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https://youtu.be/4KwsALramtA?si=VG8su7p91H6Rejnr

Key Takeaways-

Taiwan’s New Childcare Services Act

• Legislative Reform Triggered by High-Profile Child Abuse Case: Taiwan enacted the new Childcare Services Act following widespread public concern arising from a fatal child abuse case involving a foster caregiver, prompting comprehensive review of childcare supervision and child welfare systems.
• Dual-Regulatory Framework for Early Childhood Care: The new regime separates regulatory authority by age group: childcare services for children under two are overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, while education and care services for children aged two to six fall under the Ministry of Education.
• Stricter Qualification Requirements for Caregivers: The Act abolishes the previous system under which individuals could qualify after completing 126 hours of training alone. Going forward, caregivers must hold professional certifications or possess relevant academic qualifications in childcare or early childhood education.
• Enhanced Oversight and Transparency Obligations: Childcare institutions must publicly disclose key operational information, including staff qualifications, caregiver-child ratios, and fee structures, enabling parents to make more informed decisions.
• Mandatory Surveillance and Evidence Preservation Measures: Childcare institutions are required to install surveillance systems, retain recordings for at least 30 days, and upload footage to designated government systems to strengthen evidence preservation and accountability.
• Significantly Increased Penalties and Public Disclosure: Individuals engaging in abusive or improper conduct toward children may face fines of up to NTD 600,000, and both its name and affiliated childcare institution shall be publicly disclosed.
• Expansion of Childcare Models and Public Resources: The Act introduces diversified childcare —including community-based, workplace-based, indigenous, and remote-area childcare services—and expands access to public facilities for nonprofit childcare operations. In particular, unused school premises may be utilized for childcare facilities without requiring changes to occupancy permits, and public real estate may be provided free of charge or through leasing arrangements for nonprofit childcare operators.