-on learning and closer collaboration with parents through interactive workshops and home-centre activities.”
OFFERING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
The benefits of such capability-building are twofold. Educators feel confident, supported and motivated, while children are encouraged to explore, problem-solve and develop independence — cultivating a love for learning and fostering strong bonds with their teachers.
Mr Chee believes that becoming a POP centre will help educators at his children’s preschool — including those caring for his infant child, Kaleb (pictured) — improve the quality of their teaching practices.
To Ms Chan, the POP scheme offers the best of both worlds — quality education and care at an affordable cost. “Parents can be assured that POP preschools like ours are dedicated to maintaining high teaching standards, supporting educators and creating a caring, stimulating environment for the children,” she notes. “It gives families peace of mind.”
Mr Chee agrees: “Many parents, especially those from lower-income households, will benefit. They can send their children to a quality preschool without worrying about rising costs, knowing that fees will remain affordable for the next five years.”
