Considering the cost of student care fees in Singapore, which ranges from $200 – $1,200 monthly, you’d naturally wonder what they’d miss out on if you opted for the cheaper options. Do children who pay higher student care fees in Singapore have a relative advantage over the others?
The question for most parents in Singapore regarding the cost of afterschool care is affordability. For some, the $200 for a few hours a day gives parents the chance to work without worrying about the kids. If affordability wasn’t an issue, would parents opt for centres with high primary school student care fees?
These student care centres have their advantages.
Enrichment Classes
The student care centre fees in centres that charge a higher fee cover holistic care, which includes enrichment classes. The kids learn different skills which are helpful in their academic and social lives.
Comfortable Facilities
It is usually easy to spot a facility with high Student care centre fees in Singapore. It is usually designed for comfort, especially for the younger children.
Personalised Care
Many centres with high primary school student care fees offer personalised care by focusing on a lower teacher-to-student ratio. This encourages parents to pay high student care fees knowing they receive adequate attention at the student care centre.
Tuition
Student care centres cater for kids 7-14 years. Younger children may not need tuition but as they take on more subjects, tuition becomes necessary for many students. Some parents opt to pay a higher afterschool care cost if they also get tuition from qualified teachers.
For some parents, the high student care fees are a reflection of quality care. For others, the additional student care services are helpful, but whether they are worth the extra cost is subjective.
Some student care centres are also charging high student care fees because of the brand. While the student care centre became popular because of the quality of service or location, over time, the fees are a reflection of the popularity. The student care fees also serve as an elimination mechanism, so only the parents who can afford it apply for a spot for their kids.
So, high student care fees in Singapore is not always about the quality of care. While cost is important, you should look at other factors before deciding whether you should use a specific student care centre or not.
Student Care Fees vs Subsidies
Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) is pegged on the parents’ income and the student care fees in Singapore. If you are eligible for subsidies, student care centre fees matter because they will affect your budget, even when you receive SCFA.
For example, a household with a <$1,500 gross household income is eligible for up to 98% of SCFA if the student care centre charges <295. If you opt for a place with primary school student care fees >295, you can get a maximum of $290.
Sometimes paying high student care centre fees is not an option, especially if you’re still struggling with student care fees, even when you receive SCFA. You’ll have to decide what’s practical for your household, affordability or addons from the student care centre.
If affordability is a priority for you, it doesn’t mean that you are opting for poor-quality care. Sometimes the basic services are enough when that is all you can afford. At least the child is still getting homework support, and they are kept safe until you pick them up.
