5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators

5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators

    By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
    POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
 
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.

SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.

The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.

Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.

Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.

However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.

Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.

Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)