SINGAPORE — NTUC First Campus’ My First Skool (MFS) will be introducing a new four-hour kindergarten programme in January next year to offer more options for families with different needs.

With the option of morning (8am-12pm) and afternoon (1-5pm) sessions for children aged four to six years old, the shorter programme is targeted at families who have other care arrangements for their child in the other half of the day.

The programmes will be carried out in two existing MFS preschools — Woodlands and Compasville — with a total of 200 places available.

Fees for the half-day programmes will be lower at S$171.20 before subsidies, compared to the current full-day childcare programmes that range from S$646.01 for Singaporeans before subsidies, to S$1,059.30 for foreigners.

In addition, NTUC First Campus will also open another 10 My First Skool preschools this year to offer another 1.200 places to families.

Speaking to media at a press conference today, general manager of My First Skool Adeline Tan said they intend to meet the needs of two sets of parents — those who are working and need full-day programmes, as well as those only needing half-day programmes.

“The introduction of this kindergarten programme is an attempt by MFS to make available a wider range of pre-school education options within the same preschool compound, proving convenience and options to parents with different needs,” added Mrs Tan.

Registration for children aged four to six years old in 2016 for the new programme will open from today onwards.