Starting from 2028, all Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens in Singapore will begin offering a full-day programme that combines education and childcare into one seamless experience, while still preserving half-day options for families who prefer it.
- Full-day programme merges kindergarten lessons with after-school care
- Half-day option remains available for parents who choose it
- Pilots at two kindergartens in 2027 will guide wider implementation
What happened
The Ministry of Education announced that all MOE kindergartens will progressively offer a full-day programme starting from 2028, with completion targeted by 2030. This arrangement combines preschool education and childcare services into a single comprehensive programme managed by MOE. Currently, kindergartens run half-day classes for children aged five and six, supplemented by external after-school care services.
To prepare for this shift, a pilot programme will be conducted in 2027 at two MOE kindergartens, MK@Rivervale and MK@West View. Feedback and insights from these pilots will assist in refining the model before it is rolled out across all centers. Despite this move, parents can still opt for the existing half-day schedule if full-day care is not required.
Why it feels good
The integration of education and care offers children a more consistent and supportive environment, allowing them to build stronger relationships with their teachers across longer periods. This continuity fosters a richer learning experience that nurtures social skills, confidence, and resilience. The full-day setting also better addresses the needs of families, especially those seeking extended care hours during workdays.
MOE highlights that children from disadvantaged backgrounds will particularly benefit from this more cohesive approach. Moreover, the programme introduces new opportunities such as child-directed play in native languages and open-ended outdoor activities, which promote physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Holistic activities including STEM, drama, and arts during school holidays further enrich the preschool experience.
What to enjoy or watch next
Parents and educators can look forward to the upcoming pilot programmes next year, which will reveal how the new full-day service model works in practice. MOE will announce the kindergartens adopting the full-day option during the annual registration exercise in March, allowing families to plan accordingly.
In addition to extended hours from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, including holidays, the programme will have dedicated support staff to assist with children’s care and daily routines. MOE will also focus on supporting its educators by balancing workloads and providing professional development opportunities as this new model takes shape.