mummy of 2:

I can think of at least 2 differences - PCF does not need to make a profit and its' rental for premises are highly subsidised. I should think after manpower cost, rental is the next big ticket item for operators.

KSP:

how much does pcf charging now for 3-4hrs and full day?

3Boys:

mummy of 2:

Yes that's why I think PCF needs to keep in mind its' social objective. I had heard that some families already have difficulties paying the current fees, not to mention the higher fees.

Fundamentally, PCF is a standalone organisation, it does not receive government funding. Therefore, whilst it may have a social agenda, and may be non-profit making, it cannot be loss-making or else it will cease to exist as a viable entity, and that would be disastrous for many lower income families.

I do not know what the cost structure of PCF kindergartens are, but I can't imagine that they can be very much less than that of private operators. Teachers are teachers, they don't get paid very well and will go to the highest payer. The books cost the same, electricity, cleaning services, furniture.

KSP:

how much does pcf charging now for 3-4hrs and full day?

mummy of 2:

Yes that's why I think PCF needs to keep in mind its' social objective. I had heard that some families already have difficulties paying the current fees, not to mention the higher fees.

buds:

3Boys back in da house awrite..

Daddy

mummy of 2:

I agree that the teachers should get their increases. I don't begrudge them that. But I have to say I expect the PCF to charge significantly less than private operator, cos it's a social enterprise. I think parents sending their kids to PCF have certain assumptions on the fees. Also I do not think that the PCF curriculum (some may be exceptional but generally speaking) is on par with the private operators, so I think it's not quite fair to pay so much.

Esp with PCF having the biggest market share in pre-school education... I won't be surprised if other private vendors start to follow and increase their prices subsequently...
Monkey see Monkey do...
:stupid:

woheni:

I'm new and glad to join.http://www.inladyzone.com

mummy of 2:

I agree that the teachers should get their increases. I don't begrudge them that. But I have to say I expect the PCF to charge significantly less than private operator, cos it's a social enterprise. I think parents sending their kids to PCF have certain assumptions on the fees. Also I do not think that the PCF curriculum (some may be exceptional but generally speaking) is on par with the private operators, so I think it's not quite fair to pay so much.

Oppsgal:

mummy of 2:

Hi oppsgal


Actually I just quit recently but not becos the fees outweigh the expenses of childcare. I wanted to spend more time with the kids and not be a harassed mummy all the time. But with everything going up may need to review this decision. And the govt wonders why we are not having more kids....

http://www.salary.sg/2010/1million-to-raise-2-kids/

$1Million to have 2 kids to university?

http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/viewtopic.php?p=4417404&sid=5b64059f53aded981528309cba6844fb
Go abortion due to costs of living? :yikes:

mummy of 2:

Hi oppsgal


Actually I just quit recently but not becos the fees outweigh the expenses of childcare. I wanted to spend more time with the kids and not be a harassed mummy all the time. But with everything going up may need to review this decision. And the govt wonders why we are not having more kids....

3Boys:

If I may just make an observation here.


Is manpower cost not the main component of pre-school care and education?

If we expect an increase in our own salaries and not expect the organisations to hire foreign workers to keep costs down, then how do we expect to finance this without raising fees?

If we don't raise fees then would we not expect taxes to be raised?

I think we need to be a little objective here....

Perhaps the easiest thing would be for PCF to just withdraw itself from the kindergarten scene and leave it all to private vendors, then it does not need to take a brickbats when it makes business decisions.

After all, in another thread, there is this big hoohah about how stressful our education system is, perhaps tuning down preschool would be a step in the right direction.....

3Boys:

If I may just make an observation here.


Is manpower cost not the main component of pre-school care and education?

If we expect an increase in our own salaries and not expect the organisations to hire foreign workers to keep costs down, then how do we expect to finance this without raising fees?

If we don't raise fees then would we not expect taxes to be raised?

I think we need to be a little objective here....

Perhaps the easiest thing would be for PCF to just withdraw itself from the kindergarten scene and leave it all to private vendors, then it does not need to take a brickbats when it makes business decisions.

After all, in another thread, there is this big hoohah about how stressful our education system is, perhaps tuning down preschool would be a step in the right direction.....

3Boys:

If I may just make an observation here.


Is manpower cost not the main component of pre-school care and education?

If we expect an increase in our own salaries and not expect the organisations to hire foreign workers to keep costs down, then how do we expect to finance this without raising fees?

If we don't raise fees then would we not expect taxes to be raised?

I think we need to be a little objective here....

Perhaps the easiest thing would be for PCF to just withdraw itself from the kindergarten scene and leave it all to private vendors, then it does not need to take a brickbats when it makes business decisions.

After all, in another thread, there is this big hoohah about how stressful our education system is, perhaps tuning down preschool would be a step in the right direction.....

Oppsgal:

Nevermind, still got 60.1% people happy.