‘Modest take-up’: More than 90 families await childminders as pilot faces matching challenge

Ms Yap said although her childminder was personally more flexible about occasional delays, the operator imposed late charges after a grace period of about 10 to 15 minutes.

Operators have made changes in response to feedback.

Mr Poon said one of EduNanny’s biggest challenges at the start of the pilot was building its operating system while ensuring that safety and standards were maintained.

“The biggest challenge at the beginning was building the system itself, while ensuring that safety remained non-negotiable and that standards and the care of infants were paramount,” he said.

Feedback from parents has shaped how the service has evolved. For instance, EduNanny introduced CCTV for both its home- and centre-based services.

The operator also introduced a chat system, daily reporting, training modules and safety audits, which Mr Poon said were aimed at making communication and standards of care more consistent.

NIE’s Dr Chan said if childminding becomes a permanent initiative, parents would need assurance over safety and accountability given that care takes place in a home environment.

Even if that does not translate to a CCTV in every home, she suggested using other forms of technology to allow parents to keep track of the child’s heart rate and other indicators that can tell if the child is feeling anxious or unsafe. 

“It’s home-based. The only thing that parents need assurance is the safety aspect and accountability,” she added. 

“NO HARM TRYING”

Despite the challenges, parents CNA spoke to encouraged others to consider childminding.

Ms Yap advised parents to meet prospective childminders before deciding whether the arrangement was right for their child.

She described finding her son’s childminder as a “huge blessing”, but acknowledged that the relationship ultimately depended on the fit between caregiver, parent and child.

Ms Khong also advised parents to visit prospective childminders’ homes.

Entrusting a baby to someone in their home could initially be daunting, she said, but meeting the caregiver helped address some of her concerns.

She said receiving frequent updates and photos and it gave her further assurance.

“This might be something that will appeal to parents,” she said.

Childminders also encouraged parents to take the chance and trust that they would raise their babies in a good environment.  

For Ms Ng, caring for other people’s infants brings back memories of raising her own children.

“Every baby that comes in, I get flashbacks to taking care of my own babies. You provide the same kind of empathy and love,” she said.