Special education in Singapore started with the founding of the Singapore Association for Retarded Children (SARC) in 1962. The association promoted the welfare and education of children with intellectual disabilities.
Established in 1970, this was the first school in Singapore for intellectually-disabled children. It was named after the late philanthropist, Lee Kong Chian, whose foundation contributed substantial funds towards its construction. Built at a cost of $250,000, the school started with 25 students.
Under SARC, Lee Kong Chian Gardens School pioneered the establishment of special education schools.
In 1985, SARC changed its name to Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS). Today, including Lee Kong Chian Gardens School, there are 5 MINDS schools in Singapore.