CCTV showed her grinning while tormenting toddlers; children now suffer long-term trauma
A 30-year-old former preschool teacher has been sentenced to 17 months in jail after being convicted of abusing two toddlers under her care in 2022. The abuse included slapping, dragging, and confining the children in unsafe spaces, causing lasting psychological harm.
The abuse, which occurred in June 2022, was exposed after a toddler’s mother found bruises and raised alarm. The preschool teacher, whose identity is protected due to a gag order, was found guilty of three charges of child ill-treatment. CCTV footage showed her slapping and dragging toddlers into a dark, unlit storeroom, placing them in danger near hazardous items like bleach, cleaning fluids, and a ladder.
During one disturbing moment, she stood on a chair and dropped foam blocks into the storeroom while grinning, as the terrified boy sat alone in the darkness.
Repeated Attacks Captured on CCTV
According to court documents and CCTV evidence, the teacher trapped one child under a table for 13 minutes, used tissue to aggressively wipe away tears, and slapped a girl multiple times when she called out for another teacher. On June 27, she further abused the same victims — wedging one between a chair and table, and hitting the other with a plastic divider after blocking her view of the classroom.
These actions were described by District Judge Eddy Tham as “systematic targeting” and prolonged cruelty, which deeply affected the toddlers’ emotional development.
Victims Left with Emotional Trauma
One toddler, referred to as V1, began crying in her sleep frequently and avoided bonding with her father, who she was told had “allowed the teacher to beat her.” The second toddler, V2, now hides in dark rooms or under tables when disciplined at home, displaying signs of post-traumatic stress.
Prosecutor Ariel Tan noted that the abuse had a profound psychological toll and argued that the teacher “did the exact opposite of what she was supposed to do.”
The offender’s lawyer claimed that placing children in storerooms or under tables was “standard practice” at the preschool. This assertion was firmly rejected by Judge Tham as “unbelievable.” He emphasized that teachers have a duty to protect children, not harm them, especially those too young to express their pain.
The court also highlighted that the woman treated other children normally during the same time, showing a selective pattern of abuse.
Background and Sentencing Details
The woman had worked at the preschool since 2020 and was assigned to toddlers between 18 to 36 months old in early 2022. Her colleague, who failed to intervene during the abuse, was also sentenced to two weeks’ jail.
The offender’s sentence was deferred to May 9 and she remains free on S$20,000 bail. The maximum punishment for child ill-treatment in Singapore is 8 years’ jail and/or a fine of S$8,000.
This case has reignited calls for stricter preschool oversight and mandatory CCTV monitoring in childcare centers across Singapore. The emotional scars left on the toddlers and their families underline the need for swift detection and response mechanisms when abuse is suspected. As Singapore strengthens child protection laws, this case stands as a grim reminder of the trust placed in educators—and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025), CNA (2025)
Keywords: Preschool Abuse Case, Singapore Teacher Sentenced, Toddler Injury Preschool, Teacher Jail Sentence, Child Mistreatment Evidence
