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 started 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 expansion 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 Company Limited by Guarantee
2020
Set up of KidSTART Singapore Ltd to support expansion
2021
KidSTART expands to more regions to support more children from low income families
Launched in 2016, KidSTART is on track to support 5,000 children by 2023.
From 2021, the expansion will be rolled out in stages, starting with Bedok, Chua Chu Kang, Geylang Serai, Jalan Besar, Punggol, Sengkang, Toa Payoh and Yishun.
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2021
KidSTART will be expanded nationwide gradually from 2023
The programme was first piloted in Kreta Ayer, Bukit Merah, Taman Jurong, Boon Lay and Geylang. It will now include Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok.
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2021
Accredited as member of National Council of Social Service

2022
Received charity status

2022
KidSTART to go nationwide from 2023 and on track to benefit 5000 children by 2023
2022 Committee of Supply: KidSTART is happy to announce greater support for eligible families as we progressively expand nationwide from 2023 onwards! We will roll out KidSTART@Home first and subsequently KidSTART@Community and KidSTART@Preschool.

Board of Directors
Name | Designation |
---|---|
Mr Aubeck Kam | Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) |
Dr Derrick Heng | Deputy Director, Medical Services (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) |
Mr Mohd Saat Bin Abdul Rahman | Editor, Berita Harian |
Ms Ng Mie Ling | Assistant Chief Executive, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) |
Ms Seah Yang Hee | Deputy Chief Executive, National Council of Social Service (NCSS) |
Ms Simran Toor | Chief Executive Officer, SG Her Empowerment Limited |
Ms Theresa Sim | Partner, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP |

FIRST ROW SEATED (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Ms Ng Mie Ling, Mr Aubeck Kam, Mdm Rahayu Buang
SECOND ROW (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Dr Evelyn Law, Ms Seah Yang Hee, Ms Simran Toor, Dr Ho Yin Fong, Dr Derrick Heng, Ms Theresa Sim, Mr Mohd Sa’at Bin Abdul Rahman
KidSTART Senior Management
Name | Designation |
---|---|
Mdm Rahayu Buang | Chief Executive Officer |
Ms Jane Lee | Director, Programmes and Operations |
Ms Norshima Aziz | Director, Organisation Development and Partnership |
Ms Puspavalli Namasivayam | Early Childhood Consultant |