My First Skool to offer 2,000 more childcare places this year
NTUC's My First Skool also aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places.
By Loke Kok Fai
Posted 15 Mar 2016 23:20 Updated 16 Mar 2016 15:09
SINGAPORE: Young, dual-income families can look forward to over 2,000 more childcare places in 2016, with the National Trade Union Congress' (NTUC) My First Skool opening childcare facilities in Jurong West, Punggol and Sengkang.
Each of the four centres opening this year can take in between 200 and 500 children.
My First Skool aims to grow its enrolment to 20,000 by 2020 - up from the current 13,000 places. This was announced at the opening of its newest childcare centre at Punggol Waterway Point on Tuesday (Mar 15).
NTUC's Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, who was at the launch, said larger childcare centres give teachers the chance to pilot and try new ways of doing things. For instance, they can try out different teaching and learning pedagogies to bring out the best in every child.
"It's not just about the numbers - we're talking about people who are committed to the preschool sector and have the interests of the children at heart," he said. "But as you can see in this larger centre, it actually allows us to have economies of scale. It also makes it more attractive for the teachers to come because they're working as part of a larger team. So actually it gives us a lot of advantages to try new concepts."
- CNA/ly
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label childcare centre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label childcare centre. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Premature births on the rise in Singapore
Premature births on the rise in Singapore
TODAY reports: The national rate of preterm births has gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates in the past decade, said Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology,
By Eveline Gan, TODAY
POSTED: 11 Nov 2015 07:11
SINGAPORE: When Mdm Audrey Lim first saw her twin babies after giving birth to them at just 25 weeks in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), she knew they would face an uphill task to stay alive in the following months. “They had so little flesh on them that they looked two-dimensional. There were also so many tubes and wires going through them. At that moment, I felt so much heartache and helplessness,” said the 38-year-old property agent.
At birth, twins Ethan and Emma Low each weighed just slightly more than 700g. Despite their severe prematurity, the twins survived.
PRETERM BIRTHS INCREASING
It is estimated that about one in 10 babies is born too early. As preterm birth rates rise worldwide, Mdm Lim’s experience is no longer a rare occurrence - even in developed nations with top-notch medical care. A preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The phenomenon has become increasingly more common here, too, said local experts TODAY spoke to ahead of World Prematurity Day on Nov 17.
Premature babies make up about 13.5 per cent of the babies born at KKH. Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology, noted an increase in the incidence of preterm births seen at KKH, from 11 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the past decade. The national rate of preterm births has also gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates over the same period, said Prof Rajadurai.
No one knows for sure what triggers premature labour. However, several factors, including older maternal age due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility treatments, have been known to increase the likelihood.
Assisted reproductive technology is now more commonly performed than before, and that increases a woman’s chance of multiple pregnancy, which is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour, said Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, senior consultant at National University Hospital (NUH) Women’s Centre. The number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles done at NUH Women’s Centre has more than tripled in the past decade. About 700 IVF cycles were carried out at its centre last year.
Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, senior consultant and head of Inpatient Service at KKH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, added that the risk of preterm delivery for twin pregnancies increases three to five times compared with a singleton pregnancy. In a triplet pregnancy, the risk increases to seven to nine times.
Assoc Prof Su said that advances in medicine have also made it possible for women with certain existing illnesses that affect fertility to conceive and go through a pregnancy. Some of these conditions, such as some kidney and autoimmune diseases, are linked to a higher risk of preterm labour.
Several studies have also linked preterm labour to high levels of chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy, but Assoc Prof Su said this area needs further research.
Current treatments to delay preterm labour include medication such as progesterone and tocolytic drugs to stop womb contractions, said Assoc Prof Tan. The mother is then given a steroid jab to hasten the baby’s lung development.
In instances of very early preterm labour (less than 24 weeks of pregnancy), the doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure where stitches hold the cervix closed to prevent a premature birth.
In spite of the medications given to slow down contractions, Mdm Lim - whose twins were conceived naturally - was fully dilated within half a day and nothing could stop her babies from arriving four months early.
