Childcare Alliance Affirms Third Reading of Childcare Services Act, Expresses Concern Over New Foreign Domestic Helper Policy's Impact on Childcare Quality

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the Childcare Services Act on April 14, introducing a maximum fine of NT$600,000 for childcare staff abuse and mandating 30-day retention of surveillance footage in facilities. The Childcare and Employment Policy Promotion Alliance lauded the new law as a milestone for infant and toddler care, emphasizing national responsibility. However, the Alliance raised concerns that the relaxed foreign domestic helper employment policy, effective April, might undermine efforts to professionalize domestic childcare and impact service quality, despite the government stating helpers are not a substitute for childcare. The Alliance urged expanding public childcare capacity to meet demand.