Failed by the System, Janice Tay Becomes the Change in Early Intervention in Singapore

You always hear about early intervention. Like how important it is, how it can make or break a child’s developmental progress. But what happens when the so-called “system” in place falls short? What if your child needs help and the options available just don’t cut it?

For Janice Tay Fang Ting, 45, the wake-up call came early. A high-flying corporate finance professional, she was laser-focused on climbing the ranks, until life threw a curveball. Her son, Emmanuel, was born prematurely at 32 weeks, and what followed was a relentless journey of navigating medical challenges, developmental delays, and an early intervention system that wasn’t built to truly support children like him.

If you’re a parent in Singapore struggling to find the right help for your child, you’re not alone. The reality is that the current early intervention system has gaps—big ones. And that’s why parents like Janice are stepping up to build the solutions they desperately needed but couldn’t find.

The Reality of Early Intervention in Singapore

The term “early intervention system” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? In theory, it’s supposed to provide structured support for children with developmental needs, ensuring they receive timely therapy and guidance before these challenges become more pronounced.

In practice? It’s not always that straightforward.

Janice recalls the frustration of seeking professional help. “I initially hoped he just needed more time, but as I watched him struggle with communication and social interactions, I realised he needed more than what mainstream systems could offer,” she shares.

The lack of structured guidance left her with more questions than answers.

Many Singaporean parents face the same struggles. Limited resources, overwhelming bureaucracy, and long waiting lists. These are just some of the hurdles families encounter. And even when intervention is available, it’s often fragmented, with children receiving speech therapy at one centre, occupational therapy at another, and no overarching approach to connect the dots.

The Missing Pieces in Singapore’s Early Intervention System

Source: Bridging the Gap

If you’re wondering why parents still struggle despite the increasing awareness of developmental delays, here’s why: the system is incomplete. Janice, who co-founded Bridging the Gap in 2017, points out several major gaps.

Source: Facebook/Bridging the Gap

Lack of holistic, multidisciplinary programs – Many centres focus on just one type of therapy, such as speech or occupational therapy, without considering the child’s overall development. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.

Limited collaboration between early intervention centres and preschools – This gap makes transitioning into mainstream education much harder for children with developmental needs.

Affordability concerns – Private intervention programs remain expensive, making them inaccessible to many middle-income families who don’t qualify for government subsidies.

Long waiting lists – The demand for early intervention services far outweighs availability. And when it comes to developmental support, delayed help often means lost potential.

Parents are often left with two choices: wait and hope, or dig deep into their pockets for expensive private options. But what happens if neither is a viable option?

A Mother’s Journey from Frustration to Solution

Faced with the grim reality of the early intervention system, Janice made a drastic decision.

She left her corporate career to build the support system she wished existed. “I had to make financial sacrifices to access private therapy, but even then, finding an environment where my son could thrive was difficult,” she recalls. “Emmanuel experienced bullying and anxiety in mainstream settings, which made integration even more challenging.”

Source: Bridging the Gap website

Determined to change the landscape, she pursued further studies in Special Education, Educational Psychology, and various therapy techniques. Her efforts culminated in the founding of Bridging the Gap, designed to provide individualised, multidisciplinary care under one roof.

No more running from one specialist to another—everything a child needs in one place.

Bridging the Gaps, Changing Futures

For a child with developmental delays, every day can feel like an uphill battle. Struggling to form words that won’t come, fumbling through movements that should feel natural, longing for friendships that seem just out of reach. Too often, traditional intervention focuses on a single area, leaving families piecing together scattered solutions, hoping something clicks.

But real progress doesn’t happen in isolation.

At Bridging the Gap, support isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about seeing the whole child. By weaving together speech therapy, motor skills training, and social development, we create a tailored roadmap that meets children where they are and helps them move forward with confidence. The goal isn’t just to help them cope but to help them thrive, giving them the tools to express themselves, build relationships, and step into the world with a sense of belonging.

The Role of Women in Reshaping Early Intervention

Janice isn’t alone in her fight to improve Singapore’s early intervention system. Women across the country are stepping up—not just as caregivers but as educators, therapists, and advocates.

“Traditionally, women have been the primary advocates and caregivers, navigating the complexities of early intervention. However, today, more women are stepping up as educators, therapists, entrepreneurs, and policy changemakers, actively shaping the sector and driving greater accessibility and inclusivity,” she says.

Source: Bridging the Gap website

She’s right. More women are creating spaces where parents can connect, share resources, and push for systemic changes. But the work isn’t done yet.

“Many still juggle caregiving and professional responsibilities without sufficient societal or institutional support. More needs to be done to recognise, support, and empower women in this field, whether through flexible work arrangements, financial aid, or better career development opportunities,” Janice emphasises.

Parents Deserve Better

So, what now? If you’re a parent trying to navigate Singapore’s early intervention system, here’s the truth: the road isn’t easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Start by demanding better. More holistic services. Better collaboration between early intervention centres and preschools. More accessible programs for all income levels. The system won’t change overnight, but every conversation, every push, and every initiative like Bridging the Gap brings us one step closer.

The early intervention system is supposed to help children thrive. If it’s failing families, it’s time to fix it. And if there’s one thing parents in Singapore know how to do, it’s fight for their children.

So let’s do it together.

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