SURVIVING PREMATURITY
According to the World Health Organisation, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second-leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. However, modern neonatal intensive care has made it possible for even the tiniest of babies to survive their prematurity. About 90 per cent of premature babies treated at KKH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) survive and the majority go on to live relatively normal lives, said Prof Rajadurai.
The two smallest survivors at KKH were born about 15 years ago, at 26 weeks, with a birth weight of 435g and 470g. At Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, the lightest survivor was a 26-weeker who weighed 487g at birth in 2007. All three have gone on to lead normal lives.
However, Prof Rajadurai stressed that the above cases are exceptional as outcomes for premature babies born below 23 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight of 500g are known to be “extremely poor”. Even with modern NICU care, the survival for premature babies born at 25 weeks is between 70 to 75 per cent, said Prof Rajadurai. About 30 per cent may have trouble with development.
After birth, Mdm Lim’s twins spent the first four months of their lives in the hospital battling a host of complications, including infections, liver and breathing problems. “The first year was the hardest because we had to constantly monitor their breathing at home, which could suddenly stop without warning. They were also hospitalised almost every other month due to low oxygen levels,” said Mdm Lim.
Today, the twins are growing well, apart from a few “manageable” health issues, said Mdm Lim. For instance, older twin Ethan has some vision-related problems and is having speech therapy as he stutters.
“Back then, my husband and I practically lived day by day not knowing what will happen to our babies. Now they look like any healthy kids who love to play and jump around. Looking back, we are really fortunate to have access to proper facilities and expertise to save our preemies,” she said.
Read the original TODAY report here.
-TODAY/av
- wong chee tat :)
TODAY reports: The national rate of preterm births has gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates in the past decade, said Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology,
By Eveline Gan, TODAY
POSTED: 11 Nov 2015 07:11
SINGAPORE: When Mdm Audrey Lim first saw her twin babies after giving birth to them at just 25 weeks in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), she knew they would face an uphill task to stay alive in the following months. “They had so little flesh on them that they looked two-dimensional. There were also so many tubes and wires going through them. At that moment, I felt so much heartache and helplessness,” said the 38-year-old property agent.
At birth, twins Ethan and Emma Low each weighed just slightly more than 700g. Despite their severe prematurity, the twins survived.
PRETERM BIRTHS INCREASING
It is estimated that about one in 10 babies is born too early. As preterm birth rates rise worldwide, Mdm Lim’s experience is no longer a rare occurrence - even in developed nations with top-notch medical care. A preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The phenomenon has become increasingly more common here, too, said local experts TODAY spoke to ahead of World Prematurity Day on Nov 17.
Premature babies make up about 13.5 per cent of the babies born at KKH. Professor Victor Samuel Rajadurai, head and senior consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology, noted an increase in the incidence of preterm births seen at KKH, from 11 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the past decade. The national rate of preterm births has also gone up, from 7.2 per cent to 9.5 per cent, despite low birth rates over the same period, said Prof Rajadurai.
No one knows for sure what triggers premature labour. However, several factors, including older maternal age due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility treatments, have been known to increase the likelihood.
Assisted reproductive technology is now more commonly performed than before, and that increases a woman’s chance of multiple pregnancy, which is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour, said Associate Professor Su Lin Lin, senior consultant at National University Hospital (NUH) Women’s Centre. The number of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles done at NUH Women’s Centre has more than tripled in the past decade. About 700 IVF cycles were carried out at its centre last year.
Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, senior consultant and head of Inpatient Service at KKH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, added that the risk of preterm delivery for twin pregnancies increases three to five times compared with a singleton pregnancy. In a triplet pregnancy, the risk increases to seven to nine times.
Assoc Prof Su said that advances in medicine have also made it possible for women with certain existing illnesses that affect fertility to conceive and go through a pregnancy. Some of these conditions, such as some kidney and autoimmune diseases, are linked to a higher risk of preterm labour.
Several studies have also linked preterm labour to high levels of chronic psychological and physical stress during pregnancy, but Assoc Prof Su said this area needs further research.
Current treatments to delay preterm labour include medication such as progesterone and tocolytic drugs to stop womb contractions, said Assoc Prof Tan. The mother is then given a steroid jab to hasten the baby’s lung development.
