The case involving an 18-year-old daycare worker who pleaded guilty to causing injuries to a one-year-old toddler is a confirmation of every parent’s nightmare.
As a mother of three, I read with trepidation of the details of the case fearing for the life of the child and the agony of what the parents had to go through. My kids are now in their teens and growing up. I had the help of a very efficient Indonesian maid, who spent a good 10 years with us.
For couples without the privilege of having a domestic helper, most resort to sending their children to a daycare establishment. It doesn’t help if employers show no empathy for working parents who usually are less punctual at office. Some leave their kids under the care of trusted family members or grandparents. But choosing the latter is always the last option because no one wants to burden the elders who should be spending retirement in ease.
Parents hope daycare establishments can provide a safe and conducive environment for their children while they are at work. Even the process of selecting the right daycare is a tedious one.
Parents have to consider their budget, location and other related factors. One thing often overlooked is to get to know the daycare helpers responsible in taking care of the child.
One daycare centre might have four to five helpers and each would be assigned to take care one or two children, depending on the number of children at the centre. Daycare owners should hire qualified helpers who show compassion towards children, and not hire by random.
As a parent, it’s fair to ask for these daycare establishments to employ qualified helpers to assist in caring for the kids.
I understand they also play a part in providing employment, especially among the locals, but maybe a period of one-month probation under supervision will suffice.
Parents are paying a good sum hoping for a trusted service and the daycare owners should reciprocate by ensuring the safety and well-being of kids under their care. Some parents even request for CCTVs to be installed at these daycare establishments to monitor and review any untoward incidents, which could be use as further evidence.
This could also deter any of the daycare helpers to harm or mistreat the children knowing that they are constantly under surveillance.
We usually hear of abuse cases at daycare establishments in neighbouring countries, some with tragic endings, and it is somewhat disturbing to know that it also occurs in our very own country.
Some of my friends now have second thoughts on sending their kids to their regular daycare while a few even consider not to send them anymore. It is time for the authorities to take action by regulating proper rules and guidelines at daycare establishments for the safety of our children.
Mama Bear
