School Based vs Community Based Student Care Centres in Singapore
School-Based vs Community-Based Student Care Centres in Singapore
Updated: 13 Aug 2025
At a glance
- Choose school-based if you want maximum convenience after dismissal, easy transition from class to care, and closer alignment with school routines/CCAs.
- Choose community-based if you want more programme variety (e.g., enrichment/tuition options), flexible transport (pick-up/home drop-off), or if the school-based SCC has a waitlist.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | School-Based SCC | Community-Based SCC |
|---|---|---|
| Location & Access | Within the primary school compound; for students of that school only. | Near home/schools in the neighbourhood; typically open to students from multiple schools. |
| Operating Hours | Commonly ~1:30–7:00pm (school term); ~7:30am–7:00pm (school holidays). Open on many school-closure days. | Usually similar; check each centre. Many open full-day during holidays. |
| Programmes | Homework supervision, meals, routines aligned to school; some enrichment/character development depending on operator. | Homework supervision, meals, plus broader enrichment (e.g., tuition, reading, themed modules) depending on brand/operator. |
| Transport | Not required to move between school and SCC; parents arrange going home (school bus/home pick-up may be available via external providers). | Many centres offer school pick-up; some offer home drop-off or partner with transport providers. |
| Fees (before subsidy) | Often around S$230–S$300+ (varies by school/operator). | Wider range, roughly S$300–S$850+ depending on operator, location, and included enrichment. |
| Subsidies (SCFA) | Both types (if MSF-registered) are eligible for SCFA. Qualifying families may receive substantial subsidies (up to 98%, subject to income and other criteria). | |
| Admission & Waitlist | Limited places; priority often for students with higher care needs (e.g., MOE FAS, both working parents). Application via the school/operator. | Apply directly to the centre; capacity depends on outlet. Typically no restriction to a single school. |
| Age Coverage | Mainly primary students from that school. | Many accept primary; some accept lower-secondary students too. Check each centre. |
| Regulation & Quality | Both must meet MSF guidelines (staffing, safety, programming) when registered. Always confirm the centre is MSF-registered. | |
Which is better for my family?
Pick a school-based SCC if you want:
- Zero commute after dismissal (child walks to SCC within the school).
- Tighter alignment to school timetables, CCAs, and events.
- Smoother P1 transition (familiar environment, fewer logistics).
Pick a community-based SCC if you want:
- Programme depth (tuition, project-based learning, specialised modules).
- Transport flexibility (school pick-up/home drop-off where offered).
- An alternative when the school-based SCC is full or timing doesn’t suit your schedule.
Fees & Subsidies (SCFA)
Indicative fees: Expect significant variation across operators and locations. Many school-based centres fall around S$230–S$300+, while community-based centres can range from ~S$300 to S$850+ monthly (before subsidy). Always check the latest fee with the specific centre.
SCFA supports eligible working families with substantial subsidies. Quick checks:
- Income: GHHI ≤ S$4,500 (≤4 pax) or PCI ≤ S$1,125 (≥5 pax).
- Parents’ work: both parents typically ≥56 hours/month.
- Child: 7–14 years old; Singapore Citizen (or PR with a Singapore Citizen immediate family member in the same household).
- Centre: must be MSF-registered.
How to apply
- School-based: Apply through your child’s primary school (usually at P1 orientation or via the school website). Selection often considers student care needs.
- Community-based: Shortlist centres near home/school; confirm transport options, opening hours, fees, and SCFA registration; book a centre tour.
- Documents: Have your child’s particulars, parents’ employment proof, and income documents ready if applying for SCFA.
Parent checklist
- Commute time & pick-up arrangements (who, how, from where?).
- Homework policy, reading time, and support for spelling/Chinese tingxie.
- Enrichment options (included vs paid add-ons).
- Holiday programme schedule and surcharges.
- Student-to-staff ratios; staff training and turnover.
- Food (menus, dietary needs) and rest time.
- Communication (daily updates, apps, feedback channels).
- Centre’s MSF-registration and eligibility for SCFA.
FAQ
Is a place in the school-based SCC guaranteed?
No. Places are limited and many schools prioritise students with higher care needs. If there’s no vacancy, consider a nearby community-based SCC and/or join the waitlist.
Do both types qualify for SCFA?
Yes—if the centre is registered with MSF. Check the exact subsidy your family qualifies for using the SCFA tool.
What are the usual hours during school holidays?
Most centres operate full-day, commonly around 7:30am–7:00pm. Confirm any surcharges for school closure/holiday days.
Can lower-secondary students attend?
Some community-based SCCs accept lower-secondary students; school-based SCCs mainly serve their own primary school. Check each centre’s policy.
Are there late pick-up fees?
Often yes. Many centres impose a late fee after closing time (e.g., 7pm). Verify the policy before enrolling.
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