In instances of very early preterm labour (less than 24 weeks of pregnancy), the doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure where stitches hold the cervix closed to prevent a premature birth.
In spite of the medications given to slow down contractions, Mdm Lim - whose twins were conceived naturally - was fully dilated within half a day and nothing could stop her babies from arriving four months early.
SURVIVING PREMATURITY
According to the World Health Organisation, preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths and the second-leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. However, modern neonatal intensive care has made it possible for even the tiniest of babies to survive their prematurity. About 90 per cent of premature babies treated at KKH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) survive and the majority go on to live relatively normal lives, said Prof Rajadurai.
The two smallest survivors at KKH were born about 15 years ago, at 26 weeks, with a birth weight of 435g and 470g. At Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, the lightest survivor was a 26-weeker who weighed 487g at birth in 2007. All three have gone on to lead normal lives.
However, Prof Rajadurai stressed that the above cases are exceptional as outcomes for premature babies born below 23 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight of 500g are known to be “extremely poor”. Even with modern NICU care, the survival for premature babies born at 25 weeks is between 70 to 75 per cent, said Prof Rajadurai. About 30 per cent may have trouble with development.
After birth, Mdm Lim’s twins spent the first four months of their lives in the hospital battling a host of complications, including infections, liver and breathing problems. “The first year was the hardest because we had to constantly monitor their breathing at home, which could suddenly stop without warning. They were also hospitalised almost every other month due to low oxygen levels,” said Mdm Lim.
Today, the twins are growing well, apart from a few “manageable” health issues, said Mdm Lim. For instance, older twin Ethan has some vision-related problems and is having speech therapy as he stutters.
“Back then, my husband and I practically lived day by day not knowing what will happen to our babies. Now they look like any healthy kids who love to play and jump around. Looking back, we are really fortunate to have access to proper facilities and expertise to save our preemies,” she said.
Read the original TODAY report here.
-TODAY/av
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
Modern Montessori International to open 29th centre at Spooner Road
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
By Lip Kwok Wai and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 03 Sep 2013 12:07 AM
One of Singapore's largest pre-school operators Modern Montessori International is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
SINGAPORE: Modern Montessori International, one of Singapore's largest pre-school operators, is on an expansion strategy to meet the rising demand for quality early childhood education.
The school’s 29th centre at Spooner Road is a refurbished bungalow with the latest teaching facilities, including a swimming pool and an eco-garden as part of environmental learning.
About 20,000 more places in pre-schools will be needed by 2015 and the centre will begin catering up to 100 children from the ages of three to six in October.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman of Modern Montessori International, said: "The response has been good; we have got about 220 parents who have registered their interest. So we are very optimistic."
- CNA/gn
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
5 commercial pre-schools apply to be anchor operators
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
By Chng Kheng Leng and Ayesha Shaikh
POSTED: 27 Aug 2013 9:26 PM
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem to be anchor operators while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
SINGAPORE: Five commercial operators that run pre-schools have applied to be anchor operators.
The deadline for applications closed on Tuesday.
Modern Montessori International has filed a joint application with Carpe Diem while Ethan House, Metropolitan YMCA and Knowledge Universe are each applying on their own.
Acquiring anchor operator status means the centres will be eligible for government subsidies and get first priority in the allocation of sites in HDB flats.
However, there are stringent criteria to become an anchor operator. These include running at least 10 centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Modern Montessori and Carpe Diem are joining resources to ensure that they meet the financial requirements.
Dr T Chandroo, chairman and CEO of Modern Montessori International, said: "We have the strength in terms of delivery standards and Carpe Diem has been very, very popular especially in their fees structure and most of their centres are within the heartland. I think they bring with them solid background."
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
Sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
18 Jul 2013 03:08pm
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been revealed in the Sessions Court at Jalan Duta here that sex blogger Vivian Lee is a kindergarten teacher!
