One of the first questions parents ask when choosing a preschool is: "How much does it cost?" It's a valid and important question. But the answer is more nuanced than a simple monthly fee figure. In this article, we break down preschool fees across Singapore in 2026, explain what's included (and what isn't), and help you understand the true cost of preschool — so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Types of Preschools and Their Fee Structures
In Singapore, there are three main types of preschool providers, each with different pricing:
| Type | Infant Care (Monthly) | Childcare (Monthly) | Kindergarten (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCF / Operator (My First Skool, Sparkletots) | $800 - $1,400 | $600 - $1,000 | $300 - $600 |
| Private Preschool (Mid-range) | $1,200 - $1,800 | $800 - $1,500 | $400 - $900 |
| International / Premium | $2,000 - $3,500 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $800 - $2,000 |
These ranges are based on 2026 market data and include both anchor operators (subsidised by the government) and private centres. MapleBear Jurong West falls into the private mid-range category, offering a Canadian bilingual curriculum at competitive pricing for the Jurong West and western Singapore area.
Beyond the Monthly Fee: Understanding the Full Cost
The monthly fee is just one component. Here are other costs to factor in:
Registration Fee
Most centres charge a one-time, non-refundable registration fee when you first enroll. This typically ranges from $50 to $300. At MapleBear, our registration fee is transparent and communicated upfront during the tour.
Deposit
Many centres require a deposit equivalent to one month's fees. This is usually refundable when your child leaves (minus any outstanding fees). Always confirm the deposit terms before signing.
Materials and Supplies
Some centres charge separately for:
- Learning materials and workbooks: $100-$300/year
- Uniform: $50-$150
- Bedding and personal items: $30-$80
- Field trips and special events: $50-$200/year
Meals
Full-day childcare centres typically include meals in the monthly fee. However, some centres charge separately for meals ($80-$150/month). Always ask whether the quoted fee includes breakfast, lunch, and tea.
What to Ask During Your Tour
"Can you provide a complete breakdown of all fees — registration, deposit, monthly fees, materials, meals, and any additional charges?" A transparent centre will provide this without hesitation.
How Subsidies Affect Your Actual Cost
The headline fee is rarely what most Singaporean families actually pay. Government subsidies can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by $600-$1,310 per month, depending on your household income, your child's citizenship, and the programme. For 2026, the Additional Subsidy for infant care is up to $710/month and for childcare up to $520/month. Use the official ECDA subsidy calculator to estimate your savings.
| Programme | Before Subsidy | After Basic Subsidy | After Full Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Care | $1,200 - $2,200 | $600 - $1,600 | $0 - $890 |
| Childcare | $800 - $1,800 | $500 - $1,500 | $0 - $980 |
| Kindergarten | $400 - $1,200 | $100 - $900 | $0 - $380 |
These estimates assume a Singaporean child with a working family that qualifies for the full basic subsidy plus additional subsidy. For a detailed breakdown of available subsidies, see our CDA Subsidy Guide.
Price vs. Value: What You're Really Paying For
When comparing preschool fees, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Here's what separates a $600/month centre from a $1,500/month centre:
What to Look for Beyond Price
- Teacher-to-child ratio: A 1:5 ratio means more individual attention than 1:12
- Educator qualifications: Are teachers ECDA-certified? Do they have specialized training in early childhood education?
- Curriculum quality: Is there a structured, research-based curriculum? Is it play-based or academic?
- Facilities: Are the classrooms spacious, well-ventilated, and age-appropriate? Is there outdoor play space?
- Bilingual programme: Is there a dedicated Mandarin-speaking teacher, or is it just a weekly lesson?
- Operating hours: Does the centre open early enough for your commute? Are there late pick-up charges?
- Parent communication: Does the centre provide regular updates, photos, and progress reports?
- Safety and hygiene: Are there CCTV cameras? How often are toys and surfaces sanitised?
At MapleBear Jurong West, our fee reflects a Canadian bilingual curriculum, small class sizes, dedicated English and Mandarin educators, purpose-built facilities, and full-day care from 7am to 7pm — all at a price point accessible to families in Jurong West and the western corridor.
Regional Fee Differences in Singapore
Preschool fees vary by location. Centres in the city centre (Orchard, Raffles Place) and prime residential areas (Holland Village, Bukit Timah) tend to charge 20-40% more than centres in suburban areas like Jurong West, Tampines, or Woodlands.
For families living in the western region — near NTU, Jurong East, Jurong West, or Bukit Batok — preschools in this area offer better value for money due to lower rental costs, while still providing high-quality education. This is one reason MapleBear Jurong West can offer competitive fees without compromising on quality.
How to Budget for Preschool
Here's a practical approach to budgeting:
- Get the full fee breakdown from each centre you're considering
- Calculate your estimated subsidy using the MSF online calculator
- Factor in one-time costs (registration, deposit, uniforms)
- Compare the net monthly cost after subsidies, not the headline fee
- Consider the value — curriculum, staff quality, facilities — alongside price
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are infant care fees higher than childcare?
Infant care requires a lower teacher-to-child ratio (1:5 vs 1:15 for childcare), more specialised training, and more resources per child (feeding, diapering, napping). These higher operational costs are reflected in the fees.
Can I claim preschool fees on my taxes?
Working mothers can claim Working Mother's Child Relief (WMCR), which provides tax relief based on a percentage of your assessable income. The relief amount depends on the number of children. This is claimed through your annual IRAS tax return.
Are there payment plans available?
Most centres, including MapleBear Jurong West, offer monthly payment plans. Some centres may offer discounts for quarterly or annual payments. Always ask about payment flexibility during your tour.
How much does MapleBear Jurong West charge?
Our fees are competitive for the Jurong West area and include meals, learning materials, and our full Canadian bilingual programme. For the most current fee schedule, book a tour and our admissions team will provide a detailed breakdown.
Get a Personalised Fee Estimate for Your Family
Book a tour and our admissions team will calculate your estimated fees after subsidies, so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.
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