Epworth Community Services in Singapore started providing subsidised literacy and behaviour intervention programmes for children with special educational needs on May 14, 2026. These subsidies, funded by the Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) Fund, will run until 2028 and cover weekly group sessions as well as comprehensive psychological assessments at their Bukit Batok and Jurong West centres [1, 2].
The programmes target children aged 5 to 12 from middle- to lower-income families who are enrolled in mainstream schools with emerging or mild-to-moderate special educational needs. Epworth expects about 200 children to benefit from the subsidies during this period [1, 2].
Between 2023 and 2025, Epworth saw a 38.3% rise in enrolment of students requiring moderate to high behavioural support, reflecting growing demand for these services [1, 2]. They support children with developmental challenges and learning disorders including ADHD and related behaviours such as inattention, impulsivity, and disruptive conduct.
The weekly group interventions involve close consultation between teachers and parents to tailor support to each child's needs [1, 2]. Madam Fun Ying Jiet, a parent whose son Joe attends the programme, reported noticeable improvements. She said, "He’s been able to construct longer sentences despite some grammar mistakes... and he’s not only able to speak, but he’s also able to write as well" after receiving subsidies of up to 50% for the sessions [1, 2].
The subsidies cover up to half the cost for eligible families and aim to provide accessible support services in areas with demand. Epworth will continue enrolment as part of its commitment to children with special educational needs through 2028 [1, 2].
