An Indian childcare expert has called for structural changes and a dedicated ministry to oversee the early childhood sector following a high-profile toddler abuse incident at a Bengaluru daycare centre.
The Early Childhood Association (ECA) highlighted massive regulatory gaps across the country, noting that only four states currently have specific creche regulations stemming from the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
Currently, responsibility for children under six years old remains divided between two separate national ministries.
Expert Warns of Parental Anxiety and Data Privacy Issues
The president of the ECA said that the incident can increase parental anxiety, with parents analysing every small disagreement or emotional moment outside its full context.
She noted that recorded CCTV footage, which can be accessed when required, is very different from live streaming.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, also treats children's images and videos as personal data, making the handling of live streams more complex.
The association pointed out that many caregivers enter classrooms without basic childcare training, often relying on incorrect personal parenting practices instead of professional standards.
The ECA president advised parents to make it a caring daily ritual to ask their child, "Did you cry in school or day-care today?
Why?" She emphasised not to ask it as an accusation or interrogation, as the child may stop sharing.
She said that if a child suddenly does not want to go to preschool or daycare, that is a red flag, and parents should gently ask more questions.
Similarly, if a child suddenly starts bedwetting, develops eating issues, or shows noticeable behavioural changes, those are warning signs.
Parents should also pay attention if their child repeatedly says that another child is always crying, as that can be an important red flag.
ECA Developing Skill-Based Certificate Course
The organization is currently designing a new skill-based certificate course for helper staff to increase accountability and ensure parents can verify the qualifications of all personnel.
The ECA president stressed that childcare is not low-skilled work and requires specialised training and accountability.
The course will enable parents to ask not only about the qualifications of teachers but also those of helper staff.
She advised parents to ask whether a preschool or daycare has been audited by a professional organisation, the qualifications of every staff member, whether police verification has been completed, and what training the staff has received.
Every centre should maintain a minimum of 30 days of CCTV recordings, and every staff member should sign a zero-tolerance policy.
Ultimately, India must move towards universal daycare regulation, where every childcare centre is licensed, inspected, developmentally appropriate, and fully accountable for every child's safety and dignity.
