How we started

It all started with one person, Mabel Tan. She had the desire to do something meaningful with her resources–especially for children in need. In 1995, it was finally decided to set up an Early Intervention Programme (EIP) centre, since this was one area that was distinctively lacking in support by the general public.

An EIP Committee was then formed under Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church with Mr. C. K. Diong and Ms. Wong Poh Wan at the helm to plan and implement this work. It officially opened its doors on 10 March 1997. However, Mabel passed away in February, 2 weeks before the launch of SPICES.

The acronym SPICES was chosen for this centre not only because it stands for Support for Parents, Infants and Children through Early Services but also because children with special needs add spice & flavour to our community.

In April 2010, SPICES was registered as a society under the Registrar of Societies. We continue to provide Early Intervention and School Age Programmes, training courses for parents and teachers,  as well as assessment and counselling services. We strive to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs and in the field of special education.