CHILDCARE PERSONNEL (Training and Development)

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon asked the Minister for Community Development, with the emphasis given to the quality of childcare, whether the Government is paying adequate attention to the training and development of childcare personnel and whether his Ministry will give accreditation to the childcare training programme of the National Trades Union Congress which came into operation in 1985, so that there can be more qualified personnel available for childcare services.

The Minister for Community Development (Mr Wong Kan Seng): The Ministry places great emphasis on the training of child care staff as this affects the quality of care provided by a child care centre. When parents consider placing their children in a child care centre, the quality of care is an important factor which they look for.

As there is an increasing need for more training courses for child care staff to meet our expanding child care programme, the Ministry is prepared to give accreditation to any centre which conducts courses that meet the minimum standards set by the Ministry. With the assistance of the Institute of Education, the Ministry has drawn up training syllabi for such child care courses. The NTUC has applied for its Fundamentals Course conducted by it to be accredited. This is under consideration.

Dr Dixie Tan (Ulu Pandan): Sir, would the Minister inform us whether he includes in his concern the quality of child care as given by parents themselves, and what is he doing to improve this nation-wide?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Whenever parents make known their concern about the quality of child care, these are always looked into and borne in mind by me, to help develop child care centres.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Would the Minister consider allowing private groups in housing estates to set up child care centres in their estates themselves?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is really a separate question from the main question. It has nothing to do with this question.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Child care centres?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: No. Training of child care staff.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Please, at least attempt to answer it.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: File a question and I will answer it.