Annual Enrolment Rate of Early Years Centres Relative to Available Capacity

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) over the past five years, what is the annual (i) enrolment rate of Early Years Centres (EYCs) relative to available capacity and (ii) proportion of children graduating from EYCs that subsequently enrol in MOE Kindergartens and non-MOE kindergartens or other childcare centres, respectively; and (b) whether the EYC model needs to be reviewed to provide greater continuity from early years to Kindergarten 2.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: From 2021 to 2025, the average enrolment rate in Early Years Centres (EYCs) ranged around 60% to 70%. Among children graduating from EYCs, around three in four on average applied to enrol in the Ministry of Education Kindergartens (MKs).

The MK-EYC partnership provides children aged two months to six years a continuum of quality and affordable preschool education, with eligible children in EYCs guaranteed a place at a partner MK. The Early Childhood Development Agency works closely with MOE to ensure children have a seamless transition from EYC to MK. We will continue to monitor outcomes from the MK-EYC partnership and undertake further reviews if needed.