Enquiry on 2027 Target Goals for Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme in Preschools

23 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the number and percentage of preschools that currently offer the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme; and (b) whether ECDA is on track to reach the target of expanding the DS-LS programme to cover 80% of preschoolers aged five to six by 2027.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme serves children requiring low levels of Early Intervention support. As of end 2024, over 900 preschools offer DS-LS, covering 68% of preschoolers aged five to six. The Early Childhood Development Agency has met the target of covering 60% of target preschoolers by 2025 and is on track to cover 80% of target preschoolers at a steady state.