The court was told Vivian teaches at an unnamed kindergarten and her salary is RM900 a month. Her sex partner Alvin Tan is unemployed.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
My First Skool to implement measures to reassure parents amid alleged abuse case
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 8:01 PM
My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
SINGAPORE: My First Skool, which is embroiled in an alleged childcare abuse case, said it has put in place measures across all its centres to provide further reassurance to parents.
On Wednesday, My First Skool was informed by the Early Childhood Development Agency through a warning letter that the licence tenure of its childcare centre at Blk 192 Toa Payoh would be cut from 24 months to six months with immediate effect.
The measures are aimed at improving its communications with parents, enhancing the incident review process, reinforcing the importance of proper care of children and stepping up support for teachers.
To improve parent communications, parents can direct their queries to its headquarters via a newly-set up email address (feedback@myfirstskool.com). Calls can also be made to its customer service team at 6634 9989.
My First Skool's management said it will see to the closure of all feedback.
As for improving the incident review process, it said all cases of injury, accident or mishandling reported through its principals or HQ are investigated thoroughly and promptly.
It added that complex cases will be assessed by an independent review panel with the aim to give parents greater assurance of transparency and accountability of the incident review process.
In terms of proper care for children, My First Skool said it will encourage staff to report questionable practices to their supervisors.
It wants its staff to escalate their feedback under its whistle-blowing policy should the issues not be satisfactorily attended to.
My First Skool said whistle blowing is done through an independent channel which reports to the board audit committee.
As for support for teachers, My First Skool said it will also deploy additional resources over time to assist teachers in managing classes that require more support.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
My First Skool in Toa Payoh gets licence tenure cut
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 18 Jul 2013 12:32 PM
The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
SINGAPORE: The childcare centre involved in the alleged child abuse case has had its licence tenure cut from 24 months to six months.
Earlier this month, a teacher there was arrested after CCTV footage showed her allegedly dragging a three-year-old boy across the floor and pushing him to the floor with force.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it conducted its investigations at My First Skool in Toa Payoh and found that there were certain aspects that required improvements.
This means that ECDA will conduct more frequent checks at the centre and it will have to demonstrate its compliance with certain conditions. This includes providing better support and training to its teachers to handle difficult situations, clearer standard operating procedures for reporting incidents, and improving its programmes.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing added that following the alleged abuse incident, the priority is to strengthen processes within the sector, as well as build trust between parents, teachers and operators.
He said this on Thursday on the sidelines of a visit to teacher training programmes and pre-schools under the Crestar Education Group.
Mr Chan said: "Over the next six months we fully expect NTUC My First Skool to work closely with ECDA to comply with the regulations so that they can up their standards necessary. And then we will review the situation after six months."
- CNA/ac/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, July 8, 2013
Teacher in alleged child abuse case fired; 2 more police reports made
Teacher in alleged child abuse case fired; 2 more police reports made
POSTED: 08 Jul 2013 8:35 PM
The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
SINGAPORE: The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
NTUC First Campus, which runs My First Skool, said the teacher acknowledged her actions were "inappropriate" during a panel meeting Monday morning and accepted the dismissal.
Meanwhile, two other parents whose children were under the teacher's care have also filed police reports.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the two other parents had seen their children with bruises in the past, and want the police to investigate if their children had also been mishandled.
The 51-year-old teacher was arrested Sunday following an earlier police report.
The teacher is currently out on bail and police say investigations are still ongoing.
The incident happened on 5 July at My First Skool in Toa Payoh.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy across the floor and pushing him down with force has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The father of the child said the boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
The parents had demanded to see the CCTV footage of the incident after they were told that the child had a fall.
About 10 parents from the playgroup class met the CEO of NTUC First Campus and the general manager of My First Skool on Monday morning.
Fourteen of the 45 children previously cared for by the teacher were absent on Monday.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 08 Jul 2013 8:35 PM
The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
SINGAPORE: The NTUC My First Skool teacher at the centre of an alleged child abuse case has been dismissed.
NTUC First Campus, which runs My First Skool, said the teacher acknowledged her actions were "inappropriate" during a panel meeting Monday morning and accepted the dismissal.
Meanwhile, two other parents whose children were under the teacher's care have also filed police reports.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the two other parents had seen their children with bruises in the past, and want the police to investigate if their children had also been mishandled.
