Back to Newsroom Government commits resources to provide upstream support to children from low-income families By KidSTART Singapore February 3, 2021 Share Excerpt from FY2016 Budget Statement KidSTART C.10. Next, we will pilot a new initiative, called KidSTART, for children in their first six years. 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. C.11. We have been enhancing development programmes through our preschools and primary schools. However, there is a small group of parents who may need more support to give their children a good start in life. C.12. 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. C.13. About 1,000 children are expected to benefit. This pilot is expected to cost more than $20 million. The Minister for Social and Family Development will elaborate on this at COS. More Articles Watch stories come to life! KidSTART Singapore presents latest play production, Adventures with Andi Volunteers helping KidSTART children get a good start in life Committee of Supply 2023: KidSTART goes nationwide to offer the programme to all eligible families; to support 80% of eligible children in lower-income families, starting from the children born 2023 Budget 2023: Scaling up of KidSTART programme nationwide: to support 80% of eligible children in lower-income families, starting from the children born 2023.