16-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) A pre-school teacher in a PCF Sparkletots centre in the northern part of Singapore is currently under investigation for allegedly pushing a one-year-old boy away from a window grille, resulting in the child’s fall. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) issued a statement on January 16, acknowledging the use of an “inappropriate method” by the teacher in attempting to prevent the child from climbing the window grille.
The incident came to light when the pre-school was alerted on January 8 about allegations of the boy sustaining injuries at the facility. The pre-school promptly reported the case to ECDA on the same day. Since then, ECDA has initiated investigations, including unannounced visits, a review of CCTV footage covering January 2 to January 5, interviews, and verification of records.
Based on the CCTV footage, ECDA is investigating two incidents at the pre-school. The first, on January 3, involves the child repeatedly attempting to climb a low window grille, and the educator allegedly pushing him away, resulting in the child falling on a play mat. The second incident occurred on January 4 when the child, seated on a low chair, lost balance and fell backward onto the floor.
The child’s father, who noticed a bruise on his son’s right ear and scratches on his face on January 5, lodged a police report and sought medical attention. The pre-school did not inform the parents about the incident involving the window grille, and they only became aware of it when ECDA contacted them on January 15.
PCF Sparkletots, the pre-school operator, stated that it is fully committed to cooperating with the parents and authorities. ECDA emphasized its serious view towards cases of child mismanagement, stating that actions will be taken against the pre-school operator and staff if findings support the allegations.
ECDA follows a protocol of issuing warning letters to educators found to have inappropriately managed children. In severe cases, individuals may be barred from working in the pre-school sector and may face referral to the police for criminal investigation.
While the boy’s bruise is healing, he has stopped attending school due to trauma. The parents are yet to decide whether they will continue sending their son to the pre-school.
