http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110310-0000649/Kids-six-and-below-can-now-open-an-account
According to the above news, "He said the credits would be distributed in batches because the number of children involved was large."
So qn is: do we have alot of children or not?
Add on to your list
1. lower childcare fees
>> I feel that it should be a % instead of a rate like $600 or whatsoever. They can give a 50% subsidy, capped at $800 for example. Do it for across the board for all ages of CC (not 600 for IC and 300 for PG etc) So if a parent sends the child to a CC at $2000/mth, have to pay $1200 a mth, whereas a parent send to a school of $1200 just pays $600. imagine, if govt can help you with 50%, it's easier to have more kids.
Real life example calculation:
1st child in playgroup at $1050/mth before subsi & GST. Parent pays about $780.
If they were to have 2nd child, it will cost $1600/mth before subsi & GST. HOW TO AFFORD??
2. can use baby bonus for enrichment classes
3. give special rebate/ levy reduction to families who need maid
>> i thought already have? Didnt you apply for it??
4. improve training of maids
5. train more women who want to be nannies or babysitters, and set up a registry for easy matching
>> i think there is something similar in place too
6. easier to take time off to send child to clinic
>> Sigh! i think it depends on the company and the bosses. No matter what Govt says, end of day the company & bosses also give sarcasm what...
7. fathers to get 1/2 or 1 paid day off each month to look after baby up til 24 months
>> Currently Working Mom gets 6 days of Childcare leave and Working Dad get 6 days of Childcare leave too... so add together will have 12 days.. but if have more kids, might need more.
8. improve English standard of nursery/childcare teachers
>> i think they are doing so already. this morning i had a chat with the teachers at IC. they said that subsi increased, school fees increased, but teachers pay never increased. so i asked her, i thought govt also injecting funds to raise the salary? she said, in future, childcare teachers need to be degree holders too.. frankly, i find that is a lil ridiculous... IMO, being able to study does not necessary means can take care of baby well.
9. more tax reductions on those with family members taking care of child
>> is already in place what, hahaha... still not enough reductions for you?? income must be real high!!
10. more baby friendly nursing rooms and family rest rooms
>> YES!!!! and more parking lots for family cars with children & prams
11. discounts from ntuc for milk powder and diapers
12. and .... free 10 slimming sessions in a year for mothers who have given birth
>> Wahahhaahhahaaha i love this! maybe they can throw in the Jamu massage for every women after child birth. or at least subsi us 50% lah