Here’s a Quick Glance
How much does preschool cost in Singapore in 2026? Preschool fees range from $160 to $3,500+ per month. MOE Kindergartens cost $160/month for Singapore Citizens. Government-supported Anchor Operator centres are capped at $610 for childcare and $1,200 for infant care from January 2026. Private preschools typically cost $1,000-$2,500/month. With subsidies, lower-income families may pay as little as $3/month.
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Monthly School Fees in 2026
MOE Kindergarten Fees
MOE Kindergartens offer the most affordable options in Singapore. Fees are payable during June and December holidays, with no additional charges for field trips.
| Citizenship Status | Monthly Fee |
| Singapore Citizens | $160 |
| Permanent Residents | $320 |
| KCare (Full-Day) | Up to $415 additional |
Source: Ministry of Education (MOE), moe.gov.sg, updated January 2025
Anchor Operator (AOP) Fees
Five Anchor Operators receive government funding to maintain affordable fees. MSF announced in March 2025 that fee caps will be further reduced from January 2026:
| Programme | 2025 Cap | 2026 Cap |
| Full-Day Childcare | $640 | $610 |
| Full-Day Infant Care | $1,235 | $1,200 |
| Kindergarten (Half-Day) | $150 | $150 |
Source: MSF Committee of Supply 2025; ECDA. Fee caps exclude GST (9%).
Partner Operator (POP) Fees
The new POP scheme (2026-2030) includes 380 centres across 33 operators.
| Programme |
2026 Fee Cap |
| Full-Day Childcare | $650 |
| Full-Day Infant Care |
$1,290 |
Source: ECDA, ecda.gov.sg/parents/choosing-a-preschool/pop. Fee caps exclude GST.
Private Preschool Fees
Private preschools offer diverse curricula, smaller class sizes, specialised teaching frameworks, and premium facilities. Look for unique differentiators such as internationally certified frameworks (e.g., Habits of Mind™), Reggio Emilia approach, and SPARK certification.
| Preschool Type | Monthly Range |
| Mid-Range Private | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Premium Private | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| International Preschools | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
Source: Industry data from Skoolopedia, DareToFinance, KiasuParents
One-Time Enrollment Costs
| Cost Item | Amount | Source |
| Registration (AOP) | $50 – $90 | Operator sites |
| Registration (Private) | $200 – $2,000 | Industry data |
| Security Deposit | 1-2 months’ fees | Standard practice |
| Uniforms | $20/set (3-4 sets needed) | AOP pricing |
| Annual Insurance | $3.05 – $25 | AOP pricing |
Source: Published operator websites (uniform and insurance from AOP published pricing)
Recurring and Optional Costs
Important: From May 2025, parents can use their Child Development Account (CDA) for all preschool incidental costs, including enrichment programmes.
- Enrichment programmes: $50 – $350/month (varies by centre)
- Field trips: $20 – $60 per trip (MOE Kindergartens include at no extra cost)
- School bus: $150 – $250/month for two-way service
- Graduation events: $100 – $300 total (costumes, tickets, photos)
Government Subsidies
Basic Subsidy
All Singapore Citizen children in ECDA-licensed centres are eligible:
| Programme | Working Parent | Non-Working |
| Full-Day Infant Care | Up to $600/month | Up to $150/month |
| Full-Day Childcare | Up to $300/month | Up to $150/month |
Source: ECDA, ecda.gov.sg/parents/preschool-subsidies
Additional Subsidy (Means-Tested)
Update (Dec 2024): Families earning $6,000/month or below now receive full subsidies regardless of working status.
| Household Income | Max Subsidy | Min Co-Pay |
| $3,000 and below | $467 | $3 |
| $3,001 – $4,500 | $440 | $25 |
| $4,501 – $6,000 | $340 | $115 |
| $6,001 – $9,000 | $190 | $265 |
| $9,001 – $12,000 | $40 | $415 |
Source: ECDA, ecda.gov.sg/parents/preschool-subsidies
Other Financial Assistance
- Start-Up Grant (SUG): Up to $1,000 one-time for registration, deposit, uniforms, insurance (Source: ECDA)
- KiFAS: Up to $170/month for kindergarten (Source: MOE)
Choosing the Right Preschool
The Habits of Mind™ Advantage
When choosing the right preschool, look for programmes that go beyond academics. The Habits of Mind™ framework teaches 16 intelligent behaviours for lifelong learning, helping children think critically, solve problems, and become resilient learners.
