Preschool Fined S$26,200 After Employee Molests Toddlers

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has imposed a fine of S$26,200 (approximately US$20,230) on a preschool in Singapore following a disturbing case involving the molestation of three toddlers by an employee. The fine was announced in October 2024, after investigations revealed significant breaches of the Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) Act and Regulations, which compromised the safety of the children.

According to an ECDA spokesperson, the agency was alerted to the first incident on December 5, 2023, when the preschool notified them about one of the offences. Subsequent investigations uncovered additional offences against two other children. The ECDA concluded its inquiries in February 2024, leading to the imposition of the fine and further penalties.

Investigation Findings and Penalties

In addition to the financial penalty, new enrolments at the preschool have been restricted, and its license tenure has been significantly shortened from 36 months to just six months. These details were initially kept private as the case against the employee was still ongoing in the courts.

The ECDA has also taken action against four individuals in the preschool’s management. Three of these staff members have been barred from working in the early childhood sector since April 2024. All four members were removed from their positions by the preschool’s operator. The spokesperson stated, “On February 21, 2025, these staff members were charged by the police for intentionally omitting information on the incidents.” One individual was acquitted on July 16, 2025, while the others face charges related to evidence tampering.

Additionally, four teaching staff members received reprimands for failing to supervise the children adequately. While one received a stern reminder, the other three were issued warnings. Staff members who received warnings must declare these when seeking re-employment in the preschool sector within the next two years.

Details of the Offender and the Incidents

Teo Guan Huat, a 61-year-old Malaysian national and Singapore permanent resident, pleaded guilty to three counts of molestation involving minors. He committed these offences during naptime while other staff members were present. The incidents occurred over a seven-month period in 2023, involving children aged between one and two years old.

Teo was primarily employed as a cook but also assisted in escorting children for showers and supervising them during naptime. His resignation came shortly after the allegations were raised in November 2023, following a review of closed-circuit television footage which revealed inappropriate actions towards a two-year-old girl.

Although the preschool’s management confronted Teo and he resigned, the matter was not reported to the police until early December 2023. Unfortunately, during this time, the preschool’s CCTV footage was reformatted, erasing a significant amount of evidence. The police later recovered some deleted footage that captured several of Teo’s offences, leading to his arrest on December 4, 2023.

Teo’s case remains pending, with the judge indicating a need for time to consider sentencing. Each count of molestation carries a potential jail sentence of up to five years. However, as Teo is over the age of 50, he is exempt from caning as punishment.

The spokesperson for the ECDA emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring child safety in preschools. “Regulatory lapses that compromise children’s safety and well-being in preschools are unacceptable,” they stated. “All preschool operators are bound by the ECDC Act and Regulations to establish the necessary systems and processes to ensure that children enrolled at their centre are safe and well.” They also noted that thorough checks will be conducted to ensure all staff, including non-teaching personnel, are fit to work with young children.