2nd Kinderland teacher arrested in 2 days after another video of alleged child abuse goes viral

Another one?

A second Kinderland teacher was arrested in two days after another video of alleged abuse of a preschooler went viral.

This time, it purportedly took place in the Kinderland Preschool in Choa Chu Kang.

In response to a Stomp query, the police said they received a report on Tuesday (Aug 29) at about 11.40am stating that there was a video circulating online showing a pre-school teacher allegedly hitting a boy.

"A 48-year-old woman was subsequently arrested for voluntarily causing hurt, read with enhanced penalties for offences against person below 14 years of age," said the police, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Regarding the video, Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim said on Facebook earlier: "This is abuse. Inhumane, unacceptable and heartbreaking.

"This video comes off the back of news of another alleged video from a centre in Woodlands. It is allegedly taken in a center from the same preschool franchise at Sunshine Place, CCK here in Keat Hong. As a parent of young preschooler, it is heartbreaking to watch young vulnerable and defenceless children being abused.

"I’ve alerted the authorities including Singapore Police Force and ECDA (Early Childhood Development Agency) on this.

"Full and thorough investigations will take place and I expect the perpetrators and those negligent enough to allow this, to face the full force of the law."

In response to a Stomp query, an ECDA spokesman said the agency was been alerted on Tuesday to the video of the Kinderland Choa Chu Kang incident and is investigating.

"Meanwhile, ECDA has directed the preschool operator to provide close guidance and support to their teachers in classroom management, so as to ensure the safety and well-being of enrolled children," said the spokesman.

"The safety and well-being of children in preschools is of utmost importance. ECDA takes a serious view towards any case of child mismanagement. Preschools are required to report to ECDA any incidents that have an impact on the safety of children and staff. ECDA follows up on every alleged child mismanagement incident, such as through unannounced visits to preschools, interviews and verification of records.

"Preschool operators are also reminded through regular briefings and circulars to ensure vigilant supervision of children, and to provide guidance and support to teachers on classroom management."

On Monday, a 33-year-old ex-Kinderland teacher was arrested for her suspected involvement in the ill-treatment of a child at Kinderland’s Woodlands Mart pre-school.