Who are the current Anchor Operators?
The current Anchor Operators are: - PCF Sparkletots Preschool - My First Skool - My World Preschool - Skool4Kidz - E-bridge Pre-School
How did ECDA select the Anchor Operators and what criteria were used?
The Anchor Operators were chosen for their strong track records and compelling proposals. The selection criteria focused on: - Financial stability - Effective governance - High-quality, affordable programmes -Ability to increase capacity to meet the demand for early childhood services - Outreach to low income families - Leadership in manpower development.
What are the benefits for parents under the Anchor Operator scheme?
Parents with children in Anchor Operator centres will enjoy lower fees and access to high-quality early childhood services. Current fee caps are set at $680 for full-day childcare, $1,235 for full-day infant care, and $150 for kindergarten, excluding GST. In 2025, full-day childcare fees will reduce to $640. In addition, future fee increases will be kept affordable to ensure continued access to quality early childhood care and services, especially for children from lower income or disadvantaged backgrounds
What advantages do operators gain from the Anchor Operator scheme?
Operators in the Anchor Operator scheme receive funding and support to: a. Adhere to fee caps for various services and ensure fees remain affordable. b. Enhance the quality of early childhood care and education. c. Provide professional development and career progression for early childhood professionals.How long is the Anchor Operator scheme and will it be extended beyond five years?
The Anchor Operator scheme was last extended in 2022 for two years, continuing until 2024. We will update the sector on any future extensions and application opportunities.
Are there any open applications for the Anchor Operator scheme? Will new operators be added?
Currently, there are no open applications for new operators to join the Anchor Operator scheme. ECDA would provide further information should there be future application opportunities.How can operators apply to join the Anchor Operator scheme and when will applications be accepted?
At present, there is no opportunity to apply for the Anchor Operator scheme. Information on future application periods and eligibility will be shared when available.How do I become a childminder in the Childminding Pilot, and what are the employment terms?
Interested childminders must be engaged by an operator participating in the Childminding Pilot. Details will be available from these operators once the pilot launches. Further information will be released later this year.What qualifications and training are required to be a childminder in the Childminding Pilot?
The Childminding Pilot's specific requirements for childminders will be detailed upon its launch in the second half of 2024. Currently, childminders are trained to care for infants before they can be deployed.
What alternative caregiving services is the Government considering to support families?
The Government is exploring various caregiving options to better support parents. More information will be shared as it becomes available.When is the launch date for the Childminding Pilot?
The Childminding Pilot is set to launch in the second half of 2024. We will share more details closer to the launch date.Why is the Childminding Pilot only for infants aged 2 to 18 months?
The Childminding Pilot is tailored to support parents with infants aged 2 to 18 months, providing them with an additional caregiving option as they balance infant care with work.
Is ECDA planning to regulate childminding services?
Currently, childminding services are unregulated. The Government is collaborating with selected operators to establish industry standards for the secto ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable childminding services.How do I sign up my infant for the Childminding Pilot?
Registration details for the Childminding Pilot will be available upon its launch in the second half of 2024. Stay tuned for further information.
Will there be financial assistance for parents using qualified childminding services?
The Childminding Pilot will provide funding for appointed operators to ensure affordability of childminding services for parents. More details will be shared in the second half of 2024.