At Mulberry Learning, our curriculum integrates 12 core Habits of Mind™, guiding children to be thoughtful, persistent, and adaptable in their everyday learning. This is the same methodology used by MOE in Singapore’s Gifted Education Programme (GEP), and Mulberry Learning is the only preschool in Singapore – and the world – certified by the USA’s Institute for Habits of Mind.
A Child-Centred Approach Inspired by Reggio Emilia
When choosing the right preschool, consider how a child-centred philosophy supports holistic growth. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, children are seen as capable, curious learners who actively construct knowledge through exploration and relationships. Learning is inquiry-based and child-led, supported by meaningful projects that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through the “hundred languages” of children. This approach ensures your child develops independence, confidence, and a love for learning from an early age.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Environment & Outdoor Experiences
A preschool’s environment plays a crucial role in your child’s development. At Mulberry Learning, thoughtfully designed learning corners act as the “third teacher”, offering spaces that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and independent discovery. Children also enjoy regular outdoor excursions, where they explore nature, engage with the wider community, and build physical, social, and emotional skills through hands-on experiences. When choosing the right preschool, look for centres that combine structured learning with immersive, exploratory activities both indoors and beyond the classroom.
Other Key Considerations
When selecting the right preschool, several practical factors can make a big difference in your child’s experience:
- Location: Proximity to home or workplace
- Teacher-to-Child Ratio: 1:5 (infants), 1:8 (toddlers), 1:15 (K1-K2)
- SPARK Certification: Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework
- Unique Frameworks: Look for internationally certified programmes
Money-Saving Tips
- Use your CDA – from May 2025, covers enrichment too (Source: MSF)
- Apply for all eligible subsidies – check eligibility annually
- Ask about sibling discounts – many centres offer 5-15% off
- Enrol before January fee increases
- Use LifeSG app to compare fees and vacancies
Why Mulberry Learning?
Choosing the right preschool sets the foundation for your child’s future. At Mulberry Learning, we place critical thinking and lifelong learning skills at the heart of everything we do. Here’s what makes us stand out:
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Habits of Mind™ at the Core: Our curriculum focuses on 12 core Habits of Mind™, teaching children how to think, solve problems, and respond thoughtfully to challenges—skills that last a lifetime.
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Child-Centred Learning: Inspired by Reggio Emilia, our inquiry-based, project-led approach nurtures creativity, curiosity, and self-expression.
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Engaging Learning Spaces: Thoughtfully designed learning corners act as the “third teacher”, encouraging independence, collaboration, and hands-on exploration.
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Outdoor & Experiential Learning: Regular excursions and purposeful outdoor play help children build physical confidence, social skills, and a love for nature.
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Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios: Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and a high-quality learning experience.
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Expertly Trained Educators: Our qualified teachers undergo 250 hours of specialised training to guide and inspire each child, tailoring learning to their individual needs.
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Conveniently Located: Strategically located in heartlands and even within the CBD, with more than 18 centres islandwide, making quality early education accessible to families.
At Mulberry Learning, Habits of Mind™ shape not just how children learn, but how they think, act, and grow into confident, future-ready learners.
Sources and References
[1] MOE. “Fees – MOE Kindergarten.” moe.gov.sg/preschool/moe-kindergarten/fees (Jan 2025)
[2] MSF. “Preschool fee caps to be lowered.” Committee of Supply 2025
[3] ECDA. “Partner Operator Scheme.” ecda.gov.sg/parents/choosing-a-preschool/pop
[4] ECDA. “Infant and childcare subsidy scheme.” ecda.gov.sg/parents/preschool-subsidies
[5] ECDA. “Other financial assistance.” (Start-Up Grant details)
[6] MSF COS 2025 Factsheet. “CDA for enrichment programmes from May 2025”
[7] LifeSG. “Form 1 preschool enrolment.” life.gov.sg/services/form-1-preschool
[8] Industry data: Skoolopedia, DareToFinance, KiasuParents (private fees)
