Paying for preschool in Singapore can be a significant financial commitment for families. The good news: the Singapore government provides generous subsidies through the Child Development Account (CDA) that can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about CDA childcare subsidies in 2026, including how to apply, how much you can save, and which preschools accept CDA payments.
What Is the Child Development Account (CDA)?
The CDA is a savings account set up by the Singapore government to help parents save for their child's healthcare and early childhood education expenses. It is part of the Baby Bonus Scheme, which was introduced to support families in raising their children.
Every Singapore citizen child is eligible for a CDA. The government matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a specified cap, and the funds can be used at approved institutions including preschools, childcare centres, and healthcare providers.
Key Fact
The CDA can be used at any approved childcare centre, including MapleBear Jurong West. Our centre is registered with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and accepts CDA payments for all eligible programmes.
How Much Can You Save with CDA?
The amount of subsidy you receive depends on several factors, including your household income, the type of programme (infant care, childcare, or kindergarten), and your child's citizenship status. Here's a breakdown of the typical savings:
| Programme | Basic Subsidy | Additional Subsidy | Total Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Care (2-17 months) | $600/month | Up to $710/month | Up to $1,310/month |
| Childcare (18 months-6 years) | $300/month | Up to $520/month | Up to $820/month |
| Kindergarten (3-6 years) | $300/month | Up to $520/month | Up to $820/month |
These subsidies are available to working parents with a gross monthly household income of up to $12,000 (or per capita income of $3,000). From January 2027, the income ceiling will be raised to $15,000 (or per capita income of $3,400), benefiting over 60,000 families. Even families earning above the current threshold may qualify for the basic subsidy.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for CDA
Step 1: Open Your CDA
If you haven't already opened a CDA for your child, you can do so online through the LifeSG app or at any participating bank (DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB). You'll need your child's birth certificate and your NRIC.
Step 2: Make Your First Deposit
The government will match your first deposit up to the maximum cap for your child's birth order. For example, for a first or second child, the government matches up to $3,000. For a third child, the matching cap is $9,000.
Step 3: Register with Your Preschool
Once your CDA is set up, provide your preschool with your child's CDA details. The centre will then be able to deduct fees directly from the CDA on your behalf. At MapleBear Jurong West, our admissions team will guide you through this process.
Step 4: Apply for Additional Subsidies
In addition to the Basic Subsidy, you may qualify for the Additional Childcare Subsidy through the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). This is income-based and can provide additional savings of up to $710/month for infant care or up to $520/month for childcare. You can apply online through the official ECDA subsidy calculator to estimate your eligibility.
The Basic Subsidy and Additional Subsidy can be combined, meaning eligible families can save up to $1,310 per month on infant care fees — over $15,000 a year.
CDA vs CCFA: Understanding the Difference
Parents often confuse CDA with CCFA (Centre-Based Financial Assistance). Here's the key distinction:
| Feature | CDA (Child Development Account) | CCFA (Centre-Based Financial Assistance) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Savings account with government matching | Means-tested subsidy via ECDA |
| Who qualifies | All Singapore citizen children | Low-income families (income-tested) |
| How it works | Government matches your deposits dollar-for-dollar up to cap | Direct fee reduction at participating centres |
| Where to use | Any approved provider (preschools, healthcare) | Participating ECDA centres only |
| Can combine? | Yes — many families benefit from both schemes simultaneously | |
At MapleBear Jurong West, we accept CDA payments and are also an approved centre for CCFA, giving eligible families maximum financial support.
Other Government Support for Preschool Fees
Beyond CDA and CCFA, there are several other sources of financial support:
| Support Scheme | What It Provides | How to Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Working Mother's Child Relief (WMCR) | Tax relief on childcare expenses (amount depends on number of children and income) | Claim through annual tax return with IRAS |
| Baby Bonus Cash Gift | $11,000 (1st/2nd child) or $13,000 (3rd+ child), paid over 6.5 years | Automatic with CDA registration |
| KinderSTART / KidSTART | Subsidies for learning materials and enrichment activities for lower-income families | Apply through ECDA or participating centres |
Tips for Maximising Your CDA Subsidy
| # | Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start early — open your CDA as soon as your child is born | Earlier savings = more government matching over time |
| 2 | Use CDA for healthcare too — vaccinations, dental care | CDA covers approved medical expenses, not just preschool fees |
| 3 | Check your preschool's ECDA registration | Only ECDA-approved centres can accept CDA payments |
| 4 | Combine all available subsidies — Basic, Additional, CCFA, WMCR, Baby Bonus | Don't just rely on the Basic Subsidy — stack all eligible schemes |
| 5 | Ask about payment plans | Many centres offer flexible arrangements to manage monthly cash flow |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child Development Account (CDA)?
The CDA is a savings account set up by the Singapore government to help parents save for their child's healthcare and early childhood education expenses. It is part of the Baby Bonus Scheme. Every Singapore citizen child is eligible, and the government matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a specified cap. Funds can be used at approved institutions including preschools, childcare centres, and healthcare providers.
How much can I save with CDA childcare subsidies?
The savings depend on the programme type. The Basic Subsidy is $600/month for infant care (2-17 months) and $300/month for childcare/kindergarten (18 months-6 years). With the Additional Subsidy, eligible families can save up to $1,310/month for infant care, up to $820/month for childcare, and up to $820/month for kindergarten. Subsidies are available to working parents with a gross monthly household income of up to $12,000 (rising to $15,000 from January 2027).
How do I apply for CDA childcare subsidy?
There are four steps: (1) Open a CDA for your child online through the LifeSG app or at DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB, using your child's birth certificate and your NRIC. (2) Make your first deposit — the government matches it dollar-for-dollar up to the cap ($3,000 for a first or second child, $9,000 for a third child). (3) Register with your preschool and provide your CDA details so fees can be deducted directly. (4) Apply for the Additional Childcare Subsidy through ECDA's online subsidy calculator.
What is the difference between CDA and CCFA?
CDA (Child Development Account) is a savings account with government matching, available to all Singapore citizen children, usable at any approved provider. CCFA (Centre-Based Financial Assistance) is a means-tested subsidy administered through ECDA that provides direct fee reductions for low-income families at participating centres. Many families can benefit from both schemes simultaneously.
Can non-Singaporean children use CDA?
No. CDA is only available for Singapore citizen children. However, Permanent Resident children may receive a lower level of government subsidy at participating centres.
Want to Learn How Much You Can Save at MapleBear?
Book a tour and our admissions team will walk you through all available subsidies, including CDA, CCFA, and Baby Bonus — tailored to your family's situation.
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