First community childminding service for infants opens in Tampines

EduNanny by Butler has launched Singapore's first subsidized nanny service for babies at Tampines East Community Centre. Opened on March 3, it currently cares for two infants aged between two to 18 months. This service is part of a government pilot project aimed at providing parents with more options for infant care. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is planning to establish a similar service at Nee Soon East Community Centre by mid-2025. They are exploring more community locations to meet demand for infant care. The goal of these services is to offer parents convenience and to allow caregivers to work in safe environments if their homes aren’t suitable. Parents can use the service in blocks of five or ten hours, available Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays. The cost of a five-hour block is $16.50, while full-time use for four weeks totals nearly $719 after subsidies. The ECDA has appointed three operators, including EduNanny, to manage and screen the nannies, ensuring safety through background checks. EduNanny currently has six childminders with 30 more awaiting clearance. Childminders must complete training on infant care before start working. The service includes features like live CCTV feeds so parents can monitor their babies, which adds a layer of security. Parents appreciate the flexibility of the services, as they can choose care for part of the day or specific days. They can also use a special savings account to cover costs. The ECDA’s pilot aims to provide reliable infant care options comparable to childcare centres. The service caters to a maximum of three infants per childminder, with EduNanny setting a limit of six babies total for spaciousness. Some parents have expressed concerns about leaving their children with strangers, preferring the safety of monitored environments. The pilot is set to run for three years, aiming to serve 500 infants in its first year. Demand is high, with many parents on waiting lists for these new childminding services.