The 51-year-old teacher was arrested Sunday following an earlier police report.
The teacher is currently out on bail and police say investigations are still ongoing.
The incident happened on 5 July at My First Skool in Toa Payoh.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy across the floor and pushing him down with force has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The father of the child said the boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
The parents had demanded to see the CCTV footage of the incident after they were told that the child had a fall.
About 10 parents from the playgroup class met the CEO of NTUC First Campus and the general manager of My First Skool on Monday morning.
Fourteen of the 45 children previously cared for by the teacher were absent on Monday.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, July 7, 2013
MSF to investigate alleged childcare abuse incident
MSF to investigate alleged childcare abuse incident
By Sara Grosse and Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 7:51 PM
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
The investigation will include the training of the centre's staff, their supervision, and incident management procedures.
The acting minister said the findings will be shared with other childcare operators to allow everyone to learn from it.
Mr Chan added that his ministry is looking at the case very seriously as it concerns the safety of children.
He said: "This is a very timely reminder of the heavy responsibility that all of us have in taking care of children, as childcare operators and also as education providers.
"There are rules in place, there are frameworks in place for the conduct of any activities and lessons and we expect all these rules and frameworks to be followed and of course we will also be looking to see how all this can be improved to give our parents the sense of assurance."
The minister also said that there are considerations to implement CCTVs across the pre-school sector.
He however cautioned that while such surveillance has been useful in resolving misunderstandings, technology should not be seen as the solution.
The quality and commitment of teachers should be more important, he said.
Separately, Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the alleged incident underscores the fact that it is important for all childcare centres, or any place with children under their care, to ensure that their charges are well looked after.
She added that while the exact circumstances of the case are not known yet, it is important that the matter is being looked into.
Ms Indranee also said that the child's health and well-being is the most important thing.
She said: "At the present time, because investigations are still ongoing it's still premature to reach definitive outcomes... but I think that it's important the matter is being looked into. What I can say in general is that all childcare givers would obviously have to make sure that the children under their care are properly taken care of.
"One must always bear in mind that children are young, they're vulnerable, they obviously don't think and act like adults. And so long as they are under your care, you must ensure that the environment that you place them in, and the way you interact with them are in their best interests."
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Sara Grosse and Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 7:51 PM
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged childcare abuse incident at My First Skool, said Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday.
The investigation will include the training of the centre's staff, their supervision, and incident management procedures.
The acting minister said the findings will be shared with other childcare operators to allow everyone to learn from it.
Mr Chan added that his ministry is looking at the case very seriously as it concerns the safety of children.
He said: "This is a very timely reminder of the heavy responsibility that all of us have in taking care of children, as childcare operators and also as education providers.
"There are rules in place, there are frameworks in place for the conduct of any activities and lessons and we expect all these rules and frameworks to be followed and of course we will also be looking to see how all this can be improved to give our parents the sense of assurance."
The minister also said that there are considerations to implement CCTVs across the pre-school sector.
He however cautioned that while such surveillance has been useful in resolving misunderstandings, technology should not be seen as the solution.
The quality and commitment of teachers should be more important, he said.
Separately, Senior Minister of State for Education Indranee Rajah said the alleged incident underscores the fact that it is important for all childcare centres, or any place with children under their care, to ensure that their charges are well looked after.
She added that while the exact circumstances of the case are not known yet, it is important that the matter is being looked into.
Ms Indranee also said that the child's health and well-being is the most important thing.
She said: "At the present time, because investigations are still ongoing it's still premature to reach definitive outcomes... but I think that it's important the matter is being looked into. What I can say in general is that all childcare givers would obviously have to make sure that the children under their care are properly taken care of.
"One must always bear in mind that children are young, they're vulnerable, they obviously don't think and act like adults. And so long as they are under your care, you must ensure that the environment that you place them in, and the way you interact with them are in their best interests."
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
Teacher in alleged child abuse case arrested
Teacher in alleged child abuse case arrested
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 5:11 PM
The teacher involved in an alleged child abuse case at a childcare centre in Singapore has been arrested, said police.
