Operators of 24-hour childcare centres must ensure proper shift management to prevent caregiver fatigue and maintain quality care for infants and children
KUALA LUMPUR: Operators of 24-hour childcare centres must implement proper shift management to ensure caregivers get sufficient rest and maintain quality care.
President of the Malaysian Registered Childcare Providers Association (PPBM) Norsheila Abdullah said this is crucial to prevent extreme fatigue that could lead to neglect or unwanted incidents.
“When it involves a 24-hour service, operators cannot use the same staff until the end of the shift,” she said during an appearance on Bernama TV’s ‘Apa Khabar Malaysia’ programme.
She stressed the need for clear shift divisions and a safe environment for infants.
Norsheila also advised against hiring staff who already work elsewhere during the day for night shifts.
This could impair their emotional and physical judgement due to lack of rest.
She emphasised that operators bear full responsibility for ensuring standard operating procedures are followed.
They must also ensure caregivers have strong work ethics and high patience levels, even if they are trained.
“Even if they have the PERMATA Childcare Course, if their attitude, work ethic and responsibility are lacking, it will still be a problem,” she said.
Caregivers looking after infants need experience and must not sleep while the baby sleeps during their shift.
Norsheila also advised parents to be more proactive and not just focus on price when choosing a centre.
Parents should visit the premises to assess the environment and how caregivers communicate.
Every registered centre now has a plaque with a QR code displaying operator information and the child-to-caregiver ratio.
“Also ask about the child’s daily log book,” she added.
This ensures parents know their child’s daily activities and shows operators that parents are concerned about care quality.
The advice follows a recent incident where a four-month-old boy was found unconscious at a centre in Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, and later pronounced dead.
