IFC vacancy advice

I'm 37 weeks pregnant now. Planning to send my baby to IFC in Jan 2026 when my maternity leave is ending. However, almost all the IFC around my area (and a bit further away) are full and can't give me an estimated length of the waitlist. Only one came back to say their earliest vacancy is in May 2026 and I can pay a deposit to secure the slot. It's not my top choice as it's not as convenient, but I guess no choice cos I'm staying in punggol 🙃 Not sure if I should secure the slot in May as that means I have to find an alternative between Jan-May. And if another nearer IFC has vacancy before that I would definitely switch so not sure if it's "fair" to "chope". Are the IFC just waiting for me to update my child's birth cert details before opening up slots for us? What's the likelihood of being able to enrol my child in another IFC before May.. Feeling anxious as a #firsttimemom appreciate any advice!

Anonymous

3 Replies

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IFC is notoriously hard to get a slot within 6mths of your preferred enrolment date! Luckily I was kiasu enough to pay a deposit and reserved a slot for my bb when I was just 14W preggy. You likely need to utilise your SPL and WFH arrangements with your company to tide you thru until May or willing to pay more $ to send your bb to those private ones.

Anonymous

4w ago

yeah I might have to take more leave.. am also considering ECDA child minding nannies during the interim period. thanks for sharing!

My baby was born in Jul this year and initially i intend to enrol her in Jan 2026 as well. Despite updating her birth certificate, IFCs all told me on waitlist and couldn’t give me a definite answer too. 🫠

Anonymous

1mo ago

oh man.. sigh this situation is so nerve-wracking. hope the centres get back to you soon :(

Hey I reside in Punggol as well. I managed to get a slot for 2 ifcs. Are you looking at gov centres or private? Both had vacancies for me. Looking to send in Feb 26, 36 weeks preggers now

Anonymous

1mo ago

hi! looking at AOP and POP if possible! which schools/branches did you contact?

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