TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Five staff members of New Taipei’s Yu Chuang cram school were summoned Thursday following allegations of child abuse.
A parent reported that his 3-year-old daughter showed signs of distress, including waking at night and fearing physical harm, according to UDN. The parent alleged the child had tape placed over her mouth, was confined in a small dark room, and forced to sleep in the corridor, according to CNA.
Other children in the same class experienced similar treatment, the parent said. Police questioned five staff members, including a teacher surnamed Lee (李), the center’s director, and three other teachers.
Prosecutors said Lee faces charges of injury, coercion, and obstructing child development. She was released on NT$30,000 (US$981) bail.
The cram school confirmed it provided surveillance footage to police and retained legal counsel to address unverified or potentially false information online. The center said it will refrain from further public comment on legal matters.
New Taipei’s education department said that if abuse is confirmed, it will identify those involved and report them to the national registry, in addition to any penalties imposed by social services.
Meanwhile, the New Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau told CNA it has coordinated with the education department and police to contact affected families. Social workers will assess the children’s well-being, clarify the incidents, and assist with care planning.
An investigation also found that the center, though registered as a cram school, was operating childcare services against the law. Authorities ordered the immediate suspension of all childcare activities and issued a NT$300,000 fine to the operator, surnamed Wu (吳).
According to enrollment records, 44 children were being cared for. None of the children attended on Thursday after the department instructed the center to notify parents and arrange refunds and alternative placements.
