Singapore's preschool support schemes are often grouped together, but they work differently. Basic and Additional Subsidies reduce eligible monthly fees, the Child Development Account (CDA) is a co-savings account used to pay approved expenses, and Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) is additional help for qualifying lower-income families facing difficult circumstances.
Quick Answer: Which Scheme Reduces Preschool Fees?
For Singapore Citizen children, Basic Subsidy is up to S$600/month for infant care or S$300/month for childcare. Eligible families may also receive Additional Subsidy of up to S$710 or S$467 respectively. CDA funds can pay approved expenses but are not a monthly subsidy. CCFA has separate income and family-circumstance criteria.
Use the official ECDA subsidy guide and CCFA eligibility page for current assessment rules.
Want to estimate your actual fees? Compare our fees before and after subsidies, review infant care options, or book a tour to discuss eligibility.
2026 Childcare Subsidy Amounts (Singapore)
- Basic Subsidy: Up to S$300/month (all Singaporean children in ECDA-licensed centres)
- Additional Subsidy: Up to S$467/month for childcare or S$710/month for infant care, subject to ECDA assessment
- CCFA: Additional help for qualifying lower-income families in difficult circumstances; ECDA assesses eligibility separately
- Baby Bonus CDA: First-child government co-matching cap of S$4,000 for eligible children born on or after 14 February 2023
CDA is a payment source, not one of the monthly subsidy amounts above. Check eligibility at ecda.gov.sg.
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. For more information, visit BabyBonus Singapore.
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 approved institutions, including MapleBear Jurong West. Review the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) subsidy guidance and confirm eligible payment arrangements with the centre.
How Much Can Government Subsidies Reduce Fees?
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 $467/month | Up to $767/month |
| Kindergarten (3-6 years) | $300/month | Up to $467/month | Up to $767/month |
The Additional Subsidy may be available when gross monthly household income is $12,000 or below, or per capita income is $3,000 or below for qualifying larger households. Singapore Citizen children enrolled in an ECDA-licensed centre remain eligible for the Basic Subsidy; check the official ECDA page for current conditions.
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 co-matches CDA savings dollar-for-dollar up to the cap for the child's birth order. For eligible Singapore Citizen children born on or after 14 February 2023, the current caps are $4,000 for the first child, $7,000 for the second, $9,000 for the third or fourth, and $15,000 for the fifth or subsequent child.
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 Subsidy through the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). It is income-based and currently provides up to $710/month for infant care or $467/month for childcare. Check the official ECDA subsidy page 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 (Child Care Financial Assistance). Here's the key distinction:
| Feature | CDA (Child Development Account) | CCFA (Child Care 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 | |
MapleBear Jurong West accepts CDA payments. CCFA depends on the family's circumstances and ECDA's current centre and programme eligibility rules, so ask admissions to help verify the applicable support before treating it as confirmed.
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 Using CDA and Childcare Subsidies
| # | 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 childcare subsidies reduce my fees?
The savings depend on the programme type and ECDA assessment. The Basic Subsidy is $600/month for infant care and $300/month for childcare. With the Additional Subsidy, eligible families may receive up to $1,310/month in total for infant care or $767/month for childcare. Families with gross monthly household income of $12,000 or below may qualify for the Additional Subsidy.
How do I use CDA and apply for childcare subsidies?
There are four steps: (1) Open a CDA through the Baby Bonus service and select DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB. (2) Deposit savings; the government co-matches dollar-for-dollar up to the cap for the child's birth order. For eligible children born on or after 14 February 2023, the caps are $4,000 for the first child, $7,000 for the second, $9,000 for the third or fourth, and $15,000 for the fifth or subsequent child. (3) Provide the CDA details to the preschool for approved fee deductions. (4) Apply for preschool subsidies through the ECDA process.
What is the difference between CDA and CCFA?
CDA (Child Development Account) is a co-savings account whose funds can pay approved expenses at Baby Bonus Approved Institutions. CCFA (Child Care Financial Assistance) is additional means-tested help for qualifying lower-income families facing difficult circumstances. CCFA eligibility is assessed separately by ECDA.
Can non-Singaporean children use CDA?
No. CDA and the ECDA Basic and Additional Subsidies described here are for eligible Singapore Citizen children. Permanent Resident and other families should confirm current fees and any applicable support directly with the centre or ECDA.
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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