SINGAPORE: The teacher involved in an alleged child abuse case at a childcare centre in Singapore has been arrested, said police.
Chief Executive Officer of NTUC First Campus Chan Tee Seng had earlier said he was "disturbed and saddened" by the alleged incident that took place at My First Skool on Friday.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy to a corner and pushing him roughly has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The three-year-old boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Mr Chan said the injury was due to mishandling by the boy's teacher.
Mr Chan said the teacher's conduct was "totally unacceptable" and that she has been placed on immediate suspension.
"The due process is underway, and we will not hesitate to take the appropriate action for wrongdoings," he said.
He told reporters that the 51-year-old teacher has been teaching at My First School part-time since 2009, and that no complaints had been made about her before.
To assure parents, NTUC First Campus has set up a dedicated line to address concerns and will step up engagement and training of staff to reinforce right conduct, behaviour and practices.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
By Kimberly Spykerman
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 5:11 PM
The teacher involved in an alleged child abuse case at a childcare centre in Singapore has been arrested, said police.
SINGAPORE: The teacher involved in an alleged child abuse case at a childcare centre in Singapore has been arrested, said police.
Chief Executive Officer of NTUC First Campus Chan Tee Seng had earlier said he was "disturbed and saddened" by the alleged incident that took place at My First Skool on Friday.
CCTV footage showing a woman dragging a boy to a corner and pushing him roughly has gone viral online. The woman is believed to be the child's teacher.
The three-year-old boy suffered a hairline fracture in his left shin.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Mr Chan said the injury was due to mishandling by the boy's teacher.
Mr Chan said the teacher's conduct was "totally unacceptable" and that she has been placed on immediate suspension.
"The due process is underway, and we will not hesitate to take the appropriate action for wrongdoings," he said.
He told reporters that the 51-year-old teacher has been teaching at My First School part-time since 2009, and that no complaints had been made about her before.
To assure parents, NTUC First Campus has set up a dedicated line to address concerns and will step up engagement and training of staff to reinforce right conduct, behaviour and practices.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
My First Skool cooperating with police on alleged child abuse case
My First Skool cooperating with police on alleged child abuse case
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 1:00 PM
NTUC's My First Skool said it is co-operating fully with the police on the case of alleged child abuse at its centre located in Blk 192 Toa Payoh Central.
SINGAPORE: NTUC's My First Skool said it is co-operating fully with the police on the case of alleged child abuse at its centre located in Blk 192 Toa Payoh Central.
My First Skool also said the teacher involved has been suspended with immediate effect.
It added that the safety and welfare of the children is top priority and that it takes this responsibility very seriously.
Its statement was in response to an alleged child abuse incident which resulted in a boy having a hairline fracture in his leg.
Video clips of the alleged incident have gone viral.
My First Skool said its main focus is the child's welfare and that the parents of the child have requested for a transfer to another centre in its network.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said it is aware of an alleged incident at My First Skool.
The ministry added child safety remains its paramount concern and that it is investigating.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 07 Jul 2013 1:00 PM
NTUC's My First Skool said it is co-operating fully with the police on the case of alleged child abuse at its centre located in Blk 192 Toa Payoh Central.
SINGAPORE: NTUC's My First Skool said it is co-operating fully with the police on the case of alleged child abuse at its centre located in Blk 192 Toa Payoh Central.
My First Skool also said the teacher involved has been suspended with immediate effect.
It added that the safety and welfare of the children is top priority and that it takes this responsibility very seriously.
Its statement was in response to an alleged child abuse incident which resulted in a boy having a hairline fracture in his leg.
Video clips of the alleged incident have gone viral.
My First Skool said its main focus is the child's welfare and that the parents of the child have requested for a transfer to another centre in its network.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said it is aware of an alleged incident at My First Skool.
The ministry added child safety remains its paramount concern and that it is investigating.
- CNA/fa
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
New eligibility criteria for preschool Anchor Operator Scheme announced
New eligibility criteria for preschool Anchor Operator Scheme announced
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid and Monica Kotwani
POSTED: 27 Jun 2013 3:50 PM
Religious organisations which run preschool centres and commercial operators will now be able to qualify for the government's Anchor Operator Scheme, under new eligibility criteria revealed on Thursday.
