It’s completely normal to feel uncertain when your child needs support and you don’t know where to start. Navigating the world of early intervention can be daunting, but with the right information, you can find the best path forward for your child.
Early intervention provides crucial support to children aged 0 to 6 who have developmental delays or disabilities. This period is a critical window of opportunity because a young child’s brain is highly adaptable and still developing. The benefits of early intervention are well-documented, showing that it can lead to better long-term outcomes academically, socially, and emotionally.
Singapore offers a variety of early intervention programmes (EIPs) designed to support children with diverse needs. These programmes are often delivered in a group or one-on-one setting and focus on a holistic approach to development. Understanding the different options available is the first step towards securing the right support for your child.
At Tesserae, we specialise in collaborative ABA therapy and understand that navigating Singapore’s early intervention landscape can feel overwhelming. With the right information and support, you can help your child reach their full potential whilst accessing the resources available in Singapore.
What is an Early Intervention Program in Singapore?
Early intervention programmes in Singapore are all about giving children with developmental needs a head start. By providing specialised support early on, these programmes aim to help children build foundational skills and prepare them for a smoother transition to school.
Understanding MSF's Early Intervention Programme (EIPIC)
The Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC) is a government-funded initiative designed to help children who require medium to high levels of early intervention support. The main goals of EIPIC are to boost a child’s developmental growth potential, minimise the chance of secondary disabilities from developing, and maximise their ability to integrate into mainstream school settings later on. The program has different parts, like the “EIPIC Under-2s” for very young children which focuses on training caregivers, and “EIPIC@Centre” which provides educational intervention in small groups.
The Role of the Early Intervention Team in Child Development
An early intervention team is more than just a single therapist. It’s typically a group of professionals, like educators, therapists, and psychologists, who work together. They create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) with goals that are tailored to your child’s specific needs. The team works closely with parents to make sure the intervention strategies are carried out at home too, because consistency is key. Think of it as a collaborative effort where everyone is on the same page to help your child thrive.
What is the difference between EIP and EIPIC?
This is a really common question, and it can be confusing. The table below outlines the differences:
| Programme | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
EIP |
Early Intervention Programme |
EIP is a general umbrella term that refers to any programme providing support to young children with developmental needs. These programmes can be run by private or public institutions. |
|
EIPIC |
Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children |
EIPIC is a specific government-funded programme in Singapore that is run by public institutions. |
|
EIPIC-P |
Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children – Private |
EIPIC is a specific government-funded programme in Singapore that is run by public institutions.
EIPIC-P
Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children – Private EIPIC-P is identical to EIPIC, except that the programme is run by private sector operators appointed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). |
To summarise, there are many private early intervention centres that offer EIPs, but not all are funded by the government in the same way as EIPIC or EIPIC-P. This means that EIPIC and EIPIC-P are types of EIP, but not all EIPs are EIPIC or EIPIC-P.
Who Needs Early Intervention Services in Singapore?
Early intervention isn’t just for children with diagnosed disabilities. It’s designed to support any child who may benefit from additional developmental support during their crucial early years.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Early Intervention Program
Recognising when your child might benefit from early intervention isn’t always straightforward. Some signs are obvious, whilst others might be subtle differences you’ve noticed compared to other children their age. For example, a baby who doesn’t respond to their name by 9 months, or a toddler who isn’t speaking any words by 18 months may be a cause for some concern. Other signs might include:
- Motor skills: A child who seems clumsy, has trouble with basic movements like crawling or walking (gross motor skills), or can’t hold a crayon (fine motor skills).
- Communication: Not making eye contact, having difficulty with speech, or not responding to sounds.
- Social skills: Not playing with other children, avoiding social interaction, or showing little interest in sharing or taking turns.
- Learning: Struggles with problem-solving, can’t follow simple instructions, or seems to get frustrated easily with new tasks.
These are just a few examples. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to get a professional assessment.
Age Requirements: What Age is Best for Early Intervention?
Early intervention services in Singapore typically support children from birth to six years old, with some programmes extending support until primary school entry. However, the earlier the intervention begins, the more effective it tends to be. Research consistently shows that the brain’s plasticity is highest during the first few years of life. This means children can develop new neural pathways more easily when they’re younger, making early intervention particularly powerful during this window.
For EIPIC specifically, children usually enter the programme between the ages of two and six. However, some centres accept younger children if they have clear developmental needs. The programme is designed to prepare children for their next educational step, whether that’s mainstream preschool, special education, or primary school. It’s never “too late” to start early intervention within this age range, but starting sooner generally provides more opportunities to build essential skills before formal schooling begins.
Common Conditions Addressed (ADHD, Autism, Developmental Delays)
Early intervention programmes support children with a wide range of conditions and developmental differences. Some of the most common ones include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a child’s attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): This is a developmental disability that can cause a child to have social, communication, and behavioural challenges.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): This is a difference in how the brain interprets sensory information, like sounds, touch or movement, which can lead to over or under-sensitivity and affect a child’s comfort, attention and behaviour in daily activities.
