Singaporean authorities are investigating student care operator Little Professors Learning Centre following reports of unpaid salaries to 54 employees and discrepancies in fee deductions from parents. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the police, and the CPF Board are all involved in the probe, which surfaced over the past week, raising concerns about the financial stability of the company and the well-being of its staff and the families it serves. The situation highlights the challenges faced by workers in the early childhood education sector and the importance of safeguarding parents’ funds.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) terminated its contract with Little Professors on Saturday, February 14, 2026, citing “contractual breaches.” The company operated student care centres in eight primary schools – Anchor Green, Jing Shan, Kranji, Punggol Cove, Waterway, Westwood, Hong Wen, and White Sands – and also provided Kindergarten Care (KCare) services in six of those schools. MOE has filed a police report regarding “observed anomalies” in GIRO deductions made by the operator, and is working to ensure continuity of care for affected students. This investigation comes as parents and employees alike grapple with uncertainty.
Unpaid Salaries and CPF Contributions
The core of the issue centers around unpaid wages. According to a joint statement from MOM, the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), and the CPF Board, staff began filing claims with TADM in January and February 2026 regarding outstanding January salaries and CPF contributions dating back to November 2025. Nineteen employees had also lodged a report with the CPF Board in December 2025, prompting the Board to initiate prosecution action against Little Professors, with the case currently before the courts. The authorities are committed to assisting employees in recovering their salary and CPF arrears.
Double Charges and Financial Concerns for Parents
Beyond the employee concerns, parents have also reported irregularities. At least one parent reported being double-charged for student care fees, with a total of S$469.20 deducted for one child – S$234.60 on February 2 and again on February 12. The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, only discovered the issue after receiving notice of the contract termination with Little Professors. MOE has assured parents that the interim after-school care arrangements will be provided at no cost, and staff are reaching out to families to provide updates.
MOE’s Response and Interim Care Arrangements
MOE acted swiftly to mitigate the disruption to students and families. The ministry stated it worked over the past week to ensure after-school care support, including meals and homework supervision, continued at the affected schools. “Our schools will continue to deploy the required manpower to maintain the continuity of after-school care to take care of our students, until a latest joint SCC and KCare operator is formally appointed,” MOE said in a statement. The ministry is actively seeking a replacement operator and has pledged to keep parents informed throughout the process.
Union Support for Affected Workers
The Education Services Union (ESU) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) are offering assistance to affected employees. Harry Lee, president of the ESU, stated the organizations are assessing whether short-term financial relief and job referrals can be provided through the ESU’s network. Little Professors Learning Centre is a non-unionised company, but affected workers can access career guidance and job matching support through NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute. Jobseekers participating in e2i’s job search activities may be eligible for support through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which provides up to S$6,000 in financial assistance over six months.
The situation at Little Professors Learning Centre underscores the importance of robust financial oversight within the student care sector. The ongoing police and MOM investigations will be crucial in determining the full extent of the issues and ensuring accountability. For parents and employees, the immediate priority is navigating the disruption and accessing the support available to them. The Ministry of Education is expected to provide further updates on the selection of a new operator in the coming weeks, and the courts will continue to hear the case regarding outstanding CPF contributions.
If you are an affected employee or parent, please reach out to the resources mentioned in this article for assistance. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