SINGAPORE: Commercial preschool operators and religious organisations that run preschool centres will now be allowed to apply for the government's Anchor Operator Scheme, under new eligibility criteria revealed on Thursday.
Previously, only not-for-profit organisations could apply.
Getting anchor operator status will allow access to government funding.
Those applying will need to show that they are motivated by a strong social mission to provide good quality and affordable services.
The current two anchor operators, PCF and NTUC's My First Skool, are not only eligible for government subsidies, but they also get first dibs over the allocation of sites in HDB estates.
In turn, the two operators, which run some 330 centres, are required to provide good quality services that are accessible to most low- and middle-income families.
In calling for more anchor operators to come on board, Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said the expansion of the scheme would give parents more options and help cater to the diverse learning needs of children.
Religious organisations that run preschools can now also apply to become anchor operators, but they have to ensure their programmes are secular and cater to children of all backgrounds.
Mr Chan said: "If they have good innovative practices that can drive the cost down and lower prices for our parents we welcome that, but at the same time, money-making cannot be their primary goal. The special mission must be their primary goal, when it comes to educating and laying the foundations for our youths."
Those interested to become anchor operators will have to meet strict criteria.
These include running at least ten centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Applicants will also need to cap their monthly fees for services.
For a full-day childcare programme, fees cannot exceed S$720.
Kindergarten fees will be capped at S$160 and infant care fees at S$1,275.
Operators said they understand the rationale behind the stringent criteria, but they are worried it may squeeze out smaller operators, which are already having a tough time with competition from bigger players.
Frances Ng is the founder of Carpe Diem Group, which oversees 26 centres.
He highlighted the criteria of showing six months of operating costs based on the total number of centres for that year.
He said: "That is still quite substantial... We don't have that many operators in Singapore with that kind of finances. If you look at the market, over the last few years, they are constantly being squeezed out with the newcomers, new commercial operators, and in the last three years, with more AOP centres coming out, they feel the squeeze further.
"Smaller operators will definitely have a tougher time ahead of them, but having said that, I think it's not impossible to do well, they just need to find their own niche."
Mr Ng said the way around this is to enter into a joint venture with other "like-minded" people. He said he is in talks with a few other potential partners.
Under changes to the scheme, anchor operators will now have to ensure all their teachers are diploma-trained, compared to 80 per cent of teachers before.
Some operators Channel NewsAsia spoke with have welcomed this move, saying it would generally add to the quality of teachers, but some are worried it would add to the severe manpower crunch that is already present.
Mr Ng said: "Five years ago, the number of new centres was about 40 centres. Three years ago, it... doubled to about 80-90 new centres a year for the last three years. With that increase in (number of) centres, we don't have enough teachers to accomodate the additional centres we have.
“With the new criteria of requiring all teachers in the AOP centres to be diploma holders, it's going to pose a huge challenge, not just for the new AOPs but across the board. Everybody will be fighting for the small cake that we have."
He added: "I'm not against increasing the number of centres to accommodate parents, but I think we need to manage the growth across the industry."
Interested operators have until 27 August to submit their proposals.
The Early Childhood Development Agency, which is overseeing this call for proposals, said only those who meet all criteria will be selected.
- CNA/fa/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid and Monica Kotwani
POSTED: 27 Jun 2013 3:50 PM
Religious organisations which run preschool centres and commercial operators will now be able to qualify for the government's Anchor Operator Scheme, under new eligibility criteria revealed on Thursday.
SINGAPORE: Commercial preschool operators and religious organisations that run preschool centres will now be allowed to apply for the government's Anchor Operator Scheme, under new eligibility criteria revealed on Thursday.
Previously, only not-for-profit organisations could apply.
Getting anchor operator status will allow access to government funding.
Those applying will need to show that they are motivated by a strong social mission to provide good quality and affordable services.
The current two anchor operators, PCF and NTUC's My First Skool, are not only eligible for government subsidies, but they also get first dibs over the allocation of sites in HDB estates.
