{"id":1856,"date":"2022-08-08T17:47:49","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T09:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sg-financialadvice.com\/sg-parentingdiy\/?p=1856"},"modified":"2022-11-09T01:22:31","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T17:22:31","slug":"parents-guide-to-childcare-costs-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sg-financialadvice.com\/sg-parentingdiy\/parents-guide-to-childcare-costs-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Parent\u2019s Guide to Childcare Costs (2022)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Working parents in Singapore may have difficulty finding the best childcare for their children. One of their main priorities should be finding reliable child care without going over their budget\u00a0while they pursue their new career. In this article, we will help you make some wise decisions regarding childcare alternatives and costs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How much does child care cost in Singapore?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The cost of child care in Singapore varies widely based on which center you opt for, who looks after your child, and the work arrangement you can agree on. You may pay from $0<\/strong> to as much as $2,000<\/strong> monthly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Let’s have a look at your options, starting with the cheapest and working our way up to the priciest.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Flexible Working Schedule<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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One of the easiest ways to save money while still being able to play an active role in raising your child is to negotiate for more flexible work hours. But this only works if your job enables you to do so.<\/p>

Working from home part-time or full-time is one example of flexible working, but there are other workplaces where employees can choose their schedules.<\/p>

You may request flexible work options from your workplace or seek an employer who currently provides them. If your household budget can accommodate the varying income, freelancing can be a great option that allows you to spend more time with your child.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A trustworthy Family Member<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Your child may feel more at ease if you seek assistance from someone you trust, such as your parents, in-laws, or siblings from the same household. However, the amount of time and attention they can provide depends on their abilities and commitments. <\/p>

Moreover, keeping up with the demands of a hyperactive toddler can be difficult for elderly parents who are getting on in years, and younger family members may not have the time or resources available.
This arrangement may benefit you and your family more if you have a babysitter or childcare center.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Nanny<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Although there is no apparent distinction between a babysitter and a nanny, we can define a babysitter<\/em><\/strong> as someone who only watches the child. In contrast, a nanny is someone who also helps with the house and frequently stays overnight.<\/span><\/p>

You may want to consider hiring an amah or nanny if you’re tired of waking up in the middle of the night or if you need help around the house in addition to babysitting. Amahs<\/strong><\/em> or nannies<\/strong><\/em> are usually older women with extensive expertise in caring for children and can assist with various chores other than merely watching the infant. Before bringing on a new employee, make sure to tell them exactly what their responsibilities will be.<\/span><\/p>

Nannies and amahs are recruited the same way as the conventional way of hiring babysitters.<\/span><\/p>

On the other hand, nannies have several certifications that might indicate how well-versed they are in their field. AECES<\/a> and Adventlinks-SAUC Education Center<\/a> are two organizations in this field. Other organizations like Wings-KKH Confinement Nanny Training Program<\/a> and Thomson Medical Centre<\/a>, both WDA-approved, also provide confinement nanny work and caregiving certifications. Many elderly nannies may lack these qualifications, but they may be capable of compensating for it with their years of service. The choice is yours.<\/span><\/p>

The average salary in Singapore:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>$750<\/strong> (daytime only, including meal costs) to $1,500<\/strong> (overnight or stay-in). Make sure you’re resourceful and inquire about Amahs<\/strong> (unmarried, elder Chinese aunties) ready to work as a stay-in assistant for roughly $700<\/strong> a month.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Domestic Helper\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you need some assistance with childcare, hiring a domestic worker specializing in children will make sense, primarily if you work long hours or have other responsibilities when you get home. However, you may have to take on more responsibility if you choose this alternative.<\/span><\/p>

Domestic assistants are legally your workers; thus, you must take care of their daily needs, such as food, clothing, and medical care. However, there are ways you can eliminate your financial risks as an employer. One is through Great Eastern Life’s MaidGR8 Insurance,<\/a> which provides comprehensive yet cheap insurance for your domestic helper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

MaidGR8<\/a> provides the necessary coverage required by the Ministry of Manpower<\/a> for your helper while she is in Singapore. MaidGR8 Insurance Plans<\/strong> offer 24-hour<\/strong> coverage of up to S$60,000<\/strong> for death and permanent disablement and up to S$3,000<\/strong> for medical expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Hiring a new domestic assistant from a reputable agency also comes with certain upfront costs. Hiring one of the many domestic assistants currently employed by another family and wanting to shift to a new home can reduce the costs. This practice is known as a “maid transfer”<\/strong> in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>

In addition to the upfront fees, be sure you have enough money to cover the wages and expenses of your hired helper. Her monthly take-home pay might range from $450<\/strong> to $570<\/strong>, depending on where she is employed and where she lives. It’s essential to remember that those who have worked in Singapore for a long time might get a higher salary.<\/span><\/p>

You’ll also need food, utilities, and a transportation budget for her to live. Based on our best estimates, the monthly costs will be around $269.90<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

Lastly, there’s a maid levy that we must take into consideration. This is collected on a monthly basis. You will have to spend a $60 concessionary rate since your helper is most likely caring for a minor.<\/span><\/p>

Average cost per month:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>$779.90 \u2013 $899.90<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Babysitter<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hiring a babysitter is a brilliant option if you’re uncomfortable with having a live-in helper or need a caregiver during working hours. There are many types of babysitters, ranging from college students seeking additional income to actual experts.
Some are older and more experienced, while others are students trying to make a little extra cash. Depending on your needs, you may book a babysitter in advance or just when needed and take your child to them. Some may also opt to go directly to your place.<\/p>

Make sure the babysitter you choose has expertise with newborns and knows how to handle breast milk and sterilize bottles and diapers while caring for a small child.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How much are babysitters paid?\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Singaporean babysitters may be hired for as little as $700<\/strong> per month to watch your child for 10-12 hours<\/strong> per day, five to a half days per week. It is possible to get a lesser price if you leave your child with the babysitter and are willing to allow her to care for other children simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>

The hourly wage ranges from $15 <\/strong>to $40<\/strong>. In Singapore, the cost of a babysitter can vary widely based on a variety of factors:<\/span><\/p>