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.