Exploratory Study of After-school Care from a Multi-stakeholder Perspective

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Teaching, Learning and Education

Year: 2026

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Exploratory Study of After-school Care from a Multi-stakeholder Perspective

Dr. Patricia Chew, Chong Guan

ABSTRACT:

After-school care services are critical in supporting workforce participation of parents with elementary school-age children in Singapore. Due to the lack of research adopting a holistic perspective to examine the motivations and challenges of key stakeholders that shape the demand and supply of the sector, this study aims to bridge that gap. It also aims to generate insights to inform policymakers and contribute to the uplifting and professionalization of the sector. Utilizing a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study examined the perspectives of its key stakeholders, namely owners, supervisors, coaches, ex-coaches and parents. Passion for children was the driving motivation for owners and staff to enter and remain in the sector. However, the sector is characterized by low pay, high staff turnover and a lack of career progression. This is in part due to financial pressures faced by owners in the largely unregulated industry, comprising both school and community-based centers. Fees charged have remained relatively low as the bidding system for contracts to run school-based centers sets a reference price for sector fees. Government intervention in the form of funding and subsidies, together with professionalizing the staff through a qualification framework is needed to transform the sector.

Keywords: After-School Programs; After-School Student Care; Out-Of-School Childcare; Out-Of-School Hours Care; Student Care