We believe all parents want the best for their children. We are here to help.
KidSTART Timeline
2016
Government commits resources to provide upstream support to children from low income families
“There is extensive research, which shows that experiences in the early years of a child’s life significantly influence his or her physical, cognitive, and social development… KidSTART will draw together government and community resources, to help these children receive appropriate learning, developmental, and health support. We will develop approaches that work best in the Singapore context.”
– An excerpt from the FY2016 Budget Statement
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2016
Launch of KidSTART programme by ECDA to support 1,000 children in pilot regions
KidSTART was launched in 2016 to provide low-income families with the necessary support for their children to develop well in the important stages of early childhood.
2019
KidSTART expands support to 5,000 more children
“KidSTART has a good programme. I am confident we are on the right track. We still need to follow up for a few more years, to assess more exactly its benefits. But for each new cohort of babies, there is no time to lose. So we will expand KidSTART to reach another 5,000 children over the next three years. Then we will take stock again how to expand KidSTART further.”
- An excerpt from the National Day Rally 2019
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2019
Launch of Growing Together with KidSTART initiative to galvanise community support
“Even as the Government funds the expansion of KidSTART, we want to partner foundations, corporates and volunteers who want to provide greater support for the children from low income families. … This is why we are launching the “GROWING TOGETHER with KidSTART” initiative. We invite corporates and individuals to partner us to help children in KidSTART communities, over a sustained period of time – to watch the children grow up and partner the families.”
– An excerpt from a speech by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of Social and Family Development, at the Early Childhood Conference
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2020
Incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee
2020
Set up of KidSTART Singapore Ltd
2021
Expanded to new regions
Launched in 2016, KidSTART is on track to support 5,000 children by 2023.
The programme was first piloted in Kreta Ayer, Bukit Merah, Taman Jurong, Boon Lay and Geylang. New regions to include Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok.
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2021
Accredited as a member of the National Council of Social Service
2022
Received charity status
2022
Going nationwide from 2023 onwards
2022 Committee of Supply: KidSTART is happy to announce greater support for eligible families as we progressively expand nationwide from 2023 onwards! We are on track to benefit 5,000 children by 2023.
2023
Target to support 80% of eligible children
2023 Committee of Supply: KidSTART targets to onboard 80% of children from eligible families (up from the current 20%). KidSTART will be extended to Jalan Besar, Toa Payoh, Sengkang, Hougang and Serangoon in the coming year.
2023
Received Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status
Board of Directors
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Mr Aubeck Kam | Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Home Affairs Development), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) |
| Dr Derrick Heng | Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health Group), Ministry of Health (MOH) |
| Dr Evelyn Law | Assistant Professor, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS) |
| Dr Ho Yin Fong | Dean of Faculty & Leadership Department, National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) Campus Director, NIEC (City Campus) |
| Mr Mohd Saat Bin Abdul Rahman | President, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore |
| Ms Ng Mie Ling | Assistant Chief Executive, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) |
| Ms Rae Lee | Director, Philanthropic Partnership and Engagement, National Council of Social Service (NCSS) |
| Ms Simran Toor | Chief Executive Officer, SG Her Empowerment Limited |
| Ms Theresa Sim | Assurance Partner & COO, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP |
KidSTART Senior Management
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Mdm Rahayu Buang | Chief Executive Officer |
| Ms Yee Siaw Ling | Director, Corporate Development Division |
| Mdm Norshima Aziz | Director, Communications & Engagement Division |
| Ms Jane Lee | Director, Programme Planning Division |
| Mr Shawn Koh | Director, Service Management Division |
| Ms Puspavalli Namasivayam | Early Childhood Consultant |