Educators question why preschool cook who molested toddlers had so much contact with children

For example, if a child spills something in the classroom and there is only one teacher present, she will typically ask another teacher to watch both classes while she gets help.

But on occasions where no other teachers are available, she may ask an administrative staff member to keep watch.

“But it’s a very brief one, probably less than under a minute, that kind of thing,” said Mdm Chuan, who did not want her full name published.

Mrs Monica Lim, 64, a former administrative staff member, said she and her female colleagues at one preschool often volunteered to help with caregiving when teachers were stretched thin. This included toilet escorts and even diaper changes if necessary. 

“You have your job description, but no such thing as stick (to it),” said Mrs Lim, adding that the staff worked as a “family”. However, she was less involved in caregiving duties when she transferred to another centre, and teachers declined when she offered to help.

Ms Tan, a 25-year-old preschool teacher who declined to share her full name, said that the manpower issue in the sector should be looked at.

“It seems like (the preschool in the case) cannot cope with the number of children that they have to call the cook in, so should the ratio be revised?” she said.

ECDA’s code of practice requires one qualified programme staff member for every 15 nursery-level children during programme hours, with ratios varying by education level and preschool type.

Ms Lin, the former preschool principal, questioned why Teo performed these duties for six months without intervention.

“If there was a lack in manpower, half a year is really way too long to go and seek help, to go and find somebody to make a replacement,” she said.