Holding Preschool Operators Accountable for Deployment of Staff Not Qualified for Child-minding Duties and Adequacy of Current Measures

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how are preschool operators held accountable when child abuse incidents arise from deployment of staff who is unqualified for child-minding duties; (b) what penalties or corrective actions will apply for such cases; (c) whether the Ministry will review the adequacy of current safeguards in preschools; and (d) if so, when will findings of such a review be published.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Preschools are responsible for ensuring the safety of children under their care and must comply with requirements under the Early Childhood Development Centre Act and Regulations and other prevailing legislation. Operators must seek the Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA's) approval for all staff whom they wish to deploy to work in a preschool. They must also establish the necessary systems and processes to ensure child safety, including appropriate deployment and supervision of all staff.

ECDA will take action against errant operators, considering the facts of each case. This may include imposing financial penalties, directing the operator to submit and implement a corrective action plan, shortening or revocation of the preschool’s licence. For errant staff, ECDA can impose administrative actions like stern reminders, coupled with a requirement to undergo retraining or cancel approval for the individual to be deployed in the preschool.

Child safety and well-being is a key priority for the Ministry for Social and Family Development and ECDA and have been strengthening safeguards for child safety in preschools over the years. We will continue to review and enhance our safeguards and enforcement measures as necessary.