YMCA of Singapore Transfers Operations of Child Development Centres to TOUCH Preschools from 1 September 2025

The YMCA of Singapore has transferred the operations of its four Child Development Centres (CDC) to TOUCH Preschools with effect from 1 September 2025. This marks a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring that YMCA’s strong legacy in early childhood education is upheld by a trusted partner with a deep commitment to nurture children and promote inclusion.  

The centres — located at Bukit Batok, Woodlands, Zhenghua, and Toa Payoh — have been pillars of the YMCA’s early childhood efforts since 1991. Over the years, YMCA has nurtured generations of young children through values-driven education, inclusive practices, and strong community partnerships under its YMCA Child Development Centre Ltd (CDCL). 

To ensure continued excellence and sustainability in service delivery, the YMCA undertook a strategic review in 2023 and identified the opportunity to work with a like-minded operator with deep expertise and a strong track record. After careful evaluation of several potential partners, TOUCH Preschools was selected as the new operator. 

“TOUCH Preschools stood out as a partner whose values and vision closely align with YMCA’s,” said Ms Wu Mei Ling, General Secretary & CEO of the YMCA of Singapore. “Their commitment to nurture children through a values-based approach and best practices in education while leveraging on community support are similar to YMCA’s. Additionally, their vision to grow their footprint further in this space and to promote inclusion assure us that they will be in this for the long haul.” 

TOUCH Preschools has established itself as a leader in inclusive early childhood education, with a focus on supporting children with special needs, as well as families from lower-income backgrounds. Its core strengths include an inclusive culture, integrated support for families, and specialised services for children with additional needs. 

All current YMCA CDCL staff — both teaching and non-teaching — will transition to TOUCH Preschools with the same or improved employment benefits, ensuring continuity and stability for the children. All physical assets and learning environments will also be transferred, with operations remaining at the same locations. 

“We are deeply grateful to our educators, parents and partners who have journeyed with us through the years,” remarked Ms Lynette Yeo, Assistant General Secretary of YMCA and COO of YMCA CDCL. “While we may be handing over the reins to a new organisation, this is not an ending — it is a new beginning. A fresh season awaits, full of opportunity, growth, and greater impact, “Mrs Helen Tan, Head of its four CDCs added. “We pray that as they move forward with their new partners, they will continue to thrive, innovate, and reach even greater heights in the work of early childhood education. May the same spirit of excellence, compassion, and collaboration continue to flourish in the days ahead.” On behalf of YMCA, we thank them once again for being part of this shared story — and may the next chapter be even more remarkable.