Your Parent’s Guide to Childcare Leave in Singapore — and How Genesis Childcare 1989 Has Your Back
- Jennifer Mendoza
- Aug 13
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 12
If you’re a working parent in Singapore, you’ve probably had days where you wished you could just take time off to be with your little one — whether they’re feeling under the weather, have a school event, or simply need some extra cuddles.
The good news? Singapore’s childcare leave policies are here to make that happen. And as a long-time Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery provider, Genesis Childcare 1989 knows how much these leave days can mean to both you and your child.
So, let’s talk about what childcare leave is, how it works, and how to make the most of it while keeping your career (and your sanity) intact.
What Exactly Is Childcare Leave?
Childcare leave is your legal right to take a few days off work every year so you can focus 100% on your child — no work emails, no meetings, just you and your little one.
It’s not just for emergencies either. You can use it to:
Bring your baby for vaccinations
Attend your preschooler’s school concert
Stay home with your child when they catch a cold
Spend some one-on-one bonding time
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to touch your annual leave for this. It’s a separate benefit meant purely for parenting needs.
The Different Types of Childcare Leave in Singapore
Think of childcare leave as coming in two main “flavors” depending on your child’s age.
1. Government-Paid Childcare Leave (GPCL)
For parents of Singapore citizen kids under 7 years old.
How much? 6 days per year
Who gets it? Anyone who’s been employed for at least 3 consecutive months (including self-employed parents)
Tip: It’s per parent — so both you and your spouse get your own 6 days.
If your little one is in Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool, this is perfect for staying home when they’re sick or showing up for those cute school performances.
2. Extended Childcare Leave (ECL)
For parents of Singapore citizen kids aged 7–12.
How much? 2 days per year
Same rules: At least 3 months of continuous employment
This is great for older kids in primary school — you can use it for parent-teacher meetings, school camps, or special outings.
3. Non-GPCL Childcare Leave
If your child isn’t a Singapore citizen but is under 7, you may still get 2 days a year if you meet the work requirements.
How to Apply Without the Hassle
Taking childcare leave is simple if you know the steps:
Tell your boss early. The sooner they know, the easier it is to plan work around your absence.
Fill in the right forms. Usually, this is the GPCL1 form, but your company may have its own version.
Have your documents ready. Birth certificate, proof of citizenship — or guardianship documents if applicable.
Self-employed? Apply via the Government-Paid Leave Portal and keep track of your days.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we’ve had many parents let us know in advance when they’re taking childcare leave so they can join us for class activities, sports days, or even just spend an hour in our Tampines nursery playing alongside their child.
Why You Should Actually Use Your Childcare Leave
Some parents don’t use their childcare leave because they feel guilty about taking time off work. But trust us — your child will remember those moments you showed up for them far more than any email you sent.
Here’s why it’s worth taking:
You build memories. Whether it’s watching your toddler in Tampines preschool perform on stage or being there when they’re sick, these moments matter.
It’s good for your child’s development. Kids feel more secure and loved when parents are present.
It helps you recharge. A day away from work to focus on family can actually make you more productive when you return.
How Genesis Childcare 1989 Makes Your Parenting Life Easier
Even with childcare leave, most of your working days will still require reliable care for your little one. That’s where we come in.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we’ve been trusted by generations of parents in Tampines for over 30 years — providing a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Whether you’re looking for Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, or Tampines nursery, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how we help:
Warm, experienced teachers who genuinely care about your child
A well-rounded curriculum that supports early learning, social skills, and creativity
Strong communication with parents so you’re always in the loop
Safe, well-equipped classrooms designed for young learners
We know parenting is a balancing act. That’s why we’re not just here for your child — we’re here for you too. Whether you’re rushing to work after drop-off or coming in to join a school event on your childcare leave day, our doors (and hearts) are always open.
Childcare Leave + Quality Childcare = Work-Life Balance
Childcare leave is your time to be fully present with your child. The rest of the time, they deserve a place where they feel happy, secure, and inspired to learn. That’s why combining your leave days with enrolment at Genesis Childcare 1989 works so well.
Imagine this:
You take a GPCL day to attend your preschooler’s art exhibition at our center.
You see their proud smile as they show you their masterpiece.
The next day, they’re back to learning and playing with friends while you return to work feeling fulfilled.
That’s work-life balance done right.
Final Word from Genesis Childcare 1989
Being a working parent isn’t easy, but with the right support — from Singapore’s childcare leave policies to a trusted childcare partner — it’s absolutely doable.
So, make the most of your childcare leave. Spend those days with your child, create precious memories, and let us take care of them the rest of the time with our Tampines infant care, Tampines child care, Tampines preschool, and Tampines nursery programs.
Genesis Childcare 1989 — where your child’s growth and your peace of mind come first.
What matters most to parents? Our most-read articles:
Reading & talking to infants
Playgrounds in Singapore
Must-have child products
Changing diapers
Unforgettable moments
Family-friendly things to do
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Stop baby from crying
Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood center in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141
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