Singapore to add 1,800 infant care educators by 2030
Why it matters: Lower preschool fees are expected to lift demand, and the hiring grant will cover up to 70% of training stipends through 2030.
Singapore’s early childhood sector aims to recruit 1,800 more infant care educators by 2030 as the government cuts preschool costs and expands access. The Early Childhood Development Agency said from September it will widen its Manpower Hiring Grant for preschool operators, extending support to more infant care certifications, including the Assistant Infant Educator and Fundamentals Certificate in Infant Care courses. The grant will fund up to 70% of training stipends and up to 50% of course fees for eligible trainees, with the program extended to Dec. 31, 2030. ECDA said it may also seek candidates through partnerships in China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar. More than 2,000 preschool educators already hold infant care qualifications, but only about 4% were working in those roles as of August.