Mandatory Psychological Assessments and Background Checks for All Preschool Staff Including Non-teaching Personnel

Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of a recent case involving a former preschool cook who has pleaded guilty to three counts of molestation of minors, whether the Ministry will (a) reconsider introducing mandatory psychological assessments for all preschool staff, including non-teaching personnel; and (b) consider extending background checks to non-teaching personnel as well.

Preschool operators have to apply to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to obtain approval for all staff, including non-teaching staff, whom operators wish to deploy to work in a preschool. As part of our review of such applications, ECDA will conduct checks to assess that the individual does not pose a risk to children's safety or whether the individual has been barred from working in a preschool. Individuals must also complete a self-declaration form on any prior offences committed and warnings issued by ECDA or the police.

ECDA does not impose mandatory psychological screening for preschool staff seeking employment in the sector. Instead, staff must complete a pre-employment medical check and be certified fit to work with children by a medical practitioner before they can be approved for deployment. This includes a compulsory declaration of whether they have a history of psychiatric conditions. If so declared, the individual must obtain certification from a medical practitioner that he or she is suitable to work with young children.

Individuals who furnish false information to ECDA can be found guilty of having committed an offence under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act and can face a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both, if convicted. ECDA may also cancel the approval for such persons to be deployed to work in preschools.