Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on planning of childcare centres for new HDB precincts

Apr 13, 2015

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: To ask the Minister for National Development 

(a) whether the Ministry determines the number of childcare places needed while building new HDB precincts, and if so, how does the Ministry arrive at the size and number of the childcare centres for each new BTO project; and

(b) whether the current planning parameters are sufficient.

Answer:

1. Social communal facilities, such as childcare and eldercare centres, in HDB precincts are planned for by the respective supervising agencies. Through upfront planning and close interagency coordination, HDB works with the various agencies to set aside space for these facilities, and to construct them in tandem with new public housing developments.

2. The number and size of childcare centres in each BTO project are determined by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), the supervising agency for childcare centres. They plan for the childcare centres based on the projected demand for childcare services in the area. ECDA regularly reviews the planning parameters to take into consideration changing demand for childcare services.

Issued by: Ministry of National Development

Date : 13 April 2015