Many childcare teachers serve dutifully and with passion, but the alleged abuse case at My First Skool has ignited concern among parents who entrust their children to the care of these teachers. It is an unfortunate, upsetting incident.

As teachers, we are aware of the dos and don’ts. But if handling a large group of children with different temperaments gets overwhelming at any time, it is important that principals let the teachers have a breather for five minutes or so.

In my centre, teachers are free to ask me for help if they need to step aside for a while.

This not only allows them to keep cool and refresh themselves but also motivates them, knowing that they are well-supported by their leaders, which helps to build a sense of commitment and passion in their jobs.

Centres should practise openness; blinds should not be drawn except during shower or nap time. This allows parents to feel assured.

Frequent, close communication with parents is especially vital, not only for the betterment of the children but also to help strengthen the home-school partnership.

They should be consistently updated on the centre’s activities and encouraged to participate, so that they are involved in their children’s learning and have a bond with the teachers and principals. With this, their concerns would be minimised.

That said, childcare teachers have been in the news since a Lien Foundation survey ranked the industry here 29th out of 45 countries. Their status and salaries are often belittled by the public, which can diminish their passion and interest.

The Government has been pushing to further enhance quality in terms of curriculum and teacher qualification. Plans to open more childcare centres are also being rolled out, in view of the lack of vacancies available in many centres.

It is crucial, though, to solve the fundamental issues, which are, primarily, the lack of appreciation coupled with low salaries and minimal annual increments, so we can move forward and address the other issues accordingly.

Without the necessary manpower and talent, how would we further enhance the overall quality of the industry? Many of the fresh graduates who joined the industry have called it quits soon after.

What is not common, though, are incidents like this alleged abuse case. I hope parents and the public have trust in childcare teachers. Of course, the teachers and principals must do their part in ensuring that sense of security.

Many childcare teachers are still energetic and inspiring. Cheers to all of them for staying in the industry and enthusiastically guiding our leaders of the future.

The writer has been working in childcare for nearly eight years, since she was 16. She was promoted to Principal at 21.