In line with the extension of Singapore's circuit breaker period, all preschools, student care centres, special student care centres and early intervention (EI) centres here will extend the suspension of general services till June 1, 2020.

This comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Tuesday (April 21) that the nationwide circuit breaker period will be extended from May 4, when it was initially due to lift, for another four weeks.

MSF and ECDA will continue to work closely with these centres

Even so, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will continue to work closely with these centres to safeguard the well-being of all children and staff.

During the extended circuit breaker period, childcare centres will remain open to serve a limited group of parents who are working in essential services like healthcare and unable to find alternative care arrangements.

EI centres will also continue to support their children remotely and provide in-person intervention for selected children with greater needs.

However, all student care centres, including special student care centres, will continue to suspend their general services.

Kindergartens to commence school holidays from May 5 to June 1

Meanwhile, kindergartens will begin their June holidays from May 5 to June 1, in accordance with MOE's shift of the break period in the national academic calendar, and will be closed during this period.

They will then re-open for Term 3 from June 2 to September 6, where there will also be a mid-term break from July 20 to 26.

Parents can use home-based learning resources developed by preschools

MSF has strongly encouraged parents to continue to keep their children at home during this period.

Parents who require assistance may also approach their children’s childcare centre and school directly.

During this time, Home-based learning (HBL) resources developed by various preschools will continue to be shared with all other preschools and parents.

HBL activities will also be available here or via the Kidzmatters mobile app.

The MSF also said parents can rest assured that preschools will continue to engage their children during the extended circuit breaker period to check on their general well-being and progress.

Top image by Fasiha Nazren and Nigel Chua