TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's cabinet meeting (行政院會) approved a draft of the "Childcare Services Act" (兒童托育服務法) on Thursday (May 8), marking a significant step toward comprehensive childcare reform. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) stressed the paramount importance of protecting children's physical and mental health, calling on the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) to improve coordination between government departments.
The legislation requires all childcare centers to install surveillance systems, with footage stored in cloud systems overseen by local governments. Staff found guilty of serious offenses, including abuse or harassment, could face penalties up to NT$600,000 (US$19,800). The draft also includes provisions for publicly naming offenders and their workplaces, while non-compliant institutions risk losing their licenses and facing operational suspensions between six months and three years.
Under the proposed law, childcare facilities must disclose staff qualifications, enrollment capacity, and fee structures transparently to parents. Specialized financial accounts and proper accounting records will become mandatory. Responding to growing parental needs, the act introduces several innovative childcare models — including community-based, indigenous tribal, and workplace mutual assistance programs — while simultaneously boosting the development of public childcare infrastructure.
Following cabinet approval, the draft legislation now advances to the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, for deliberation. Premier Cho has instructed the Ministry of Health and Welfare to proactively communicate with all political parties to ensure swift passage of the bill, highlighting the government's commitment to improving childcare services nationwide. ★