TREX8:

4. I am not a media heavy person (that is, almost never download songs, videos etc) and mainly access the internet to read emails and surf for news. Would 12GB/mth seems sufficient?
more than enough for your needs.

Paiseh if my questions do not make sense but seem too basic :oops:

[/quote]

TREX8, one very important thing u must remember whenever u are overseas. Disable Data roaming. I have a friend surf internet in JB and end up the phone bill more than 1k :!: .[/quote]


Just to add on, for most people 12GB will be sufficient. You will notice when surfing web that some site had customised pages for mobile phone which required less data to be downloaded.

One possible usage whereby you may go beyond 12GB is using the tethering feature. This mean turning your mobile phone into a wifi-hotspot and allow other device to connect to it to use the 3G for internet access.

My child centre also increase fee by around 15% last year. The explanation was higher staff cost (quite high tunrover with at least 1 new teacher every 1-1.5 mth) and HDB increase the rental (centre is at ground flat of HDB flat).


From today paper, some points noted that has short-medium impact on fee:
1) Increase the qualification of teachers
Higher qualified people demand higher pay. It also shut the door for experience but no qualification people.

2) Open too many centres too fast
High demand for teacher when the supply is low. This may overall lower the quality of most centres. It may be easy to retain a few good staff but quite difficult to retain most as there is some much opportunity.

Some in the near term, parents may see higher fee, lower quality, but more choices.

Hi all,


I like to share my view/observation on the topic after recent search for a child care centre. This may provide some forumer with some basic idea why some centres charges more than others. I only list those obvious items that can be easily compared.

Each item should be in the context of "if everything is the same".

1) Teacher to child ratio
Lower ratio will require more teachers and as such the operating cost will be higher -> higher fee.

2) Classroom based vs open concept
Centre with class room based concept likely will charge more as it required more space.

3) Function / multi purpose room
Centre with such facility will increase the cost.

4) Playground
Those with dedicate playground will increase the cost.

5) Air-con
Those with air-con will increase the cost.

6) Enrichment Programme
Some centres include enrichment as part of their package while some need to be paid for. Paying for such enrichment will add up quite a bit.


Some other items:
1) Hidden cost (e.g. stationary)
2) Centre location that is convenience will save you time and money.
3) Environment of the centre surrounding (e.g. quiet, near noisy road etc)

Hope you find the info useful.

Dear all,


Finally make the effort to start the first post.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences

btbf