Keelung Kindergarten Teacher Accused of Child Abuse; Facility Suspended from Admissions for 1 Year, 2 Staff Banned from Employment

(CNA reporter Shen Ruifeng, Keelung, July 3) A private kindergarten in Qidu District, Keelung City, recently experienced a suspected child abuse case. The city government today announced the first phase of its administrative investigation results, imposing a NT$400,000 fine on each of the two involved childcare providers, permanently barring them from employment, and ordering the kindergarten to suspend admissions for 1 year.

A parent recently posted on Facebook stating that after their child returned home from school, their appetite was unusually poor at dinner. While bathing the child, they discovered large bruises on the upper arm. Initially thinking the child had accidentally injured themselves while playing with classmates at school, the parent questioned the child, who then revealed, "I didn't sleep during nap time, and the teacher pinched me."

Following the incident, other parents also reported that their children had suffered abuse. The city government has proactively filed charges and will pursue the responsibility of the childcare providers and the institution strictly and swiftly. An investigation has been initiated according to regulations, and the kindergarten has been ordered to immediately remove the involved childcare personnel from teaching duties. Furthermore, the kindergarten's principal was fined NT$30,000 by the city government for failing to report the incident in a timely manner, in violation of the "Act for the Protection of Children and Youths Rights and Interests."

The city government announced today the first phase of its administrative investigation results, stating that after the administrative investigation, the "Committee for the Determination of Violations by Childcare Service Personnel" was convened yesterday. It was determined that the two involved childcare providers violated the Childcare Service Personnel Act, with serious implications. Each was fined NT$400,000 and permanently banned from serving as a childcare provider. As for the kindergarten, the person in charge was fined a maximum of NT$60,000 according to the Childcare Service Personnel Act, and the institution was ordered to suspend admissions for 1 year.

The city government stated that during the investigation, it was discovered that in addition to the two involved childcare providers in the original class, other childcare providers who supported this class also engaged in improper treatment of children. A second phase of investigation has been initiated.

Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang emphasized in a press release that the city government has a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse cases. He personally inspected the facility after the incident and holds meetings with the parent association twice a week. He expressed deep sadness and intolerance regarding this matter and understands the feelings and concerns of the parents. The city government will provide full assistance to the affected families, while also supervising all educational and care institutions to implement reporting and management responsibilities, preventing similar incidents from recurring and ensuring children grow up in a safe and secure environment. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150703

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