Partner Operator Scheme (POP)
ECDA PARTNER OPERATOR SCHEME (POP)
The Partner Operator (POP) scheme supports appointed centres to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare and infant care services. The scheme first commenced in 2016 and was renewed for a second term from 2021 to 2025.
From 1 January 2026, parents will benefit from more choices of quality preschool operators and lower preschool fees. The new five-year term of the POP scheme will run until 31 December 2030. Under the new POP term (2026-2030), ECDA has appointed 380 child care centres, operated by 33 commercial and not-for-profit preschool operators. These operators will receive funding support to:
- Keep to a monthly fee cap of $650 and $1,290 (excluding GST) for full-day child care and infant care programme respectively for Singapore Citizen (SC) children and ensure any fee increases are kept affordable for parents.
- Invest in improving quality through efforts such as strengthening organisational capabilities to improve quality of teaching practices.
- Attract and retain talent in the sector by investing in continuing professional development for centre leaders and preschool educators.
More information is available here.
For further enquiries regarding the POP scheme or any matters requiring further clarification, please reach out to ECDA at contact@ecda.gov.sg.