Implementing Requirements for Dual Gender Supervision for Preschool Staff Interactions

Mr Ng Shi Xuan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in respect of interactions with children in preschools (a) whether there are protocols in place to ensure that both male and female staff are present during all such interactions; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry will implement such protocols.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) Act and Regulations do not require both male and female staff to be present during all interactions with children.

Instead, the ECDC Act and Regulations stipulate that all preschools must put in place measures to provide a safe and positive learning environment for children. This includes establishing protocols to ensure activities are conducted by qualified staff who are approved for deployment by the Early Childhood Development Agency and ensuring that staff are briefed and implement appropriate child management practices and safety protocols. All staff, regardless of sex, have to abide by the stipulated protocols when interacting with or caring for infants and children in a preschool.