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Does pre-school for the masses spell the end of smaller centres?

The early childhood education sector is consolidating, with the rise of government-funded ministry kindergartens, and anchor and partner operators. But small centres offering niche services play a role and deserve support.

ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
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The clock is ticking for many smaller pre-schools in Singapore.

Faced with falling recruitment from a lower birth rate, dwindling resources and a shortage of teachers, many centres have called it quits, as competition in the early childhood sector heats up in recent years.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 01, 2019, with the headline Does pre-school for the masses spell the end of smaller centres?. Subscribe