UNLICENSED CHILDCARE CENTRES

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if he will give the number of unlicensed child care centres that have been brought to his attention for the years 1991 to 1993 and what possible steps can be instituted to check the operation of unlicensed child care centres.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: Over the last 3 years, 15 facilities suspected to be operating as unlicensed child care centres were brought to the attention of the Ministry. However, on inspection they were found to be mainly small playgroups, kindergartens or before and after-school care programmes.

There are provisions in the Child Care Centres Act for the prosecution of operators of unlicensed child care centres. Anyone found guilty of operating an unlicensed child care centre is liable on conviction to:

• a fine not exceeding $5,000; or

• an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years; or

• both fine and imprisonment.

All reports of unlicensed child care centres are immediately investigated by the Ministry. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found operating a child care centre without a licence.