About Us

KidSTART SG is a nonprofit organisation aimed at helping children from
low income families aged 0 to 6 years to have a good start in life.
We do this by supporting families in building strong foundations for their children
in their early years, while creating positive growth and wonderful memories.

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

Read More history2016

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.

history2016

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

Read More history2016

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

Read More history2016

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.

Read More history2016

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.

Read More history2016

2021

Accredited as member of National Council of Social Service

history2016

2022

Received charity status

history2016

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.

history2016

Board of Directors

NameDesignation
Mr Aubeck KamPermanent Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
Dr Derrick HengDeputy Director, Medical Services (Public Health Group), Ministry of Health (MOH)
Dr Evelyn LawAssistant Professor, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)
Dr Ho Yin FongDean of Faculty & Leadership Department, National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC)
Mr Mohd Saat Bin Abdul RahmanEditor, Berita Harian
Ms Ng Mie LingAssistant Chief Executive, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
Ms Seah Yang HeeDeputy Chief Executive, National Council of Social Service (NCSS)
Ms Simran ToorChief Executive Officer, SG Her Empowerment Limited
Ms Theresa SimPartner, 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

NameDesignation
Mdm Rahayu BuangChief Executive Officer
Ms Jane LeeDirector, Programmes and Operations
Ms Norshima AzizDirector, Organisation Development and Partnership
Ms Puspavalli NamasivayamEarly Childhood Consultant