Assessments to Determine Adequacy of Childcare Capacity within Pasir Ris-Changi GRC
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the assessment of childcare capacity in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC as raised by Ms Valerie Lee. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that ECDA monitors demand based on demographics and enrollment trends, coordinating with HDB and URA for preschool provision. The agency also utilizes atypical sites and retrofitted state properties to meet localized demand where additional capacity is required. As of September 2025, the Pasir Ris Planning Area contains 45 centres offering 400 infant care and 5,490 childcare places. These facilities are not fully utilized, with take-up rates of 65% for infant care and 70% for childcare services respectively.
Transcript
41 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether there are assessments done to determine if there is adequate childcare/pre-school capacity within a precinct to serve the population; (b) if so, whether the assessment is refreshed after a set number of years; and (c) whether there has been any such assessment done for Changi within Pasir Ris-Changi GRC.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) closely monitors the current and projected demand for childcare across Planning Areas and localised areas in Singapore. For the latter, we take into consideration factors, such as population size, demographics, enrolment trends and existing preschool supply.
ECDA then works closely with the Housing Development Board to develop new preschools in tandem with new Built-to-Order housing developments. We also work with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to set aside space for preschools in private housing developments through the Government Land Sales programme. Where additional capacity is required to meet demand, ECDA also facilitates the development of preschools in atypical sites, such as co-located integrated developments, and by retrofitting disused State properties.
Changi, within the Pasir Ris-Changi group representation constituency, falls within the Pasir Ris Planning Area. As of September 2025, there are 45 childcare centres in the Pasir Ris Planning Area, providing about 400 infant care places and 5,490 childcare places. These places have not been fully subscribed, with about 65% and 70% of infant care and childcare places respectively taken up.