When 42-year-old Madam Lim Geok Kieng, a first time mum, was ready to return to her job as a researcher following the birth of her daughter, Clara, her foremost priority was to look for suitable infant care services.

While she spent quite some time researching on nanny services, she did not feel comfortable enough leaving her 10- month-old daughter in the hands of a stranger. She decided then to do some homework on infant care services, and eventually settled for NTUC Childcare, which provides infant care services at Compassvale, Sengkang.

For Madam Lim, the top draw in choosing this centre was the separate infant care facility.

“I decided to pick NTUC Childcare Compassvale Centre because it has a separate facility for its infant care services. The services are set up next to its childcare facility whereas most other centres have their infant services within the childcare centre itself,” she said.

Apart from the good learning facilities and environment, she also found the teachers qualified, and like the open communication between parents and teachers.

“The teachers often gave updates and were very keen and interested in helping bring the best our of our babies. I do hope that as the centre develops, more teachers can be added to give our children the best care.”

Madam Lim’s baby is one of six infants who have been enrolled at the centre, which started operations on 1 June 2004.

A lot of care and attention were put into the design and set up of the Compassvale centre to ensure that babies receive the best and safe care with soft matting on the floor, rounded corners on edges of furniture, soft interior decoration and a variety of toys and books to cater to infants at their different stages of development.

The centre is staffed by caregivers who are trained in a Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care and Development, and headed by a Diploma-trained Principal. Fees are set at $1,188 per month.

After the new infant 9 care subsidy of $400 per child per month that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced during his first National Day Rally on 22 August 2004, parents pay 847.40* per month. For union and NTUC Link members, NTUC Childcare is giving an additional discount of $388 per month (before GST), thus parents only have to pay $440.00* for the months of June to December 2004.

Integrated centres such as the one in Compassvale can ccommodate up to 10 infants, while stand-alone centres can take up to 30 babies. NTUC Childcare plans to open another three to four centres this year depending on demand from parents. Some of the estates it is considering are Tampines and Yew Tee. As for Madam Lim, she has been very satisfied with the services so far.

“Clara is settling in very well. She is learning how to play and is enjoying herself at the centre. This makes me very happy.”

* Including 5 per cent GST