WHEN low-income mothers stay home rather than work, the reason goes beyond the fees charged by childcare centres, said Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan.

Childcare centres charge an average of $672 a month but Dr Balakrishnan pointed out that there is a scheme that subsidises such fees for low-income families.

This scheme, called the Centre-based Financial Assistance Scheme for Childcare, is reviewed regularly to keep pace with rising centre fees, said the minister.

The last review was in February.It led to an increase in grants: Families now get monthly subsidies of up to $340, an increase of up to $20. This is on top of an initial lump sum of $1,000.

Also, the scheme was extended beyond the $1,500 monthly income threshold, to include families with incomes up to $1,800.

'Money is not the limiting factor for low-income families to send their children to childcare centres,' said Dr Balakrishnan.

He was replying to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who had asked if the scheme could be improved to encourage housewives from lower- income families to seek employment.

Dr Balakrishnan also said more information will be given on the ministry's website on the quality of infant-care and childcare centres.

Nominated MP Kalyani K. Mehta wanted greater transparency on the standards in these centres.

She also asked if infant-care centres were alerted to spot checks conducted by the ministry - a move that defeats the purpose, according to her.

Dr Balakrishnan conceded that the ministry's checks are done with the prior knowledge of the operators.

'Basically my staff - and I agree with them - take the attitude that this is a long-term relationship and a partnership.''

He argued that when a centre's facilities and teachers are not good enough, they will become evident.

'You can't hide it just because I have given you a few hours or even a few days' notice,' he said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 23 July 2008.