ECDA Takes Action Against Little Paddington Preschool

In a stunning development, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has issued a formal warning to Little Paddington Preschool after its abrupt closure of the Bishan branch raised serious concerns.

The Bishan preschool's operations came to an unexpected halt on June 13, leaving parents scrambling as they were given only one week’s notice. Just prior, on May 30, parents were informed that the facility would close as early as May 31 due to unresolved issues with the landlord, with plans to relocate their children to the Thomson Walk branch.

Regulatory Breaches and Impact on Families

The ECDA stated that Little Paddington Preschool failed to notify both parents and the agency about the tenancy situation in a timely manner. According to ECDA regulations, operators must give a six-month written notice before any closure. This breach is not only a setback for the preschool but could also jeopardize future licensing opportunities.

Out of 16 children affected by this sudden closure, 13 were transferred to the Thomson Walk branch, while the remaining three families chose to withdraw their kids altogether.

The Ripple Effect of Sudden Closures

ECDA emphasized the chaos such abrupt closures create for families, underscoring their commitment to tackling regulatory violations seriously. Preschool operators are mandated to keep the ECDA updated on tenancy agreements, and failures in this area can jeopardize licensure renewals.

Moreover, while the agency conducts monitoring, it cannot always be privy to the internal negotiations and decisions that lead to sudden operational changes.

A Spate of Pre-School Closures?

In a related note, the agency recently barred another operator, Metis Little Campus, from applying for new center licenses after it too gave parents little warning before closing its Tampines center.

As the situation unfolds, parents and stakeholders are left wondering what preventive measures will be implemented to ensure stability and information transparency in the future.