Early Childhood Development Centre Licence

Apply for Early Childhood Development Centre Licence

Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)

For Business Users only

This licence is only for business users with a registered Unique Entity Number (UEN).

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Application Details

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) was established on 1 April 2013 to oversee key aspects of children's development below the age of 7, across both kindergartens and child care centres. ECDA serves as the regulatory and developmental authority for all Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) in Singapore, which provide care and/or education to children below 7 years of age.

All ECDCs are required to obtain a licence under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and Regulations.

Any persons who intend to operate an ECDC should familiarise himself with the legislative requirements.

FAQ

1. Do I need to apply for this licence?
   Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) are governed by the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and Regulations. You are required to obtain an ECDC licence to operate a centre. It is an offence under Section 6(1) of the Early Childhood Development Centres Act 2017 to operate a centre without a licence.
   

   Section 6(3) states that a person who contravenes the above "shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both; and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction".

2. What conditions do I need to fulfill?
   Individuals/organisations who wish to set up an early childhood development centre is advised to read the "Guide and Application To Set Up an Early Childhood Development Centre" before proceeding with the plan. He / She should also be familiar with the legislative requirements as the licensee is required to comply with all requirements. The Early Childhood Development Centres Act and Regulations can be purchased from Toppan LeeFung Pte Ltd at 1 Kim Seng Promenade #18-01, Great World City East Tower, Singapore 237994 (Tel:68269691).
3. What supporting documents do I need to submit?
   You can find the document checklist and site visit checklist in the 'Guide and Application to Set Up An Early Childhood Development Centre'. Refer to the "Document Checklist" for the list of supporting documents to be submitted. Refer to "Site Visit Checklist" and conduct a self-assessment to ensure the premises meet the requirements of an ECDC prior to the Regulation Officer's visit.
4. How soon can my application be processed?
   The normal processing time for an application is 14 working days upon ECDA's confirmation of a complete application. This includes clearances from relevant authorities, submission of all supporting documents and the clearance of premises' suitability as an ECDC on the day of licensing visit, whichever is latest.
5. How much does this licence cost and how long is it valid?
   The initial licence is valid for 12 months. The licence application is $360.
6. Who can I contact for further details?
   For further assistance, please contact us at 6735-9213; e-mail us at contact@ecda.gov.sg; or visit the ECDA Website Address at:
   http://www.ecda.gov.sg.
   You could also write to us at:
   Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
   51 Cuppage Road
   #08-01
   Singapore 229469
7. What is the application process like?
   You can submit the application form via GoBusiness Licensing. A licensing officer will be assigned to you once we have received the application for a new ECDC licence. A temporary account will be created for you to update staff particulars in ONE@ECDA. A licence will be issued to the licensee when the centre has met all of ECDA's regulatory requirements for a new licence.
8. What are the clearances from relevant authorities required before I could commence operation?
   You need to obtain clearances from relevant authorities such as Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD), Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Public Utility Board (PUB) for your site when necessary. In addition, the National Environment Agency (NEA)'s advice should be sought for premises located in industrial buildings. The licence to operate an ECDC would only be issued upon obtaining clearances from the relevant authorities.
9. Do I have to separately apply for the extension of Government Child Care Subsidy if I am holding a Class A and/or B Licence?
   No, you do not have to apply Government Child Care Subsidy separately. Upon licence approval, the administration of child care subsidy will automatically be approved as well.
10. Is the staffing requirement for centres providing infant services similar to that of child care?
    Centres which choose to provide infant services is required to recruit staff who are trained in taking care of the infants only. Please refer to the staffing requirements stated in the "Guide and Application to Set Up an Early Childhood Development Centre".

Additional Information

Fees
Licence Fee: $360

Documents Needed

• ACRA / ROS / Proof of legal entity
  Proof of the entity which owns the ECDC. Eg. ACRA registration, ROS registration, Charities and Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) Registration/ Special Approval from the relevant authorities. For ROS entities, please also submit Confirmation of Key Committee Members.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Tenancy Agreement / Proof of Ownership
  The tenancy agreement submitted must be signed between the person owning or on behalf of the entity operating the ECDC and the landlord. The tenancy should be at least two to three years in length to ensure continuity and stability of the centre.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) / Temporary Fire Permit (TFP)
  The proposed premises must meet all the requirements set by SCDF for fire safety. If a TFP is submitted, an FSC will need to be submitted as soon as it is obtained.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) / Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP)
  Applicants must ensure that the proposed premises for an ECDC is safe for occupancy. A CSC or equivalent may only be retrieved by the owner of the property. For newly erected buildings, a TOP will suffice for submission but the CSC will need to be submitted as soon as it is obtained.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Approval for Change of Use
  For HDB and SLA properties, the tenancy agreement signed with HDB or SLA will suffice. For privately owned HDB properties, a "Change of Trade" letter will have to be obtained from HDB. For all other types of properties, the "Change of Use" or "Grant of Written Permission" will have to be obtained from URA.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Floor Plan
  The layout of the drawn-to-scale floor plan must match the actual physical premises. Floor plans must be QP-certified and accompanied by a breakdown of the floor areas.
  File format: pdf, jpg, png, docx, xlsx
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Declaration of Offences or Warnings
  File format: pdf, jpg, png
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Declaration of Financial Capacity
  File format: pdf, jpg, png
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
• Parents' Handbook
  File format: pdf, jpg, png
  Maximum upload per application: 2 MB

Requirements

Applicant must be ACRA registered company/business