Recently, we had reported on how the closure of Frobel preschool in Kallang had left the parents of 32 kids who were enrolled there looking for alternative preschools and seeking refunds.
And now, it seems 4 more pre-schools are set to close in Singapore, affecting 200 children.
4 Preschools to close in Singapore
According to a report released by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), 4 preschools – the Buttercups Kindergarten in Pasir Panjang and Rochester, Frobel Pre-school Woodlands and School House by the Garden @ AMK – all under Friedrich Frobel Holding Pte Ltd, will close, with effect from 12 October 2017.
The move comes after the recent closure of three other preschools under Friedrich Frobel (Buttercups Montessori Kindergarten Pte Ltd, Happy Brainy Kidz in Wonderland Pte Ltd, and Frobel Lilac Pte Ltd).
The reason for the closure is the ongoing law suit between various shareholders of Friedrich Frobel Holding Pte Ltd. One shareholder is currently in prison for contempt of court for failing to comply with a court order.
Apparently, these preschools have been struggling to pay rent and salaries to their staff.
The ECDA has revealed that about 200 children have been affected in the latest round of closures.
Measures taken by ECDA
The following measures have been taken by the ECDA to support families and staff affected by these closures:
- ECDA had previously facilitated alternative placement for all children in the 3 preschools that had closed by linking parents up with available preschools in the vicinity.
For children in the 4 preschools that are closing soon, ECDA is reaching out to affected parents to provide assistance with preschool placement.
Some operators are also supporting parents with the initial enrollment costs.
- Parents or caregivers who need help or clarifications with alternative placement can contact the ECDA officer in charge of their preschools
or contact ECDA at https://www.ecda.gov.sg/pages/contactus.aspx.
- Some Grassroots Advisors and a volunteer lawyer have also stepped up to guide affected parents on matters pertaining to deposits and fees.
- Meanwhile, for the staff affected by the closure, the Ministry of Manpower, Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board and the Education Services Union (ESU) will assist those who are owed salaries and CPF contributions.
ECDA assures that, “ECDA’s priority is to safeguard the safety and well-being of the children in preschools. ECDA will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to minimise disruption to children and parents as far as possible.”
(Source: ECDA, Channel NewsAsia)