Number of Children Enrolled in and Average Waiting Time for Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the enrollment figures and average waiting times for the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) given the rise in children with developmental needs. Ms Ng Ling Ling inquired about the current average waiting period and the annual enrollment numbers recorded over the past three years. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that enrollment increased from 3,600 in 2021 to 5,700 in 2023, with the average 2023 waiting time at 7.5 months. He attributed the growth in cases to improved screening and explained that waiting times are influenced by referral volumes and available center capacity. To address demand, the government will add 1,500 places in 2024 by opening four new intervention centers and expanding capacity at existing facilities.
Transcript
60 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of the 32% increase in the number of children aged six and below with developmental needs from 5,300 in 2019 to 7,000 in 2023 (a) what is the current average waiting time for a child to be enrolled in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC); and (b) how many children have been enrolled in EIPIC annually in the last three years.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The total number of children aged six and below identified to have developmental needs has increased over the years, partly due to enhanced early screening and detection. Children are assessed by paediatricians and referred to suitable programmes according to the level of early intervention (EI) support required.
Children requiring medium to high levels of EI support can receive Government-funded services via the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC), EIPIC-P, or the Inclusive Support Programme. The total number of children enrolled in these programmes annually was 3,600, 4,400 and 5,700 in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively. This is a 58% increase in enrolment from 2021 to 2023.
In 2023, the average waiting time for a child to be enrolled in EIPIC or EIPIC-P was 7.5 months. Waiting time depends on factors, such as the volume of new referrals, sector capacity and the matching of children’s individual needs to available class types at their preferred EI centre. To improve the waiting time, the Early Childhood Development Agency is increasing EIPIC and EIPIC-P capacity by 1,500 places in 2024, or a 26% increase from 2023, by launching four new EI centres and maximising capacity at existing centres.