Mum claims Yishun preschool teacher hit toddler

School says teacher ‘tapped’ daughter

When the parents brought their concerns to the school, they were reportedly told that a review of the CCTV footage showed that the teacher had “tapped” the toddler while she was rocking on a chair to prevent a possible accident.

According to them, the school further suggested that the action might have happened “so quickly” that Mrs Jek’s daughter “perceived it as being beaten”.

However, the Stomper remained unconvinced, saying her daughter had been taught to stop whatever she was doing when she hears the word “upset” or “I am angry with you”.

“If it was only a tap, why did our toddler repeatedly express fear when approaching the preschool?” the mother further questioned.

Parents lodge report with ECDA and police

Although the school supposedly apologised and asked for a second chance, the Stomper wanted to discuss the matter with her husband first, who subsequently requested to view the CCTV footage for a better understanding of what happened.

After receiving no satisfactory response, the parents decided to withdraw their children from the preschool.

The school declined immediate withdrawal, citing a two-month notice period, so they sought assistance from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and lodged a police report.

Stomp understands that ECDA’s investigations are ongoing.

Since her report to ECDA, Mrs Jek said that the preschool’s communication has been more prompt. She was also informed that the teacher in question had been suspended.

“My concern is that the principal’s explanation focused on one particular incident, whereas my daughter had shared her experience with her father on three separate occasions.

“I am still waiting for these repeated accounts to be properly addressed,” said the worried mother.

When asked why she chose to share this with Stomp, Mrs Jek said: “I believe every child deserves to feel safe, respected and protected in school.”

She added that parents should not have to “struggle to obtain clarity” when young children express concerns about their experiences.

“I hope that sharing this experience will encourage greater awareness, transparency and accountability in preschool settings, so that no parent has to question whether their child is safe in a place where they are supposed to be cared for,” she said.

School: Staff not on duty during investigation

Responding to Stomp’s queries via email, a representative from the preschool said on Oct 27 that it was aware of the concerns raised by Mrs Jek.

The school also emphasised that “anything relating to children’s well-being is taken very seriously”.

As a precautionary measure, the staff member concerned is not on duty while investigations are underway.

In response to a Stomp query, the police confirm that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.

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