Principal of Kinderland pre-school at centre of abuse allegations removed from post - The Straits Times

Some parents, whose children were placed in the school where Lin worked, felt that Kinderland should do more to assure the parents.

One mother, who recently withdrew her child from the centre, acknowledged the school’s efforts to install CCTV cameras in all classrooms and activity centres.

“Kinderland should tell parents once this has been implemented, as it would give us the assurance that deterring (potential abuse cases) and ensuring students’ safety is important to them,” said the parent, who wanted to be known only as Ms S.

In the light of the alleged abuse, Ms S added that Kinderland could have been more proactive in engaging parents and answering their questions about the matter.

Another mother, who has two children at the school, said teachers should update parents on their children’s well-being in a timely manner, and parents should be given access to the pre-school’s CCTV cameras.

She is looking to pull the younger child out of the school, but will let the older one stay on. However, she is worried about the safety of the older child.

“Trust has been lost. Kinderland can salvage its poor reputation only by showing parents actions and proof,” she said.

ST is not naming the parents due to a gag order to protect the victim.

How events unfolded

March 2020: Lin Min joins Kinderland.

June 27-30, 2023: A teacher, who in May 2023 joined the Kinderland pre-school where Lin Min works, films Lin’s alleged acts of abuse on the school’s children.

July 29: The teacher leaves Kinderland after resigning.

Aug 10: Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) begins investigating the alleged abuses.

Aug 17: ECDA contacts Kinderland for investigation. The school principal, Ms Mahirah Yasid, watches three alleged abuse videos taken by the teacher who had left in July, according to Kinderland Singapore general manager Seet Lee Kiang. Ms Mahirah informs the headquarters and a disciplinary inquiry is set up to look into Lin’s conduct.

Aug 17-18: Four employees from Lin’s workplace meet ECDA.

Aug 22: Lin receives a warning letter from Kinderland.

Aug 28: Videos of the alleged abuse emerge online. Mr Seet tells The Straits Times later that this is also when Kinderland’s management first watches the videos. The disciplinary inquiry is completed on the same day and Lin is dismissed.

Aug 29: Lin is arrested. Police later arrest another Kinderland teacher after a video showing alleged child abuse at Kinderland’s Sunshine Place branch in Choa Chu Kang begins spreading.

Aug 30: Lin is charged in court with ill-treating a child.

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Principal of Kinderland pre-school at centre of abuse allegations removed from post - The Straits Times
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