In turn, the two operators, which run some 330 centres, are required to provide good quality services that are accessible to most low- and middle-income families.
In calling for more anchor operators to come on board, Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said the expansion of the scheme would give parents more options and help cater to the diverse learning needs of children.
Religious organisations that run preschools can now also apply to become anchor operators, but they have to ensure their programmes are secular and cater to children of all backgrounds.
Mr Chan said: "If they have good innovative practices that can drive the cost down and lower prices for our parents we welcome that, but at the same time, money-making cannot be their primary goal. The special mission must be their primary goal, when it comes to educating and laying the foundations for our youths."
Those interested to become anchor operators will have to meet strict criteria.
These include running at least ten centres or having an enrolment of 1,000 children, providing a financial guarantee of six months of operating costs or S$10 million (whichever is lower), and having a governing body with independent members.
Applicants will also need to cap their monthly fees for services.
For a full-day childcare programme, fees cannot exceed S$720.
Kindergarten fees will be capped at S$160 and infant care fees at S$1,275.
Operators said they understand the rationale behind the stringent criteria, but they are worried it may squeeze out smaller operators, which are already having a tough time with competition from bigger players.
Frances Ng is the founder of Carpe Diem Group, which oversees 26 centres.
He highlighted the criteria of showing six months of operating costs based on the total number of centres for that year.
He said: "That is still quite substantial... We don't have that many operators in Singapore with that kind of finances. If you look at the market, over the last few years, they are constantly being squeezed out with the newcomers, new commercial operators, and in the last three years, with more AOP centres coming out, they feel the squeeze further.
"Smaller operators will definitely have a tougher time ahead of them, but having said that, I think it's not impossible to do well, they just need to find their own niche."
Mr Ng said the way around this is to enter into a joint venture with other "like-minded" people. He said he is in talks with a few other potential partners.
Under changes to the scheme, anchor operators will now have to ensure all their teachers are diploma-trained, compared to 80 per cent of teachers before.
Some operators Channel NewsAsia spoke with have welcomed this move, saying it would generally add to the quality of teachers, but some are worried it would add to the severe manpower crunch that is already present.
Mr Ng said: "Five years ago, the number of new centres was about 40 centres. Three years ago, it... doubled to about 80-90 new centres a year for the last three years. With that increase in (number of) centres, we don't have enough teachers to accomodate the additional centres we have.
“With the new criteria of requiring all teachers in the AOP centres to be diploma holders, it's going to pose a huge challenge, not just for the new AOPs but across the board. Everybody will be fighting for the small cake that we have."
He added: "I'm not against increasing the number of centres to accommodate parents, but I think we need to manage the growth across the industry."
Interested operators have until 27 August to submit their proposals.
The Early Childhood Development Agency, which is overseeing this call for proposals, said only those who meet all criteria will be selected.
- CNA/fa/xq
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 13, 2013
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
New childcare centres in Sengkang, Punggol within next 2 years
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
POSTED: 13 May 2013 8:25 PM
SINGAPORE: Sengkang and Punggol will each have 14 new childcare centres within the next two years.
And by 2018, Sengkang will have an additional nine centres, while Punggol will have another 12 centres.
Acting Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is working with the Housing and Development Board to pre-build childcare facilities alongside upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) projects.
Responding to MP for Punggol East Lee Li Lian, Mr Chan said there will be a childcare centre within Rivervale Arc by early 2015, as part of this effort.
The ECDA is also open to alternative locations, such as workplaces, disused facilities and integrated developments.
Tin Pei Ling, MP for Marine Parade GRC, asked: "How is demand determined? I'm asking because even for mature estates, there are BTO projects coming up and anticipated would-be young families moving in as well. So there would be an increase in demand for childcare, student care and even infant care."
Mr Chan replied: "How we determine demand is based on the cohort size in the respective estates. We also take in feedback from the respective grassroots leaders if they see demand for such things. We also look at the queue at the existing childcare places in the vicinity so we have a sense of where is the demand.
"For example, we also understand that in Sengkang and Punggol generally, the young families there have less grandparent support, so they will need a bit more childcare places, and we have catered for it accordingly."
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
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