Nationalising childcare system could allow for better regulation

As a parent, I read with apprehension and concern the recent news of questionable practices allegedly occurring in some childcare centres here (“Two pre-schools being probed for undesirable practices”; Feb 17).

I think there need to be more checks — perhaps surprise visits by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) — to minimise the risk of such incidents.

As parents, we are put in the position of needing to place absolute trust in these centres. We have no knowledge of what actually takes place after we drop off our children.

Some children may not be fully verbal yet, so they are not capable of reporting what actually goes on in the day. These children are placed in a vulnerable position, so we need safeguards from ECDA or other governmental bodies.

I also think that some of these problems can be solved if childcare is nationalised. We all recognise that the quality of teachers is very important. And keeping good teachers means being able to compensate them well and providing them with job security.

If the childcare system is a part of the Ministry of Education (MOE), then this will give teachers greater job security and sense of pride.

The early formative years are as important as the later years, and if the childcare system gets nationalised and comes under the MOE, it will allow for better regulation and quality of teachers, as well as provide a good early start for all Siingaporean children.