Assistance for Parents and Children Affected by Childcare Centres Ceasing Operations

24 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many childcare centres ceased operations in the last three years; (b) how does Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) assist students and parents affected by the closure; and (c) how will ECDA facilitate the refund of deposits and advance payments to the parents in the event of such closure.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: An average of 70 preschools per year, or 3.8%, of total preschools per year, have ceased operations in the last three years.

In the event of a cessation, preschools are expected to assist parents in securing alternative care arrangements to minimise disruption of children's care and manage any outstanding financial matters, such as refunds of fees and deposits to parents. Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has powers under the ECDC Act to issue directions to preschools to ensure the orderly cessation of the operation of such centres, with minimal disruption to the children attending the affected centres. ECDA may also assist affected parents who require help with alternative preschool placement.

Parents who require further assistance with matters concerning deposit or fee refunds may seek assistance from the Consumer Association of Singapore or approach the Small Claims Tribunal.