Update on Statistics for Childminding Pilot Scheme

53 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Social and Family Development under the Early Childhood Development Agency childminding pilot scheme (a) what is the breakdown of infants cared for in childminders' homes and community premises respectively; and (b) out of the 160 families who have indicated interest to enrol in the next six months, what is the average waiting time for the families to be matched to a childminder.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Around 60% of infants enrolled under the Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA's) Childminding Pilot for Infants are cared for in the childminders' home, with the other 40% of infants in the two existing community premises. To meet demand from parents and childminders, ECDA will continue to work with operators to explore more community premises.

Operators work closely with parents to ensure that they are suitably matched to childminders, which can include interview sessions between parents and childminders and even visits to childminders' homes. Depending on when families require the service, as well as their needs and preferences, waiting time for a match generally ranges from a few days to a few months.