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD): This term is used when a child is taking longer to reach their milestones in a few different developmental areas, like speech and motor skills.
- Speech and Language Delays: This is when a child has trouble with speaking or understanding language.
- Physical disabilities, sensory impairments like hearing or vision loss, and intellectual disabilities are also supported through early intervention programmes. The key is matching the right type and intensity of support to each child’s specific needs.
Singapore's Early Intervention Program Landscape: Government vs. Private Options
Understanding your choices is important. In Singapore, you have two main pathways for early intervention: government-funded programs and private centres. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations.
Government-Funded Programs: EIPIC, DS-LS, and More
EIPIC (Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children) serves as Singapore’s primary government-funded early intervention programme. Designed for children with moderate to high support needs, EIPIC provides comprehensive services including special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
The programme operates through various centres island-wide, with each centre typically serving children from specific geographical areas. Children attend EIPIC sessions multiple times per week, following a structured curriculum designed to build foundational skills across all developmental areas.
Development Support & Learning Support (DS-LS) and DS-Plus serve children with lower support needs who can benefit from intervention whilst remaining in mainstream preschool settings. DS-LS provides support within the preschool environment, whilst DS-Plus offers additional support for children who need more intensive help than DS-LS can provide.
These programmes are particularly valuable for children who are developing typically in most areas but need targeted support in specific skills. They allow children to maintain their place in mainstream education whilst receiving the additional help they need.
How to Apply for Government-Funded Early Intervention Programs
The process for government-funded programs usually starts with a referral from a medical professional, like a paediatrician. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
- Medical Assessment: Your child will need to be assessed by a paediatrician at a public hospital’s Child Development Unit (CDU), like those at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) or National University Hospital (NUH). They will give you an official diagnosis or assessment report.
- Referral to SG Enable: The paediatrician or a medical social worker will help you submit a referral to SG Enable, which is the central agency for all government-funded early intervention programs.
- Waitlist and Enrolment: Once the referral is made, you’ll be placed on a waitlist. The length of the wait can vary depending on the centre and the child’s needs. Once a spot opens up, the centre will contact you to arrange an interview and assessment for enrolment.
Private vs. Public Early Intervention Programs
Choosing between a private or public early intervention programme involves considering several key differences. Public programmes, such as those under the EIPIC in Singapore, are often subsidised by the government, which makes them more affordable for families.
However, they typically have longer waiting lists due to high demand. Public programmes generally offer a more standardised curriculum and a broad range of services, but they may not offer highly specialised or niche therapeutic approaches.
In contrast, private centres usually have shorter waiting times, allowing a child to begin therapy sooner. They often offer a wider variety of specialised methodologies, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which is less common in public EIPIC centres.
This specialisation can be a significant advantage if a child has a specific set of needs that aligns with a particular therapeutic approach. Private programmes also tend to offer more flexibility in scheduling and can often provide more frequent and intensive therapy sessions. The trade-off is that they are typically more expensive and are not subsidised.
Deciding on the Right Therapy
Deciding what kind of therapy to start with can be one of the most confusing parts of the process. The best approach is often to consult with a developmental paediatrician or a qualified professional who can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child. This assessment will help you understand your child’s specific developmental needs, strengths, and challenges, and provide recommendations for the most suitable therapy.
Some common therapies include:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): ABA is a well researched intervention, focusing on breaking down skills into small steps and using positive reinforcement. It’s particularly effective for building communication, social skills, promoting positive beachgoers and regulating reducing challenging behaviours.
- Speech and Language Therapy: SLT focuses not just on speech sounds, but on the full range of communication skills: making requests, sharing ideas, understanding instructions, and participating in back-and-forth conversation. A speech therapist may also work on alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), such as picture exchange systems or communication devices, to give your child a reliable way to express themselves.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps children develop daily living skills, fine motor skills. OT also helps children manage sensory sensitivities by gradually building tolerance to sounds, textures, and environments that they find overwhelming. Particularly helpful for children who struggle with eating, dressing, or experience meltdowns or avoid certain activities because of sensory overload.
- Social Skills Training: Social skills training teaches children how to join a group activity, share toys, take turns, make friends, and understand social rules. These programmes are often delivered in small groups so children can practise in a safe, supportive setting.
At Tesserae, we believe that the best outcomes happen when different therapies work together seamlessly.
While ABA provides a strong evidence-based foundation, our team collaborates closely across disciplines so that strategies are integrated rather than siloed. This way, your child benefits from a holistic plan that is tailored to their unique learning style, developmental needs, and family context.
Ready to start the early intervention journey for your child?
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your child’s specific needs and development.
Content
Book a free discovery session with us