In a deeply troubling development that has reignited national debate on child safety in early education, prosecutors in Hsinchu City have indicted the former head of a now-shuttered preschool, its principal, and an assistant caregiver for multiple instances of child abuse involving four children under the age of six.
The accused individuals—a woman surnamed Chang (張), who operated the preschool; the principal surnamed Lai (賴); and an assistant caregiver surnamed Wu (吳)—have been charged with intentional assault and coercion under Taiwan’s criminal code and Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act.
⚖️ What Happened? Details of the Abuse
According to the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office:
- Chang (張) reportedly struck a child multiple times, pinned them to the floor, and kicked them, resulting in bruising confirmed by medical professionals.
- Lai (賴) allegedly slapped a child across the face and forced another to stand atop a bookshelf as punishment—a hazardous and psychologically traumatic act.
- Wu (吳) was accused of yanking a child’s collar, causing them to fall, and pulling hair as a means of physical control.
These actions, the prosecution argued, violated both criminal law and educational conduct, pointing to a systemic lapse in ethical behavior and child protection.
🚨 Closure, Fines, and Policy Response
The preschool was shut down in March 2025 following parental complaints and media scrutiny. On Thursday, Hsinchu’s Department of Education levied a NT$440,000 (US$14,500) fine against the preschool for multiple violations of Taiwan’s Early Childhood Education and Care Act.
📉 Impact on Children and Families
Out of the 20 children enrolled at the facility:
- 18 were transferred to licensed preschools nearby.
- 2 are now being cared for at home by relatives.
Authorities have committed to psychological counseling and support services for the affected families, although critics say long-term trauma prevention measures remain inadequate.
🏛️ Legal Consequences: What the Law Says
In Taiwan, intentional abuse or coercion of minors in educational settings can trigger:
- Criminal prosecution under Article 277 (Assault) and 305 (Coercion) of the Criminal Code.
- Fines between NT$60,000 to NT$600,000, according to the Early Childhood Education Act.
- Revocation of caregiving licenses, and up to 12 hours of mandatory re-education or training.
- In severe cases, imprisonment.
The Department of Education is set to meet in June 2025 to review a detailed investigative report due by end of May. The findings could influence future certification reforms for early childhood educators.
🔍 The Broader Issue: A System in Crisis?
This case is not isolated. Over the past year, Taiwan has seen a sharp increase in reports of abuse within private preschools, leading to growing calls for:
- Stricter hiring standards
- Enhanced surveillance mechanisms (e.g., mandatory CCTV)
- Higher transparency in early education institutions
Public trust in Taiwan’s private preschool sector has declined by 11% since 2023, according to a poll by the Taiwan Institute for Education Transparency.
📊 Statistics on Child Abuse in Taiwan (as of 2024)
- Over 12,000 child abuse cases reported nationwide, with 18% occurring in educational settings.
- 75% of these cases involved children under the age of 6.
- Only 27% of private preschools had functioning internal grievance mechanisms, per a Ministry of Education audit.
🧾 FAQs
What laws protect children in Taiwan’s preschools?
Taiwan’s Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act and Early Childhood Education and Care Act provide a legal framework to protect children from abuse and regulate teacher conduct.
Will the accused face jail time?
Yes. If convicted, the suspects may face jail time, fines, and permanent revocation of their credentials to work in child care settings.
Are private preschools regulated in Taiwan?
Yes, but critics argue that enforcement is uneven, especially outside major cities. Regular audits and licensing checks exist but are often delayed or incomplete.
What recourse do parents have in such cases?
Parents can file criminal complaints and seek damages. The government also provides relocation support and mental health resources for affected families.
What changes might result from this case?
Policy analysts suggest the government may soon implement:
Mandatory video surveillance
More rigorous staff vetting
Expanded parental rights in oversight
