Abstract

Preschool attendance is essential for social mobility, but many low-income families in Singapore face challenges that go beyond financial incentives. While ComLink+ has raised preschool enrolment to 85%, only 26% of children attend regularly, hindered by caregiving demands, transport difficulties, cultural barriers, and limited accessibility of preschools. This op-ed highlights these challenges and proposes targeted solutions, including flexible attendance models, subsidised transport, culturally sensitive outreach, and embedding preschools within public housing estates. By addressing these barriers, Singapore can ensure every child has an equitable start to their educational journey.

Preschool Attendance: The Missing Link in Singapore’s Social Mobility Policies

Education is hailed as the great equaliser, yet for low-income families in Singapore, the journey to success is fraught with obstacles even at the starting line—preschool. While enrolment rates have risen due to targeted policies, the more critical issue of attendance continues to undermine the transformative potential of early childhood education. Unless Singapore addresses this gap, we risk leaving our most vulnerable children behind.

Preschool sets the foundation for a child’s future, equipping them with essential skills for primary school and beyond. Recognising this, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) launched ComLink+, an initiative aimed at uplifting families living in public rental housing. Preschool education is a cornerstone of the programme, with financial incentives designed to boost enrolment and attendance.

On paper, ComLink+ appears to be a success. Its Preschool Progress Package provides families with a $500 Child Development Account (CDA) top-up upon enrolment and quarterly $200 top-ups for maintaining 75% monthly attendance (MSF, 2023). These efforts have brought enrolment rates among ComLink+ families to an encouraging 85% (MSF, 2024).

However, enrolment is only half the battle. Attendance remains alarmingly low, with just 26% of children meeting the attendance threshold (Tan, 2024). This gap reveals deeper systemic barriers that financial incentives alone cannot solve.

The Stakes of Missing Preschool

The consequences of poor preschool attendance ripple far beyond missed lessons. Research shows that children who regularly attend preschool are less likely to need additional learning support in primary school and are better prepared socially, emotionally, and cognitively (MSF, 2024). These foundational skills not only improve academic outcomes but also foster long-term resilience and adaptability in children. For low-income families, these early years are critical in breaking the cycle of poverty and closing intergenerational inequality gaps.

Preschool is more than just numbers and letters—it is a lifeline for social mobility and a crucial step towards equity. If attendance remains low, Singapore risks undermining the very purpose of ComLink+: to empower families, build stronger communities, and give every child a fair start in life.

What Can Be Done?

To address the key challenges behind low preschool attendance, Singapore must implement targeted measures that respond directly to these issues. By focusing on practical, systemic solutions, the gap between enrolment and attendance can be bridged. Here are four major challenges and corresponding recommendations:

1. Caregiving Demands: Families with multiple responsibilities often face disruptions, such as caring for sick children or balancing unpredictable work schedules, which prevent consistent attendance.
Recommendation: Introduce flexible attendance models, such as part-time preschool options or drop-in childcare facilities, to accommodate families’ varied needs. These alternatives can ensure that children still benefit from early education even during family disruptions.

2. Transport Challenges: For families living in public rental housing, the distance to preschools and associated costs make attendance difficult.
Recommendation: Provide subsidised transport, such as school buses or community shuttles, specifically for preschool-aged children. These services would reduce logistical burdens and ensure consistent access for families with limited resources.

3. Cultural and Language Barriers: Some families, especially those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, may lack awareness of preschool’s importance or feel disconnected from the education system.
Recommendation: Implement culturally sensitive outreach, including bilingual communications and partnerships with community leaders, to build trust and encourage engagement. This can help families see preschool as a valuable and accessible resource.

4. Accessibility of Preschools: Families may struggle with preschool attendance simply because centres are not conveniently located within their communities.
Recommendation: Develop embedded preschools in public housing estates to make preschool participation part of families’ daily routines. Locating these facilities within walking distance would normalise attendance and reduce the need for transport altogether.

By tackling these four challenges with corresponding solutions, Singapore can create a more supportive ecosystem for families, ensuring that preschool attendance becomes a feasible and consistent part of their lives. This targeted approach will unlock the full potential of early childhood education as a driver of social mobility.

The Moral Imperative

The numbers tell a story, but the stakes are human. If preschool is the foundation for a child’s future, what does it say about our society when so many of our most vulnerable children are missing out? The question is not whether Singapore can afford to address these barriers but whether we can afford not to.

ComLink+ has proven that targeted interventions can work, but its promise remains unfulfilled as long as children stay home. By removing barriers to attendance, Singapore can truly harness the power of preschool to transform lives, ensuring no child is left behind in our pursuit of equity and opportunity.