THE Department of Social Welfare has introduced a registration scheme aimed at tightening controls over the operations of private kindergartens.

The scheme requires the kindergartens to register with the department by the end of July.

“We want all private kindergartens to have trained teachers, appropriate teaching methods and adequate space to ensure a good learning environment,” said U Aye Win, the deputy director of the department.

U Aye Win said it had been decided to introduce the registration scheme after a survey by the department of 20 private kindergartens earlier this year found that only two met the appropriate standards.

He said the registration fee is K1000. Kindergartens with inadequate teaching methods or facilities would not be allowed to re-open until they met the required standards.

U Aye Win said the department would assist private kindergartens by making it possible for their staff to receive training in early childhood education techniques.

He said some kindergartens were putting children under too much pressure by teaching them how to read and write, which could have negative repercussions on their development.

U Aye Win said kindergartens should be places where children learned through play activities.