An urgent reorganization of early childhood care
The situation of these children highlights a major institutional problem: the management of children aged zero to five. Dr Giroux proposes a solution: a complete reorganization of early childhood care, by dissociating the management of children aged zero to three, who fall within the health field, from those aged three to five, who can be supported by preschool education.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is not equipped to care for children aged zero to three, who require strict medical monitoring, including nutrition, weight and monitoring of their physical development. Likewise, the Ministry of Education is unable to properly manage children in this age group, putting these children at increased risk.
According to Dr Giroux, a viable solution would be to entrust the care of children aged zero to two to the Ministry of Health, which has the necessary skills in terms of medical care and monitoring of child health. Children aged three to five, for their part, could be managed by the Ministry of Education, with reinforced coordination via the National Early Childhood Agency.
A call to action: The state must act
The current situation cannot continue. It is urgent that the State reorganizes its institutions to guarantee optimal protection of early childhood. If this reform is not put in place, the risks of other tragedies are real, with children left to fend for themselves, vulnerable to all types of abuse and neglect.
The children of the Keur Yeurmandé nursery, like those of all child protection institutions, deserve a better future. A future where abuse and neglect are not part of their daily lives, and where authorities take their responsibilities seriously. It is high time that the State stopped turning a blind eye to this reality and took concrete measures to prevent other children from suffering the same atrocities.
The fate of these children is in the hands of the authorities. Inaction could cost them their lives. It is time to act to give them a chance to rebuild and grow in a safe and loving environment.
