Free Childcare Scheme

Overview

The Free Childcare Scheme is a system which was promised in the Government Electoral Manifesto, whereby Government provides free childcare services to parents/guardians who work or are pursuing their education. The childcare service is either provided directly through Government services or alternatively through Registered Child Care Centres.

What you'll get

Free Childcare Service in registered Childcare Centres.

Eligibility

Children whose parents are in employment and/or in education. Children will remain eligible for the Free Childcare Scheme until they become eligible to attend Kindergarten classes. For more information such as which Childcare Centres are in this scheme, click here.

How to apply

Print and fill in the form and apply directly with your preferred Childcare Centre. It is the childcare centre that determines whether it can cater for the child's needs; if the latter is in the positive; then an application through the Free Childcare Information System is forwarded to the Free Childcare Unit to determine eligibility in the scheme.

Required documents by parents/guardians:

a) Students:
i) Statement of course attendance from educational institution.
ii) Statement of course recognition from the NCFHE.

b) Employees:
i) 3 most recent payslips of the eligible parent (defined as a mother or single parent (mother or father) who is in work or pursuing studies).
ii) A declaration from the employer of both the eligible parent and, were applicable, the 2nd parent (defined as a father who is already in employment and or education) stating:
Fixed schedule: average number of weekly working hours and the number of days of work per week.
Flexible schedule: average number of monthly working hours and the number of days of work per month.

c) Self-Employed:
i) The most recent tax return and relevant acknowledgement from the Inland Revenue Department.
ii) A declaration stating:
Fixed schedule: average number of weekly working hours and the number of days of work per week.
Flexible schedule: average number of monthly working hours and the number of days of work per month.
iii) An eligible parent claiming sole custody of the child will have to provide legal documentation that indicates that this parent has full care and custody of the child.
iv) All parents, be they employed or self-employed, are responsible, if necessary, to have their position with Jobsplus regularised. Any eventual checks by the Department which proves otherwise may result in disqualification from the free childcare scheme and possible legal action.
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