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The Big feature article on Saturday, March 16, included insights from Dr Lucy Quek, Dean of Curriculum and Programmes, NIEC. The article discussed the current landscape of childminding services and the solution offered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) pilot programme. 

MSF plans to launch a pilot programme later this year, introducing a new childminding service for parents with infants aged two to 18 months. The programme aims to be more affordable through ECDA subsidies with anchor operators to alleviate the financial burden on parents. However, there are concerns regarding the guidelines of the pilot programme, which are one childminder to three infants and the safety of caring for the infants in the childminder’s home.

Dr Quek emphasised the current evolution of childminding, highlighting the variety of services that childminders offer with different skill sets. She notes that childminders now provide services that traditional infant care centres may not, such as taking infants for vaccinations. Moreover, parents have suggested additional regulations that they would like to see implemented in the pilot programme.

Overall, the MSF pilot programme is seen as a step forward in providing affordable childminding services for parents. However, it is important to address concerns about safety and regulations to ensure the well-being of infants in the care of childminders.