How to make money as a childminder in Singapore - practical guide

If you are experienced with children and want to earn as a childminder in Singapore, there are realistic steps you can take alongside paid work or as a primary income. This guide describes where paying customers actually come from, how to set a first price and discuss money, what your first ten clients often look like, the checks to sort out when you take payments as an independent person, common early problems and how a Websta profile fits into finding and managing bookings.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Parents who pay for childminding in Singapore come from several clear sources. Neighbours and people in your immediate housing estate are a steady starting point. Colleagues at work may ask for help during overtime or when they have appointments. Schools, kindergartens and enrichment centres are places to meet parents who need after-school care or short-term cover. Online search and parent groups on messaging apps and social platforms bring leads when parents look for caregivers by location and availability. Word of mouth remains important - a good placement that goes smoothly often generates repeat callers and referrals.

You can expect a mix of short one-off jobs, regular after-school slots and occasional daytime or weekend work. Each source demands a slightly different approach to trust and visibility - neighbours and colleagues often rely on personal recommendations, while online search requires clear listing information and reviews.

  • Neighbours and housing estate parents
  • Workplace and colleagues
  • Parents met through schools and enrichment centres
  • Online search and parent groups
  • Word of mouth and referrals

Setting your first price and talking about money

Start by listing the services you will offer - hourly care, full-day care, after-school pickup and care, and occasional overnight or weekend shifts. Decide whether you charge hourly, per shift or a flat daily rate for regular bookings. When you set an initial price, cover your time, any transport, snacks and materials you provide, and a buffer for cancellations and admin.

When parents ask about money, be clear and direct. Explain what the fee includes, what extras might cost and your cancellation policy. Consider asking for a deposit or payment in advance for new customers or for longer commitments. Use simple written confirmation - a short service note or message that records date, time, price and cancellation terms - so both sides have the same expectation.

  • List services and choose pricing unit - hourly, per shift or daily
  • Include costs for supplies and travel
  • State cancellations and deposit policy in writing
  • Offer receipts or simple invoices for each booking

What the first ten customers often look like

The first ten paying customers are often a varied group rather than ten identical clients. Many childminders find that early customers include family friends and neighbours who trust you, a few colleagues or contacts from work, and parents from local parent groups or social networks. You are likely to see a mixture of one-off, occasional jobs and a few repeat bookings that become regular slots.

Expect that some early customers will test your availability and reliability. A handful may drop out after a trial session, and a smaller number may become steady weekly clients. Keep records of who booked, notes on childrens routines and any agreed changes to pricing or times - this helps turn one-offs into repeat work.

  • Family friends and neighbours
  • Colleagues and workplace referrals
  • Parents from schools or online parent groups
  • Mix of one-off bookings and potential regular slots

Admin and legal checks to sort out

As an independent childminder in Singapore, check the rules and obligations with the relevant authorities rather than relying on these notes alone. Ask the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) whether your particular setup requires licensing or meets safety, training and caregiver-to-child-ratio rules. Contact the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to confirm how you must declare income, whether you need to register a business name and any questions about consumption tax or GST thresholds. If you employ anyone or run a larger service, check with the Central Provident Fund Board about contribution obligations.

Keep simple records for income and expenses from the start. Issue receipts or written confirmations for each booking. If parents request invoices for company reimbursement, ask them what details they need, and keep copies of payments and bank statements.

  • Ask ECDA whether licensing or training is required for your setup
  • Check with IRAS about declaring income and business registration questions
  • If you hire staff, check CPF Board rules on contributions
  • Keep clear records, receipts and simple invoices

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems include unclear expectations on hours and duties, disputes over last-minute cancellations, underpricing that makes the work unsustainable and a lack of simple contracts or written confirmations. Scheduling conflicts are frequent when you juggle childminding with other work. Safety incidents or disagreements with parents are rare but disruptive - staying calm, documenting what happened and discussing next steps with the parent is essential.

To reduce problems, be explicit about start and end times, duties such as meal preparation or school pickup, and your cancellation policy. Ask for emergency contact information, allergy details and medical permissions in writing for every child you care for.

  • Unclear hours, duties and expectations
  • Cancellations without notice or payment disputes
  • Underpricing and unsustainable rates
  • Scheduling conflicts with other work
  • Insufficient documentation for safety or medical needs

How a Websta profile fits into this work

A Websta profile gives you a single page you can send to parents and share in groups. The profile looks like a small website with services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. It also connects to a marketplace where people nearby find providers by service and place and can post tasks for providers to make offers on. Card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe; the provider sets the prices.

Use the profile to list your offered services, clear availability and your cancellation and deposit policy. Add photos of relevant activities and a short description of your experience. A single live page makes it easier for parents to confirm details and pay, and for you to link from messages, flyers or social profiles.

  • Profile acts as a shareable booking and information page
  • Includes services, prices, photos, contact form and online booking
  • Appears in a local marketplace where parents post tasks
  • Card payments are processed and paid out to your bank via Stripe

Practical next steps

Make a short checklist: decide the exact services you will offer, write a clear price list and cancellation policy, prepare a one-page information sheet for parents with emergency and medical details, and set up simple bookkeeping. Reach out first to neighbours, colleagues and local parent groups with your Websta profile link and ask for trial bookings or feedback.

Start small, learn from early customers and adjust your price and policies before committing to heavy advertising. Track hours and income from day one so you can answer questions from authorities and parents if they arise.

  • Create service list and clear pricing
  • Prepare parent information and consent forms
  • Share your Websta profile with local networks
  • Keep records of bookings, payments and expenses

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to be a childminder in Singapore?
That depends on the exact nature of your service. Check with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and ask whether your home setup or the number and age of children you care for requires licensing, training or specific safety measures.
How should I take payments as an independent childminder?
Accept whatever payment methods your customers prefer, but keep records. A Websta profile supports online booking and card payments that are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe; the provider sets the prices. For tax questions about declaring that income, check with IRAS.
Should I charge hourly or per shift?
Both options are used. Hourly pricing works well for short jobs and ad-hoc cover, while per-shift or daily rates suit regular slots and longer sessions. Choose the method that covers your time, travel and materials, and state it clearly in writing.
How do I find my first clients?
Start with people who already trust you - neighbours, family friends and colleagues. Post your Websta profile link in local parent groups and mention it to schools or enrichment centres where parents might need care. Ask every satisfied customer for a referral.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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