Three preschool teachers were suspended when it was reported that kids were trapped in a dark room
A concerned parent reported viewing CCTV footage that depicted her child inside a dark room at the preschool. According to her account, two staff members entered the room, appearing visibly upset and engaged in what seemed like loud and angry exchanges.
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Three employees at a preschool in Seletar, Singapore, have been suspended by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) after allegations of child mismanagement. The suspension followed reports made by both a parent and the preschool to the ECDA on Monday. CNA is refraining from naming the preschool in compliance with the Children and Young Persons Act.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has initiated investigations, including an unannounced visit to the preschool, a review of closed-circuit television footage, interviews, and verification of records, following reports of child mismanagement at a preschool in Seletar, Singapore. The police have confirmed that a report was lodged, and investigations are ongoing.
A parent, who approached the police after viewing CCTV footage of her son being scolded in a dark room, reported that the three-year-old had mentioned the dark room as a form of punishment for misbehavior.
Upon questioning the school management about the incident, the parent was informed that the incident reports provided by the teachers were inconsistent with the events captured on the CCTV footage.
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
Mr. Gerard and his wife initiated the process of withdrawing their four-year-old son from the preschool due to his sudden behavioral changes. They initially attributed it to post-holiday tantrums and did not suspect abuse. However, after receiving a letter from the preschool addressing a “child mismanagement” incident and the suspension of three teachers, they decided to inquire with their son. Shockingly, the child revealed that he had been locked in a dark room on multiple occasions.
Both parents disclosed that their children’s behavior changed after the departure of the previous principal, with SMARTBerriis taking over preschool operations in October last year. Mr. Gerard expressed concern for his son’s well-being and emphasized the need for justice in response to the alleged abuse. Several parents are considering seeking psychiatric help for their children.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has suspended the implicated staff members during ongoing investigations, preventing them from working in the sector. ECDA instructed the preschool to closely monitor children, ensure their well-being, and provide supervision and guidance to staff. The agency emphasized firm action against educators and operators failing in their duty of care.
The preschool, in its letter to parents, affirmed its full cooperation with ECDA investigations, commitment to transparency, and plans to appoint a dedicated counselor for support. Recent cases of teacher misconduct, including videos of rough handling at Kinderland preschools, have led to increased scrutiny in the sector.
In response to such incidents, ECDA announced the mandatory installation of CCTVs in all preschools by July this year, reinforcing accountability and safety measures.
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