Sun Xueling on stronger safeguards against child mismanagement in preschools

The recent incidents of child mismanagement are not a reflection of the state of the preschool sector and educators, said Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling. Replying to Parliamentary questions on Monday (Sep 18), she highlighted the safeguards and initiatives in Singapore’s continuous efforts to ensure that children can grow and develop in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. She stressed that the authorities and sector will learn from the recent incidents to strengthen the system of preventing child mismanagement cases. Firstly, the Early Childhood Development Agency will strengthen its investigation protocol to ensure better oversight of cases under investigation. Secondly, it will enhance the regulatory framework, which includes a review of the penalty provisions for errant operators. Thirdly, it will work with the National Institute of Early Childhood Development and training providers to strengthen educator training in both prohibited and positive child management strategies. Ms Sun said there are about 10 substantiated cases per 100,000 enrolled children of child mismanagement incidents each year. This figure has remained low and stable over recent years but “every case is one too many”, she said. “We have a system of multilayered safeguards,” she said. These include clear rules on the requirements for incident reporting. Responding to suggestions to install CCTV cameras in preschools sooner, she pointed out that preschools need time to procure and install them correctly and appropriately. Ms Sun urged operators, preschools, educators and parents to work together to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and thrive.